How to become a Civil Celebrant

Civil celebrants design, plan and perform civil (non-religious) marriage ceremonies, funerals, commitment ceremonies, namings and other ceremonies, in consultation with individuals, couples and families.

Personal requirements for a Civil Celebrant

Enjoy working with a variety of different people
Good oral and written communication skills
Confident in public-speaking situations
Creative, flexible, tactful and empathetic
Mature, ethical, responsible, dedicated and conscientious
Socially and psychologically insightful
Good organisation skills

Education & Training for a Civil Celebrant

You can work as a civil celebrant without formal qualifications. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. In order to perform weddings you will need to complete a VET qualification and meet the requirements for registration with the Attorney-General's Department.

Additional information

To become a registered marriage celebrant with the Attorney-General's Department, you must be at least 18 years of age and meet the Fit and Proper Person Requirements set for appointment. You will also need to undertake regular professional development. Marriage celebrants have a complex set of responsibilities under the law, and failure to meet these is a criminal offence in some cases. There are separate registration criteria for marriage celebrants who are fluent in an Australian Indigenous language. For more information, refer to the Marriage Celebrants Section of the Attorney-General's Department.

Duties & Tasks of a Civil Celebrant

Civil celebrants:

Work with individuals, couples, families or other groups to create a ceremony meeting their requirements
Design and organise personalised ceremonies and deliver these ceremonies to a wide range of audiences in a variety of settings
Perform marriages and ensure legal paperwork is correct and submitted on time
Communicate with people dealing with significant life changes, including loss and grief
Use computer and internet systems for research, marketing, communication and support via professional organisations and the Attorney-General's Department.

Tasks

Prepares ceremonies in conjunction with the client.
Maintains appropriate records.
Performs civil marriage ceremonies, funerals, commitment ceremonies, namings and other ceremonies.

Working conditions for a Civil Celebrant

Funerals, memorials and other loss ceremonies can be emotionally demanding for both celebrants and their clients.

Employment Opportunities for a Civil Celebrant

Civil celebrants usually perform only a small number of weddings and other ceremonies each year. Most civil celebrants work casually or part-time.

Specializations

Civil Celebrant

Average age
56
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
79% female
Average full-time
40 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Higher Unemployment
Full-Time Share
19%
Employment Size
1,100
Employment by state
ACT: 1.6%
NSW: 27.2%
NT: 0.0%
QLD: 21.1%
SA: 7.1%
TAS: 3.5%
VIC: 27.3%
WA: 12.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 0%
20-24: 0%
25-34: 4.8%
35-44: 15.3%
45-54: 17.7%
55-59: 14.9%
60-64: 19.8%
65 and Over: 27.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 20.2%
Bachelor degree: 23.7%
Certificate III/IV: 20%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 13.8%
Year 10 and below: 8.8%
Year 11: 2.7%
Year 12: 10.8%