How to Pick a Wedding Celebrant (Without Losing Your Mind or Sense of Humour)

Picture this: you're a year out from your wedding day, drowning in mood boards and vendor emails, when suddenly you realise - you still haven't figured out who's actually going to marry you. Panic sets in. Who will guide you through one of life's most meaningful moments?

So, you're planning a wedding. You've picked a date, chosen a venue, and probably lost sleep over seating charts, colour scheme and food choices. But now comes one of the most important decisions of all: who is actually going to marry you?

This isn't just a legal formality - it’s the person who will set the tone for your entire ceremony. They'll be standing up there with you, guiding you through one of the most significant moments of your life. No pressure, right?

The Voice of Experience

And trust me, I know how much this matters. I've been "married" three times - to the same person, (us gays only received legal recognition in the last few years) before celebrants were even widely available. Each time, the person leading our ceremony brought a completely different energy to the day. One was warm and sentimental, another was more formal and serious, and the third one struck the perfect balance between heartfelt and efficient. That experience taught me just how much a celebrant shapes the mood of a wedding - so I'm here to help you find the one who's right for you.

Know What You're Looking For

Before you start scrolling through endless celebrant websites (and trust me, we do love a well-lit headshot), take a minute to think about what you want.

• Do you want a ceremony that's romantic and heartfelt or one that's laid-back and full of craic?

• Are you looking for someone who will weave in meaningful traditions or someone who will throw out the rulebook and create something totally unique?

• Do you want a celebrant who will simply deliver the words, or someone who will make your ceremony one of the highlights of the day?

Knowing this will help narrow down the kind of celebrant you're looking for - because not all celebrants are the same!

Research Like a Pro

Once you have an idea of what you want, it's time to go detective mode. Where do you start?

• Google Reviews - because nothing says "this person is amazing" like a five-star review from someone who was crying happy tears two weeks ago. But remember it is just one couples opinion but it will give you an idea as to what the couple liked about that person. 

• Social Media - many celebrants share snippets of their ceremonies, their personality, and even behind-the-scenes moments. If their Instagram makes you smile, chances are their ceremony will too.

• Word of Mouth - if a past couple raves about their celebrant like they were the best wedding investment they made that's a good sign, but I encourage you to not rely on these three things alone. 

Pay attention to the vibe of their reviews. Are people saying their ceremony felt personal, fun, and engaging? Or are they just saying "It was nice"? You want more than nice.

As one couple shared with me recently: "Our celebrant took the time to learn our story so well that guests thought we'd known her for years. He had everyone laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next."

Meet Them (and Trust Your Gut!)

Would you invite a complete stranger to be part of the most intimate and meaningful moment of your life? No? Then don't book a celebrant without having a chat first. Most celebrants offer a consultation call. This is your chance to see if they're the right fit.

Some key questions to ask:

• "How do you make ceremonies personal to each couple?"

• "What's your process from start to finish?"

• "Have you ever had a wedding go completely off the rails, and how did you handle it?"

And most importantly - do you click with them? If the conversation flows naturally and you find yourself laughing (or nodding enthusiastically), that's a good sign. The personal connection with your celebrant can't be overstated. This person will stand beside you during an emotionally charged moment, guide you through nerves, and be the steady presence that helps you stay present. You should feel comfortable being vulnerable with them and confident in their ability to represent your relationship authentically.

Check Their Credentials

Of course, personality is key, but so is making sure they're the real deal. A good celebrant will be:

• Fully accredited and legally able to conduct your ceremony – check who their accreditation body is.

• Armed with a clear process (so you're not left wondering, "Wait… what happens next?")

• Able to offer guidance on vows, structure, and any symbolic elements (hello, handfasting, unity candle ceremonies and warming of the rings)

• Reliable and not disappear off the face of the earth three weeks before your wedding

Consider Cultural Sensitivities

If you're blending cultural or religious traditions, discuss this upfront. A skilled celebrant should be able to respectfully incorporate elements from different backgrounds, whether that's a unity candle alongside a Chinese tea ceremony or Jewish traditions with modern secular vows. They should show genuine interest in understanding the significance of these traditions to you and your families.

Evaluate Their Delivery Style

A great celebrant is more than just a great writer - they're a great storyteller. Can they hold a room's attention? Do they have a warm, engaging presence? Can they balance humour and emotion so that your guests aren't just passively listening but feeling every word?

Your ceremony is the start of your wedding day. You want someone who draws your guests in, makes them feel part of your story, and delivers a ceremony that feels like you - not a generic template.

Nail Down the Logistics

Before you say "yes" to the celebrant, make sure you've checked:

• Availability (obvious, but you'd be surprised…)

• Price & Inclusions (what's included in their fee? Will they help with vow writing, provide props such as candles, ribbons etc, or even dealing with last-minute panics?)

• Contracts & Payments (a professional celebrant will have clear terms, deposits, and a process in place)

Book Them - Fast!

Once you've found the one, book them as soon as possible! Good celebrants get snapped up fast - sometimes years in advance. Once you've secured your date, you can relax knowing that one of the most important parts of your wedding is in safe hands. Now, all that's left is to enjoy the process. A good celebrant will guide you through everything, making sure your ceremony is authentic, joyful, and completely unforgettable.

The Bottom Line

Your wedding celebrant should be someone you trust, someone who feels like an old friend, and someone who will help make your ceremony one of the best moments of your life. They should blend professionalism with personality, guiding you through the process while ensuring your unique story shines through.

If you read this and thought, "This sounds exactly like what I want", then maybe - just maybe - you've already found your celebrant. (Hint: it's me, no, I’m kidding.  There are many great celebrants out there, do your research and go with your gut)