Marriage celebrants have never been as in-vogue as they are today. Non-denominational ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular as couples choose gardens, beaches or even restaurants in favour of the traditional church ceremony.
So how can you find the right wedding planner for you?
To avoid any last-minute stress, start looking for a marriage celebrant in the early stages of planning and think about the type of involvement you would like them to have. The wedding celebrant’s level of involvement is steered by the bride and groom and will vary depending on how well the prospective couple understands what they want from their wedding ceremony and how motivated they are to be part of the decision-making process.
How to find a wedding celebrant
National celebrant directories such as www.findamarriagecelebrant.com or www.celebrante.com.au are a good first port of call. The sites list basic information such as contact details, service areas and personal profiles, all of which will assist when creating a list of preferred suppliers. Choosing wedding celebrants that belong to industry associations such as Australian Marriage Celebrants Incorporated can also help you create a shortlist.
How much do marriage celebrants cost?
Many marriage celebrants will do a first meeting with prospective couples obligation and fee-free, allowing you to shop around and judge personal appearance, communication skills and differences in service approach. Marriage celebrant fees vary and couples can expect to pay anywhere between $250 to around $1200.
Cost vs quality
When choosing your wedding celebrant, it’s wise not to make a decision based on price alone. A wedding is a special occasion and a quality civil celebrant should make it memorable for all the right reasons. The civil celebrant plays a crucial part in your day, so it is important that you pick the right person for the job. Go with your instincts and choose someone you have a good rapport with. If it doubt, ask for references from previous clients before you make your decision.
Looking for the perfect wedding celebrant? Find them on the Bride Directory.