How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Celebrant

Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life. While flowers, dresses, and photography all play a huge role in creating the magic, your wedding celebrant is the person who will actually tell your love story and make your ceremony feel truly yours. Choosing the right celebrant is more than just ticking a box: it’s about finding someone who reflects your personalities, values, and vision for the day.

Here are my top tips for choosing the perfect celebrant:

Every celebrant has a unique style: some are formal and traditional, others are relaxed, fun, and even a little cheeky. Think about what feels natural for you as a couple. Do you want your ceremony to be heartfelt and emotional, or lighthearted and full of laughter? Look through their websites, videos, or social media to get a feel for their approach.

A celebrant will be standing right next to you during one of the most intimate moments of your life. It’s essential that you feel comfortable with them. Most celebrants will offer an obligation-free chat, whether that’s over coffee or a Zoom call. Pay attention to how easy they are to talk to and whether they seem genuinely interested in your story.

A great celebrant will guide you through everything from legal paperwork to writing your vows (if you need help). Ask them how they personalise ceremonies. Do they get to know you with questionnaires or meetings? Will they help you with the order of events and timing? The right celebrant should make you feel supported and stress-free.

Nothing beats hearing from other couples who have already worked with a celebrant. Look for testimonials on their website or reviews on Google. As a wedding photographer, I get to see celebrants in action all the time, and I can tell you it makes such a difference when a celebrant brings warmth and professionalism to the day. If you’d like, I’m always happy to recommend some wonderful celebrants I’ve worked with on the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. 

While the emotional and personal connection is important, make sure your celebrant is registered and legally able to marry you. They should also explain clearly what paperwork you’ll need, including the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), which must be lodged at least one month before your wedding.

At the end of the day, the best celebrant for you is the one you feel most comfortable and excited about. If you leave your meeting with a big smile, already picturing them telling your love story, that’s usually your answer!