When a couple considers getting married, they often consider one of the two traditional options: a religious ceremony or a civil wedding officiated by a registrar. But there is a third, and increasingly popular, option: get married by a celebrant.

A celebrant is the best option if you’ve always dreamed of getting married outside—under the stars, on a beach, in a garden, next to castle ruins, or even in your own living room.

What does a wedding celebrant do?

A celebrant is a person who officiates formal ceremonies like marriages, vow renewals, baby namings, funerals, and memorial services. You can have the vows, music, and readings of your choice by hiring a celebrant for your wedding. You are free to include as little or as much religious information as you like. You can combine your distinct religious beliefs if you and your partner practice different religions.

The coronavirus pandemic caused a significant number of marriages to be postponed from 2020, raising the possibility that 2021 may see a frantically busy wedding season for both wedding venues and, more significantly, Registrars.

Many of our couples have been receptive to the notion of considering utilising a Celebrant for their big day after having trouble coordinating dates and times that work for everyone.

Our recommendations

We all enjoy a good party, but the ceremony itself is the real purpose of the celebration, and it need not be dull or identical to anybody else’s. In fact, we believe it should be completely special to the two of you, a wonderful expression of your love for one another, and the beginning of the rest of your lives spent together. Maintain the traditions you cherish and hold dear while adding your own twists! A celebrant will assist you in doing that!

Selecting a celebrant is a very individual process. Finding the perfect person will require browsing their websites and getting in touch with people whose styles, personalities, experiences, and qualifications appeal to you.

Here at the Northern Beaches Weddings and Events, we highly recommend our newest but genuine, friendly, kind, organised and helpful celebrant – Carol from Sydney Wedding Celebrancy by Carol. 

Carol became a Wedding Celebrant about two years ago, just before the great pandemic, after feeling drawn towards this beautiful role for many years. For a large part of her professional career, she worked as a corporate training and event manager, presenting sessions to large and small groups and she loved being able to create meaningful and inspiring events. In addition, she was the Master of Ceremonies for awards nights and hosted incredible PR launches.

She also worked in the wedding industry as a very successful make-up artist which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was able to play a part in supporting her couples on one of the happiest occasions they would experience in life. 

Carol’s tips/advice for couples before they say “I do”

As a Celebrant, I am here, ready and waiting to help you meet all your romantic, legal, creative, and practical requirements for your Wedding Ceremony. The top tip I would give you about booking your Celebrant is to start by choosing your venue, date and time before you start searching for a Celebrant. 

This will minimise a lot of wasted time. Aim to book your Celebrant at least twelve to eighteen months ahead if you are getting married in the Wedding high season, e.g. Spring or special days like New Year’s Day or Valentine’s Day. Be aware too, that legally you are required to find a Celebrant and submit a Notice of Intended Marriage to them at least one calendar month before your wedding day. 

Some general wedding advice is to get organised early, book your vendors, and then spend your time leading up to your wedding focused on enjoying your time with your partner and looking forward to spending a lovely day with your family and friends. 

Don’t aim for perfection, life and marriage are never perfect and that will create stress. Just aim to work on your wedding like a happy project, it’s about a celebration of your love, not a performance. If you are not comfortable with something – don’t do it – if you have ideas, share them and let everyone help you make it happen. Just focus on having a wonderful day!