Wikipedia states that : “celebrants are people who conduct formal ceremonies in the community, particularly weddings – which represent the main ceremony of legal import conducted by celebrants –, and for this reason are often referred to as marriage celebrants”
All of which is true, but it does rather simplify the role and the experience of BEING a celebrant. Also, I would argue, that the words : wonderful, creative, resourceful and empathetic should be added in front of people!
So, what is the ROLE of a Celebrant?
Or, as we are sometimes asked, What does a Celebrant ACTUALLY do..?
Well, most importantly, outside of being married in a church, you NEED an Authorised Marriage Celebrant to be legally married. An authorised Marriage Celebrant who has successfully received a Certificate IV in Celebrancy and received accreditation from the Attorney General Department.
However, there is much more to our role than just taking care of all the legal paperwork on your behalf.
As celebrants, we get to know you, both legally for paperwork and personally to create a ceremony, short or more in depth, that reflects the two of you.
This is where the storytelling and writing comes in. To do this, we need to spend time with you.
Catching up in person or over Zoom to delve deep into your story, to hear your wedding plans and to assist you in having your ideal ceremony.
On your Wedding day, we hold space for your ceremony and include your guests, from 2 to 200 people! A celebrant we will arrive early, bringing their speaker and microphone, liaise with your other vendors, chat to your guests and check in with you both, well before the ceremony actually starts.
These are the parts of the role that you see. That you feel when we create a beautiful ceremony.
However, there is so much more to the role and business that is often done, late at night or over many a coffee, keeping our businesses and celebrancy career running. Most celebrants are sole traders running their own business with very minimal outsourcing…. so, as you can see, our list of roles is extensive.
- Administrator
- Marketing Manager
- Book Keeper
- Content Creator
- Social Media Manager
Oh, the admin…! At times, it can be endless, but those emails, invoices and ceremony drafts don’t actually send themselves. For a role that includes speaking, so much of our time is actually spent quietly plodding away on our computer.
It might be easy to think that we are only a very small part of your wedding, but trust us, SO much work goes into ensuring that you are legally married and celebrated by your celebrant.
While we may often look like this…..
Photo by the brilliant Nikki McCrone
In reality, we spent just as much time, in our pjs or active wear, at our computers, ensuring that you are legally married and celebrated.
Are there many aspects and jobs that go into the role of being a Celebrant…?
YES!
Would anyone of us change that for the joy of being part of your wedding day…?
Absoloutely not!
