What Does a Celebrant Actually Do?
(AKA Why we’re worth so much more than 20 minutes on the day)
It’s a fair question, especially when you're planning a wedding and watching every line item on your budget. So here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at what I do as your Celebrant (spoiler: it’s not just ‘stand up and say a few words’).
What You Might Not Realise About the Legal Side
There’s a bit more to getting married than signing a piece of paper, and that’s where I come in.
I take the time to walk you through every step of the legal process—because there’s a lot more to it than just signing a form on the day. We start with your Notice of Intended Marriage, which must be lodged at least one full month before the wedding. I make sure it’s done correctly and on time, and I’ll explain what ID documents are needed, and why they matter.
But that’s just the beginning. I’ll also run through the Important Things to Know When Getting Married—all those “have to’s” and “did you know you really should’s” that often get missed:
Name change – whether you’re planning to change your name or keep it, I’ll walk you through the steps, what’s required, and how to go about it after the wedding (yes, I help with this too).
Who to notify – banks, Medicare, insurance, super, your passport and driver’s licence, 'll give you a simple checklist to make it less overwhelming.
Citizenship and visas – for those born overseas or in mixed-nationality couples, marriage can sometimes impact your visa status or future citizenship, so I’ll point you in the right direction if any of that applies.
Wills and estate planning – marriage legally may cancel any previous Will, so I always recommend updating it as soon as you're married. It’s not romantic, but it is responsible.
The Tax Office – yes, even they need to know! I’ll show you how to update your details to avoid any issues later.
When we meet, I run through all of this with you. Clearly, calmly, and without the overwhelm. Because getting married should feel exciting, not confusing, and you deserve someone who takes care of the fine print so you can focus on the big picture - it’s not just the paperwork.
Your Ceremony Creator
I write a ceremony that sounds like you. Whether that’s heartfelt, fun, laid-back, family-focused, or somewhere in between, it’s never a template. You’ll have access to my Love & Confetti Guide, a detailed planner, vow-writing tools, and an easy way to keep everything stress-free and on track.
Your ultimate wedding ceremony guide!
The Love & Confetti Guide
This is your one-stop ceremony planning companion, and it’s so much more than a few tips and templates.
Inside, you’ll find helpful prompts to help you shape a ceremony that feels like you. We'll cover music choices (including the moments that need a song), meaningful rituals like handfasting or love letter box, ideas for including children or other important people, and how to tailor your ceremony so it’s genuinely personal.
There’s space to explore what you want your ceremony to say, whether that’s short and sweet or rich with storytelling (Our Love Story). I’ll also guide you through things you might not have thought of, like whether you want a ‘first look’, how to keep your guests present (think: unplugged ceremony), and ways to bring in little touches that reflect your story.
And yes, it includes vow-writing support too, because that part matters, and it shouldn't feel stressful.
It’s your ceremony, your way. I just help you make it happen, with confidence and calm.
Vow Writing Support (If You Want It!)
Writing personal vows is one of the most meaningful things you can do, but that doesn’t mean you have to.
Some couples love the idea of putting pen to paper and expressing everything they feel. Others would rather not speak publicly from the heart, and that’s completely okay. Your ceremony should feel like a reflection of you both, not a performance or pressure.
If you do want to write your own vows, I’ll guide you through it with practical tips, gentle prompts, and a few simple structures to help your words flow. And if you'd rather keep things short and sweet or stick to traditional vows, I’ve got you covered there too.
You get to decide what feels right. I’m just here to support you either way.
I am so much more than just ‘the celebrant’
A Friendly Face in the Planning Process
I’m here before the day to answer questions, check off your to-do list, plan your ceremony together, and chat through anything that’s on your mind. We’ll have a planning workshop, meet-ups if needed, and I’m always just an email or message away.
On the Day, I’m So Much More Than Just ‘The Celebrant’
I arrive early, coordinate with your vendors, check in with your wedding party, and keep everything flowing with calm, warmth, and a bit of fun. I bring my professional sound system a Bose S1 Pro, vow cards, all the legal forms, and a clear plan so you can relax and enjoy it all.
And Then There’s the Extras…
I also offer optional hire items to style your ceremony space, nd if you’ve booked me as your Celebrant, I include free delivery, setup, and pack-down for anything you hire from me. It’s just another way I help keep things simple and beautiful.
So when you book your Celebrant, you're not just booking someone to speak for 20 minutes on the day. You’re investing in guidance, support, personalisation, legal peace of mind, and someone who truly gets what this day means.
Let’s make it magic.