Finding the Right Wedding Celebrant
Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, and choosing the right celebrant is very important.
After all, your celebrant is the person who will officiate your wedding and set the tone for your ceremony, so finding the right fit is essential. Your celebrant will be the one standing up there with you and guiding you through the process of getting married - making the right choice takes a little time and consideration.
With so many marriage celebrants in Tasmania, where do you start?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you research and find the perfect celebrant for your big day.
Understand the Role of a Celebrant
A celebrant is more than just someone who makes your marriage official—they bring warmth, personality, and meaning to your ceremony.
In Australia, there are two main types of celebrants:
Religious Celebrants: Usually affiliated with a church or faith-based organization.
Civil Celebrants: Provide non-religious or personalised ceremonies tailored to your preferences.
Most couples who want a customised, personal, and legally recognised ceremony choose a civil celebrant. They can incorporate special readings, vows, rituals, and any other elements that make your wedding unique.
Plan Your Budget Early
Planning a wedding can be a little stressful!
So, organising your budget early on can help to alleviate some of the pressure. Start with a list of elements of your wedding that are really important to you.
Is having a videographer for the entire day a non-negotiable?
A sit-down, three-course meal?
A grazing table?
None of the above?
Get in touch with providers and ask for their price lists or a quote, or let them know how much you’re willing to allocate for their services and what they could provide for that cost.
Finding a celebrant who you feel confident will perform your wedding ceremony exactly as you envisage is paramount. But, they should fit within your budget too! Be sure to inquire, receive quotes and have a chat with a few marriage celebrants in Hobart before making your decision.
Ready, Set, Research
Celebrants can book out months (or even years) in advance, especially in peak wedding seasons (spring and summer). It’s best to start researching at least 6 to 12 months before your wedding. That being said - if you don’t ask, you don’t know! There’s never any harm in reaching out to check someone’s availability at any time.
Legally, you will need to lodge your first piece of paperwork one month prior to the date you want to actually get married. This is called the Notice of Intended Marriage and essentially tells the government that you want to get married and kick starts the process!
Search for Celebrants in Hobart
Or in your state or territory! Many celebrants will go anywhere for the right wedding too - so if you find just the right one a little further afield, don’t be shy to ask about their terms of travel.
You can find a list of registered celebrants on the Attorney-General’s Department website, which ensures they are legally authorised to officiate your ceremony.
Other ways to search for celebrants include:
Wedding directories like Easy Weddings or WedShed
Google searches and local business listings
Recommendations from friends or wedding vendors (photographers, venues, and planners often work closely with celebrants).
Check Availability First
For weddings, checking availability should be your first point of call—if the photographer you had your heart set on is booked out on the date of your wedding, finding out that information early on gives you more time to find someone else who fits your style.
The same applies to celebrants; they book up quickly, so reach out as soon as possible.
Have a Chat and Ask Questions
Once you have a few celebrants in mind, schedule a chat—either in person, online, or over the phone. Here are some key questions to ask:
How do you personalise ceremonies?
Can we write our own vows, and do you offer guidance?
Do you provide a rehearsal before the big day?
How do you handle legal paperwork and documentation?
What happens if you’re unavailable on the day due to an emergency?
What are your fees, and what does the package include?
Consider Their Personality and Energy
Your celebrant should be someone you feel comfortable with and who aligns with your vision for your wedding. If they are warm, friendly, and engaging, they will likely create a ceremony that reflects your love story beautifully.
Confirm Pricing and Services
Celebrant fees in Australia vary depending on experience, location, and the level of customisation you require.
Prices generally range from $500 for a simple registry-style wedding to $1,500+ for fully personalised ceremonies. Be sure to check what’s included in their package, such as:
Legal paperwork and registration of your marriage.
A personalised script and ceremony.
A rehearsal before the wedding.
Travel costs (if applicable).
Unlike other states and territories, Tasmania doesn’t have a government registry office for marriage ceremonies. But, you can still have a registry-style wedding with an authorized marriage celebrant (me!). It’s the quick, simple, no-fuss option. Keep in mind that registry weddings in other states cost an average of $500.
If you would rather have a dedicated celebrant create a beautiful, unique ceremony for you and guide you through the marriage process, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Book Early to Secure Your Date
Once you’ve found the perfect celebrant, lock in your date as soon as possible! Many celebrants require a deposit to confirm your booking, so don’t delay.
Personally, I ask for a booking fee of $100 to secure your date in my calendar.
Your wedding celebrant plays a key role in one of the most important moments of your life. Taking the time to research, meet, and choose the right person will ensure your ceremony is meaningful, smooth, and truly reflects your love story.
Happy wedding planning!