What to ask your celebrant before booking
- Celebrant Karla
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Planning a wedding or special ceremony is an exciting journey, and choosing the right celebrant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your celebrant sets the tone for your event, so it’s crucial to ensure they align with your vision, values, and personality.
Before signing any contracts or locking in a date, take the time to ask your celebrant the right questions. Here’s a helpful list of what to ask your celebrant before booking them, so you can feel confident about your choice.
1. Are You Available on My Date?
It might seem obvious, but confirming availability is step one. Celebrants can book out months (even years) in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons. Get this locked in early.
2. What Services Do You Offer?
Not all celebrants offer the same services. Some may specialise in weddings, while others officiate vow renewals, naming ceremonies, or funerals as well (PS I offer all these services!). Clarify:
What types of ceremonies they conduct
Whether they offer custom scripts
If they can include cultural or religious elements
What’s included in their fee (rehearsals, travel, paperwork, etc.)
3. Can We Customise Our Ceremony?
If you’re looking for something truly personal, ask how flexible they are with customising your ceremony. Can you write your own vows? Include special rituals or readings? A good celebrant should be open to crafting a ceremony that reflects you as a couple.
4. What’s Your Style and Approach?
Every celebrant has a different tone — some are formal, some light-hearted, others very spiritual or traditional. Ask:
How they usually conduct ceremonies
If they’ve performed events similar to yours
If they’re comfortable with your desired tone (romantic, humorous, inclusive, etc.)
You might also ask to see a sample script or watch a video of them in action.
5. How Do You Handle Legal Requirements?
If your event is a legally binding marriage, make sure the celebrant is authorised and experienced with all the legal paperwork. Ask:
Are you a registered celebrant?
What documents do we need to provide?
Do you handle lodging of the marriage certificate?
6. Do You Offer a Rehearsal?
Some celebrants include a rehearsal in their package, which can ease nerves and ensure everything runs smoothly. If they don’t, ask if it’s possible to arrange one for an additional fee.
7. How Many Ceremonies Do You Perform a Day?
This can affect timing and availability. Ideally, your celebrant should be fully focused on your event and not rushed between multiple bookings.
8. What Is Your Fee, and What’s Included?
Be clear on the cost and what’s included. Ask for a breakdown of:
Ceremony planning
Travel fees
Rehearsals
Equipment (like microphones)
Legal paperwork submission
Also, clarify their cancellation and rescheduling policies.
9. What Happens If You Can’t Make It?
Unforeseen situations can occur. Ask what contingency plans they have in place if they fall ill or have an emergency.
10. Can We Meet Before Deciding?
It’s important to feel comfortable with your celebrant. Ask if you can meet in person or via video call before committing. This gives you a chance to connect and see if your personalities click.
Final Thoughts
Your celebrant plays a key role in one of life’s most meaningful moments. Taking the time to ask these questions before booking ensures you choose someone who truly understands your vision and can help bring it to life. The right celebrant will make your ceremony memorable, personal, and perfectly you.
Every great ceremony starts with a conversation
Whether you’re full of ideas or just beginning to explore the possibilities, I’m here to help bring it all together. Let’s start planning something special - get in touch at celebrantkarla.com.au
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