A wedding celebrant is qualified and registered with the Attorney General / BDM / Births deaths and marriages, to officiate civil marriage ceremonies. Sort of like what a minister or priest does without the religion, just the lurve. It’s our job to meet with you and assist in creating and performing a wedding ceremony that reflects you as a couple.

Great Question! What people don't often think about is the time and expenses of a Celebrant prior to and post wedding ceremony day.

Each wedding entails: Email conversations, administration, Zoom meetings, in person meetings, filling and submitting paperwork, writing the ceremony, rehearsing the ceremony, arranging music, equipment - music subscriptions, PA sound system / Mic / iPad / lap top, other equipment costs, performing the ceremony, purchasing and printing stationary, registering the wedding, purchasing the official wedding certificate from BDM, Celebrants compulsory annual registration fees and professional development.

THEN : 10% GST + ATO, 20% (or more) goes to the ATO and 9.5% on Super, so take about 50% off your fee and that's what a Celebrant is actually getting paid.

I have a range of packages to suit all dreams and budgets, check them out here.

More experienced Celebrants charge more too. I try to keep my rates reasonable, so I don't price myself out of working with my community.

The acronym stands for Notice of Intended Marriage. The celebrant and couple must fill this out together at least 1 month before the ceremony. You will need hard copies of birth certificate, passport and any proof of divorce from previous marriages. The NOIM goes out of date after 18 months.

The soonest you can marry in Australia is in one month, once the NOIM is complete. That's why REAL drive through weddings can't be done in Australia.

Hell no, and TBH the registry office is cheap because you get what you pay for. All Celebrants can facilitate and officiate legals only, registry style weddings, but we can offer you the option to do it anywhere you want. E.g. A park, cafe, bar, backyard, boat, balcony, roof top, hot air balloon... You get my drift? Just because it's a legals only wedding, doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with it ;-)

Absolutely, but I'd prefer you choose a practicing family member or friend of your culture/religion to perform that element of the ceremony out of respect.

No, the registry office supplies their own celebrant. I would always recommend using an independant celebrant who can recommend free or competitively priced venues that suit your vibe and make for better photos. We can also help you write a personalised, kickass ceremony, you won't get that at a registry wedding.

Yes you can, they just need to transfer the NOIM via email to the new celebrant. This may incur a fee and depending on the previous celebrants booking T&C's a booking fee is usually non-refundable. Check all this when you book.

Yes but only if we can agree on a date and location that suits the celebrant, there’s also a fee incurred for the extra administration with any changes.

If I have time, yes, but travel costs $100 extra for every 50km beyond Seaford VIC (my hood). I’m also up to negotiating staying in accommodation close by the ceremony. If the wedding is interstate the couple must cover flights, accommodation and expenses.

If you choose the right package, yes!

Yes, but for every 10 extra guests it's a further $100. This package was created to be competitively priced for smaller 'elopement' style weddings.

Usually an elopement means grabbing your besties and getting married without inviting or telling anyone else. It’s seen as a low-key way to lock it down without breaking the bank. Elopements are becoming the rock 'n' roll way to seal the deal. Check out my 'legalise us' package!

Within reason, but pretty much, yes. I can marry you anywhere on Australian land or airspace. Lots of my couples do pub, park and backyard weddings. Have some fun with it!

Yes, with my permission and as long as you’re on Australian water, land or airspace.

Potentially, let’s have a chat about what you’re thinking and go from there.

YES, for an extra $500 on any package!

I can marry you dressed in many different costumes, let’s chat!

Hell no, love is love after all *wink* I don't discriminate lol.

Absolutely, take a look at my packages and if you don’t see anything that suits, we can chat more about your needs. Commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows, dead-name fun-erals, divorce partys, pet fun-erals to name a few!

There are no obligations after we meet, finding a celebrant is like dating, there' someone for everyone out there and I believe it's important for both parties to feel chemistry.

But please don't expect weeks and weeks of free advice before booking a Celebrant.

We don't do tradition here, so please show up on time. Often Celebrants have more than one ceremony in a day and time keeping is really important. Fees will be incured for lateness.

All celebrants charge different fees based on the time spent meeting, writing, planning, administration and performing a ceremony and their experience. If a ceremony is cheaper, it usually means there’s less input from the celebrant.

BDM stands for Births Deaths and Marriages. It's a department of the Attorney Generals Office that registers marriages. They also run the registry office at Parliament.

Weddings that cannot take place due to COVID19 can be rescheduled to another date that suits Renee the Celebrant and you, free of charge within 6 months of the original booking. If you can't find a suitable reschedule date then you'll need to find another Celebrant.

Every Celebrant creates their own pricing structure based on the amount of work put into each wedding. Time in the industry and experience also play a role in how much they charge. I like to keep my prices on the middle of the spectrum, as I'm aware that weddings are bloody spenny and I don't want to work with people who have a lot of money and not a lot of kindness.

Heck yes, in fact I encourage it! Did you know we do cute, affordable micro weddings with Tattoos, venue and photo's included in Brunswick / Melbourne? Check out www.flashromantics.com

Aside from the obvious (right here ;-) there are lots of ways to find wedding suppliers. I would use google or AI to find someone who you resonate with aesthetically & with aligned values. Most good wedding vendors will have a no obligations meeting with you prior to making a decision.

Booking a celebrant has never been easier, we have many online tools to find the right fit and within budget. Use google, social media, AI to shortlist the ones you like the look of. Then email them and arrange a no obligations Zoom chat to suss them out further.

Without tooting my own horn, I reckon you could put your money on me, check out the reviews section on my website to hear what my couples have to say & you'll find 97 five star google reviews who also agree.

Hell yeah, if you work with me, you can book ALL THREE!

Yes, I will marry you, manage you, MC for you and give your loved ones a dance-floor to remember with my most popular 'One Woman Show' package. HMU to chat more!

Every ceremony I write is customised to suit your unique brand of love. Whether that's soppy, sassy, sweet or sincere, we collaborate to create magic that will set the tone for your entire day.

You will get to see, edit, add and approve the ceremony script before your wedding, so there are no unwelcome surprises on the day.

Here’s what a marriage celebrant actually does at a wedding (beyond just making things legal):

Before the Wedding

1. Gets to know the couple

• Asks the couple questions to get the full love story

• Helps them plan the vibe: fun and flirty? Elegant and emotional? Pagan, punk or picnic?

2. Handles the legal paperwork

• Fills out with you and then lodges the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before the wedding

• Makes sure both parties can legally marry (age, consent, etc.)

• Collects ID and proof of divorce (if applicable)

3. Writes a personalised ceremony

• Crafts a ceremony that reflects the couple’s love, humour, culture, beliefs and quirks

• Adds readings, rituals, music or traditions if wanted

• Plans out the running order with the couple and their vendors

On the Wedding Day

4. Runs the ceremony

• Welcomes the guests and sets the tone (warm, heartfelt, hilarious or all of the above)

• Shares the couple’s love story (cue tears or belly laughs)

• Guides the vows, ring exchange and any rituals

• Makes sure to include the legal bits (very specific words are required to make it binding)

5. Legally marries the couple

• Declares them legally married with the right words: “I am duly authorised...” etc.

• Makes them sign the legal paperwork with two witnesses (18+)

6. Pronounces them married!

• The big moment: “You may kiss!” (or smooch, or howl at the moon — up to the couple)

• Keeps things flowing with warmth, charm, and a solid pair of lungs when the wind picks up mid-vow

After the Wedding

7. Finalises the paperwork

• Submits the marriage to the relevant state registry (e.g. Births, Deaths and Marriages VIC)

• Helps the couple apply for their official marriage certificate

TL;DR: A marriage celebrant is…

🪄 Storyteller — Setting the tone for your entire day! 📄 Legal official 🎤 MC of the most magical kind 💛 Heart-holder and love wrangler

If you're thinking of booking one — a great celebrant brings warmth, personality, professionalism, and makes everyone feel seen and celebrated. Not just the couple — everyone in the room.

Right here baby, check out my 'friendors' page!

I have all of my prices and packages listed on my website so that you can see how much a celebrant costs. I have packages for all budgets, but if you are part of a minority group and would like to work with me, but cannot afford my entry level package, please get in touch.

• Decide your ceremony tone (e.g. cheeky, emotional, inclusive).

• Browse celebrant directories

• Short-list your favourites

• Review their online presence, social feed, and testimonials.

• Meet the one you feel drawn to—ask and answer questions, gauge connection.

• Confirm all fees, legal paperwork, transport and what’s included.

• Book early—celebrants who feel like “the one” get booked fast!