Do you remember the FRIENDS episode, "The One with the Truth About London" (S7E16) where Joey jumps online and becomes a marriage celebrant in a few quick clicks so he can legally marry Monica and Chandler? It made for an epic episode, but that's not how it works in real life.
Before embarking on this journey, I didn't realise the extent of the requirements, study and responsibilities of an Australian Registered Marriage Celebrant. So I would love to share with you some fun facts about the celebrant world...
1. To become a marriage celebrant, you must:
Gain a qualification in celebrancy. I completed a Certificate IV in Celebrancy with Rose Training. This was a 12-month course that I successfully completed in 3 months, thanks to COVID-19 isolation!
Be "deemed a fair and proper person" by the Attorney Generals Department, undertake yearly professional development, not have a conflict of interest, undergo a criminal history check, and agree to adhere to the celebrant's code of conduct, including practicing equality to all.
When you've finished your qualification, you must submit an application to the Attorney General to be legally appointed. This application is quite extensive and takes anywhere between 3-12 months to be processed - mine took just over 3 months (the longest 95 days ever!)
2. There are 4 types of people who can legally marry a couple in Australia:
Commonwealth-registered civil marriage celebrants That's me - a celebrant not aligned with a specific religion, practicing inclusivity and equality to all couples. I can perform ceremonies with religious inclusions at the request of my couples.
Commonwealth-registered religious marriage celebrants Acelebrant who can select which ceremonies they wish to perform based on their religion.
Ministers of religion, who are registered with the state and territory registries of births, deaths, and marriages The priest, pastor, clergyman/woman who will marry you at a religious ceremony.
State and territory officer's Those employed by the Registry Office to perform the legal-only ceremony when you go to the court/registry office.
3. A celebrant does way more than just rock up on the day to say a few legal words!
I meet with my couples multiple times before the big day to build a strong relationship.
I manage all of the legal documents; there is a minimum of 5 legal documents per couple, which need to be completed at different stages of the journey.
I custom write the entire ceremony from start to finish, including rituals, readings, and guest involvement.
I brainstorm with the couple about ceremony inclusions.
I assist with their vow writing and provided printed vow cards on the day.
I provide a PA system to ensure the guests hear every word loud and clear - and I even control the music via my PA if couples desire.
I become a confidant and friend to my couples, sharing one of the biggest days of their lives with them!
I run the on-site rehearsal before the big day and consider all logistics.
I greet their guests on arrival with a warm and welcoming presence, and most importantly;
I legally register their marriage with the Births, Deaths and Marriage Registry.
4. If I turn up to your wedding ceremony all ready to marry you, and one or both of you are drunk... I legally cannot marry you. A drink (or two) to calm the nerves is totally fine and you are allowed to have alcohol in your system. However, if you have had enough alcohol to impair your understanding of the nature and effect of the marriage ceremony or to inhibit your ability to provide real consent... we have a party and leave out all the legal bits, and perform those at a later date once you've sobered up.
5. There is a document called a 'Notice of Intended Marriage' - celebrants call it the NOIM. This is the first legal document you must complete in the process of becoming married. The catch is, this document MUST be completed between 18 months and 1 month before your ceremony date. This is to prevent people from meeting on a Saturday night and getting married on Sunday morning!
For more information about what a celebrant's role is, download my free ceremony timeline.
I hope you enjoyed this little insight into the life of a civil marriage celebrant and learned a thing or two!
With love,
Naomi Lea x
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