The typical marriage celebrant cost ranges from approximately $702 to $1,027 in Australia.
So, how much does a celebrant cost? According to our 2024-2025 Australian Wedding Industry Report, the average marriage celebrant cost in Australia is $874. This is up 6% from the previous year, signifying that couples are happy to continue choosing to invest in the most emotional part of their wedding day.
Firstly, let’s discuss the average Australian wedding ceremony. According to our annual wedding report, personalisation is a strong priority for many couples when planning their ceremony. Nearly half (49%) of couples prefer to write their own vows, and 35% like a blend of traditional and personal vows, showing a trend toward making the ceremony feel uniquely theirs. This shift reflects a desire for authenticity and meaning, with couples seeking ways to express their individuality while still honouring tradition.
Additionally, 75% of couples now request that guests refrain from using their phones during the ceremony, allowing everyone to be fully present in the moment. Civil celebrants remain the most popular choice, with 82% of couples choosing them to officiate their wedding, valuing the flexibility and personalisation civil celebrants can bring to this important milestone.
Click here to browse marriage celebrants in your area.
The marriage celebrant cost ranges from $702 to $1,027 in Australia
If you want a celebrant for a legal only two-minute ceremony, you could be looking at a cost as low as $400. That said, most people don’t want just that. Most people want a memorable experience that requires a lot of guidance.
In saying that, even a simple courthouse wedding will set you back between $250 — $320 anyway, so it really is worth investing in a celebrant who can create a ceremony that does your love story justice.
Here is what’s included in the wedding celebrant cost
Let’s break it down: what do celebrants do? A celebrant plays a vital role in creating a personal, memorable ceremony. According to our annual wedding industry report, the average wedding celebrant works 17 hours on each wedding and services 35 weddings each year. Here’s what they typically do:
- Craft the ceremony. Your celebrant works closely with you to understand your story and style, crafting a script that reflects what’s important to you as a couple.
- Guide and prepare. They’ll help you navigate the process of getting married to ensure everything is clear and organised— including the logistics! Here are our top questions to ask a celebrant.
- Handle legal paperwork. From start to finish, a celebrant manages all the required legal documentation so you don’t have to worry.
- Ensure a smooth ceremony. Many celebrants offer a rehearsal to make sure everyone knows their role. On the day, they coordinate the ceremony, keeping things running smoothly. When finding the perfect celebrant, look for someone who aligns with your vision for the day, as their role will set the tone for one of your most important moments.
- Start to finish ceremony planning. Celebrant fees usually cover meetings, ceremony writing, and the day itself.
If you have some burning questions about how celebrant services work, be sure to check out our handy celebrant FAQ.
Your timeline for locking in your marriage celebrant
12+ Months Before the Wedding
- Initial research. Start gathering ideas for the tone and style of ceremony you’d like. Look into celebrants who match your vision, considering recommendations, reviews, and video samples where available.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
- Book consultations. Reach out to your top celebrant choices to schedule consultations. These initial meetings are usually free and are a great chance to discuss your wedding vision, their availability, and their process.
- Ask key questions. Use these consult1ations to get clarity on their ceremony approach, personalisation options, fees, and any specific questions you have about legal requirements, tone, or unique customs.
- Finalise your booking. Choose the celebrant who best aligns with your vision and lock them in. Pay any required deposit to secure your date, as this will confirm your spot in their calendar.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
- Begin ceremony planning. Start collaborating with your celebrant on the ceremony details. Share your background as a couple, preferences, and any specific traditions you’d like to include.
- Submit legal documents. Your celebrant will guide you through the required paperwork, including the Notice of Intended Marriage form, which must be submitted no later than one month before the wedding but can be done earlier.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding
- Draft the ceremony script. Work with your celebrant to draft the ceremony script, choosing readings, vows, and rituals that reflect your personalities. Provide feedback to ensure it aligns with your vision.
- Confirm personalisation details. Discuss any final personal touches, like custom vows or family traditions, so your celebrant can refine the script.
1 Month Before the Wedding
- Review final script. Go over the final ceremony script with your celebrant, making any last-minute tweaks. Confirm important details, such as timings, entrances, and specific instructions.
- Schedule a rehearsal. Arrange a rehearsal with your celebrant, wedding party, and key participants in the ceremony. This helps everyone feel prepared and ensures a smooth flow on the day.
Wedding Day
- Enjoy your ceremony. Your celebrant will be there early to make sure everything is set up and ready. They’ll guide you through the ceremony, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment knowing it’s all been prepared just as you wanted.
What should I look for in a marriage celebrant?
When considering the marriage celebrant cost and celebrant fees, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure you’re choosing the right person for your day:
Experience & Style
- Choose a celebrant whose personality and style match the tone you want—whether it’s formal, relaxed, or fun.
- Look for experience in delivering ceremonies similar to the atmosphere you envision.
Logistics
- Many celebrants offer packages that may cover planning meetings, custom scripts, and legal documentation.
- Ask if travel costs or any extras are included or if they’re additional.
Personalisation
- A great celebrant will work with you to create a ceremony that feels unique and personal.
- Ask about their process for getting to know couples and tailoring the ceremony to suit you.
Communication
- Your celebrant should be responsive and easy to reach as your wedding date approaches.
- Confirm their availability for a rehearsal if that’s something you’d like.
Are you ready to start your search for the perfect wedding celebrant in your state? Dive in below:
How to save money on celebrant costs
For couples looking to stay within a budget, bundling services can be an effective way to save on celebrant costs. Easy Weddings Packages offers options that allow you to combine services—such as venue, photography, and celebrant—into one package, helping you streamline your planning and reduce overall expenses. This approach can provide access to high-quality services at a more affordable rate, making it a smart choice for couples on a tighter budget.
Explore Easy Weddings Packages to find celebrant-inclusive bundles that can help keep your wedding costs manageable without compromising on quality.
How does the cost of a wedding celebrant fit into your wedding?
According to our annual wedding industry report, the average cost of a celebrant is $874, a relatively modest but significant component of the typical $35,315 wedding budget. Many couples find that costs often exceed initial estimates, with an average overspend of 28.6%—up from last year. For this investment, a celebrant provides not only officiation but also personalization of the ceremony, helping to set the tone for the entire day. While it’s one of many expenses, the celebrant’s role directly impacts the ceremony’s quality and emotional resonance, making it a crucial line item in the overall budget.
Learn more about the wider wedding costs in your state below.
- NSW Wedding Costs
- Queensland Wedding Costs
- Victoria Wedding Costs
- Western Australia Wedding Costs
- South Australia Wedding Costs
