How to Become a Marriage Celebrant (Australia)

Becoming a marriage celebrant in Australia requires completing a Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015) and gaining registration with the Attorney-General's Department.¹ The process takes 12-18 months for training and costs $2,100-$3,100 in the first year including the $600 application fee and $240 annual registration.² Once registered, you can legally solemnise marriages anywhere in Australia and earn an average of $874-$1,031 per ceremony.³

This guide covers the complete pathway to becoming an authorised marriage celebrant, including eligibility requirements, training options, registration procedures, and ongoing obligations under the Marriage Act 1961.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for registration as a Commonwealth marriage celebrant, you must meet three fundamental criteria established under section 39C of the Marriage Act 1961.¹

Age and citizenship. You must be at least 18 years old. There are no citizenship requirements—Australian citizens, permanent residents, and visa holders can all become registered celebrants provided they meet other criteria.

Educational qualification. You must hold a Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015) from an Australian registered training organisation (RTO). This qualification has been mandatory since 2003 and cannot be substituted with other qualifications.⁴

Fit and proper person test. The Registrar of Marriage Celebrants must determine that you are a "fit and proper person" to solemnise marriages. This assessment considers your character, criminal history, professional conduct, and ability to comply with the Marriage Act 1961.¹

The Fit and Proper Person Assessment

The fit and proper person requirement protects the integrity of marriage solemnisation in Australia. The Registrar evaluates multiple factors when assessing your suitability.¹

Criminal history check. You must consent to a national police history check conducted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). This check reviews offences across all Australian jurisdictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but offences punishable by imprisonment for one year or longer receive particular scrutiny.¹

Character assessment principles. The Registrar applies several principles when reviewing criminal history. Greater weight applies to offences involving vulnerable persons, recent offences (within the past 10 years), and patterns of behaviour inconsistent with the celebrant role. Less weight applies to offences committed when you were young, single instances of minor offending, or convictions with no recorded conviction.¹

Referee reports. You must provide two statutory declarations from referees who have known you for at least one year. These referees attest to your good character and suitability to perform marriages. Referees cannot be family members and should be able to comment on your professional conduct and interpersonal skills.⁴

Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015)

The Certificate IV in Celebrancy is the only qualification recognised for marriage celebrant registration in Australia. The course provides comprehensive training in ceremony design, legal requirements, and professional practice.⁵

Course structure and units. The qualification contains 13 units: 6 core units and 7 electives totalling 765 nominal hours. Core units include developing sustainable celebrancy practice (CHCCEL001), establishing client needs (CHCCEL002), researching and designing ceremonies (CHCCEL003), presenting ceremonies (CHCCEL004), working with diverse people (CHCDIV001), and working legally and ethically (CHCLEG001).⁵

Marriage-specific electives. To qualify for marriage celebrant registration, you must complete three specific elective units: establishing marriage celebrancy practice (CHCCEL005), interviewing clients and planning marriage ceremonies (CHCCEL006), and preparing and presenting marriage ceremonies (CHCCEL007). These units cover the Marriage Act 1961, Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) procedures, and legal solemnisation requirements.⁵

Study modes and duration. Most RTOs offer flexible delivery including online learning, face-to-face workshops, and blended modes. Part-time study typically takes 12-18 months, while full-time intensive programs can be completed in 6-9 months. Assessment includes written assignments, practical ceremony presentations, and demonstration of legal knowledge.⁴

Training costs and providers. Certificate IV training ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the RTO, study mode, and inclusions. Many RTOs offer payment plans. When selecting an RTO, verify they are nationally registered through training.gov.au and check whether the course includes marriage-specific electives required for registration.⁴

The Registration Process

Once you complete your Certificate IV in Celebrancy, you can apply for registration with the Attorney-General's Department. The process involves several stages and takes approximately 8-12 weeks.¹

Submitting your application. Applications are submitted through the Attorney-General's Department online portal. You must upload certified copies of identification documents (birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate), your Certificate IV in Celebrancy qualification, two completed referee statutory declarations, and the consent form for police check.¹

Application fee. The non-refundable application fee is $600. This fee covers the administrative costs of assessing your eligibility, conducting the police check, and evaluating your fit and proper person status. Payment is made online when submitting your application.²

Assessment period. The Registrar reviews your application to verify qualifications, assess referee reports, and evaluate police check results. During this period, the department may request additional information or clarification. Processing times vary but most applications are finalised within 8-12 weeks.¹

Notification and registration. If approved, you receive a registration certificate and are added to the Commonwealth Register of Marriage Celebrants. Your registration is valid indefinitely provided you meet ongoing obligations including annual renewal, professional development, and compliance with the Marriage Act 1961.¹

Exemption from application fee. In limited circumstances, you can apply for an exemption from the $600 application fee by submitting a $30 exemption application. Exemptions may be granted for financial hardship or if you are the sole celebrant in a remote area. The decision to grant an exemption rests with the Registrar.²

Types of Marriage Celebrants in Australia

Australian law recognises three categories of people authorised to solemnise marriages, each with different registration pathways and authority.¹

Commonwealth-registered celebrants. These are civil celebrants registered under the Marriage Act 1961 following completion of Certificate IV in Celebrancy. They can perform marriages for any couple without religious content. This is the most common category and the primary focus of this guide.¹

Religious marriage celebrants. Ministers of religion can be registered to solemnise marriages based on their religious credentials without completing the Certificate IV. Religious celebrants must belong to a recognised religious organisation registered under section 39 of the Marriage Act 1961. They can include religious content in ceremonies and may refuse to marry couples on religious grounds.¹

Registry officers. State and territory registry offices employ authorised celebrants (often called registry officers or registrars) who perform legal-only marriages in government offices. These positions are government employment and do not require separate registration as a marriage celebrant.¹

Ongoing Obligations After Registration

Registration as a marriage celebrant comes with continuing responsibilities to maintain your authorisation and comply with the Marriage Act 1961.⁶

Annual registration charge. All Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants must pay an annual registration charge of $240. The Attorney-General's Department issues invoices in July each year, and payment must be made within 60 days. Failure to pay results in deregistration. This fee increased from $170 to $240 in recent years to reflect the costs of administering the celebrant program.²

Professional development. As of 2025, celebrants must complete compulsory professional development activities annually through the Attorney-General's Department online portal. These activities typically take 1-2 hours and must be completed by 31 December each calendar year. This replaces the previous requirement of 5 hours of ongoing professional development (OPD) with registered training organisations.⁷

Exemption from professional development. If you received your Certificate IV in Celebrancy within 12 months before registration, you are exempt from professional development for the calendar year of your registration. The department may also grant exemptions if you register late in the calendar year.⁷

Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). For every marriage you solemnise, couples must provide you with a completed NOIM at least one month and one day before the wedding date. You must verify the identity of both parties and sight original documents. The NOIM remains valid for up to 18 months.⁶

Record keeping and reporting. Within 14 days of solemnising a marriage, you must submit marriage documentation to the relevant state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You must also maintain registers of marriages for at least 5 years. Failure to lodge documentation correctly is a common compliance issue and can result in disciplinary action.⁶

Code of Practice compliance. All celebrants must comply with the Marriage Celebrants Code of Conduct, which sets standards for professional behaviour, ceremony conduct, and business practices. The Code requires celebrants to conduct ceremonies in a dignified manner, respect diversity, maintain professional boundaries, and avoid conflicts of interest.⁶

Disciplinary processes. The Registrar can investigate complaints about celebrant conduct and impose sanctions including cautions, written directions, suspension, or deregistration. Common complaints relate to failure to lodge documentation, unprofessional conduct, and breaches of the Marriage Act 1961.⁶

Costs and Fees Summary

Understanding the financial commitment helps you plan your pathway to becoming a marriage celebrant. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of costs.²⁴

First-year total. Expect to invest $2,100-$3,100 for training and registration, plus additional costs for business setup and marketing if you intend to operate commercially.

Starting Your Celebrancy Practice

After gaining registration, you need to establish your practice and attract clients. The transition from qualified celebrant to working professional requires business planning and marketing.⁴

Business structure decisions. If you intend to earn more than $75,000 annually from celebrancy, you must register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and potentially Goods and Services Tax (GST). Many celebrants operate as sole traders, though some establish companies for liability protection. Consult with an accountant about the optimal structure for your circumstances.⁴

Professional indemnity insurance. While not legally required, professional indemnity insurance protects you against claims arising from errors, omissions, or negligence. Policies designed for celebrants typically cost $300-$600 annually and provide $5-20 million coverage. Public liability insurance is also recommended if you conduct ceremonies at venues.⁴

Setting your fees. Marriage celebrant fees in Australia average $874-$1,031 per wedding, though this varies significantly by location, experience, and service level. Metropolitan celebrants typically charge $1,500-$2,500 for custom ceremonies including unlimited consultations, personalised ceremony scripts, and rehearsal attendance. Legal-only or registry-style ceremonies may be offered for $400-$600. Research local market rates and position yourself according to your experience and target market.³

Marketing strategies. Successful celebrants use multiple channels to attract couples. Essential marketing includes a professional website showcasing your style and personality, listings on wedding directories (Easy Weddings, Get Married, Wedding Pages), active social media presence particularly on Instagram and Facebook, and networking with wedding vendors (photographers, venues, planners). Many celebrants find that word-of-mouth referrals become their primary lead source after the first 1-2 years.⁴

Building your ceremony portfolio. New celebrants often struggle to book their first weddings without reviews or testimonials. Consider offering discounted rates for your first 5-10 ceremonies in exchange for testimonials and photos. Volunteer to assist experienced celebrants to gain practical experience and networking connections. Some celebrants offer elopement packages or micro-weddings to build experience quickly.⁴

Professional association membership. Joining associations like the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (AFCC) or Celebrants Association of Australia provides networking opportunities, business resources, mentoring programs, and continuing education. Membership typically costs $150-$400 annually and can enhance your professional credibility.⁴

Time investment per wedding. Research indicates the average celebrant works approximately 17 hours per wedding including initial consultations, ceremony writing, document preparation, rehearsal, ceremony performance, and administration. Understanding this time investment helps you set sustainable pricing and manage your capacity.³

Common Questions About Celebrant Practice

Can I refuse to marry couples? Commonwealth-registered celebrants cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics including race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status. However, you can decline bookings for legitimate business reasons such as scheduling conflicts, concerns about ceremony legality, or if you believe the couple does not meet legal requirements. Religious celebrants have broader rights to refuse marriages that conflict with their religious beliefs.⁶

State-based practice restrictions. Your Commonwealth registration allows you to solemnise marriages anywhere in Australia. You are not restricted to a particular state or territory. However, you must comply with the Marriage Act 1961 regardless of location, and you remain responsible for lodging documentation with the relevant state or territory Registry.¹

Part-time celebrancy. Many celebrants operate part-time while maintaining other employment. Wedding ceremonies typically occur on weekends, making celebrancy compatible with weekday employment. Administrative tasks including consultations, ceremony writing, and documentation can often be scheduled flexibly. Part-time celebrants may perform 10-20 weddings annually compared to 35-50 for full-time practitioners.³

Career progression and specialisation. Experienced celebrants may specialise in particular ceremony styles (elopements, destination weddings, same-sex weddings, cultural ceremonies) or expand into civil naming ceremonies, renewal of vows, and funeral celebrancy. Some celebrants develop additional income streams through training new celebrants, writing ceremony resources, or consulting for the wedding industry.⁴

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