Australian Wedding Budget Guide: What Does A Wedding Celebrant Cost In Australia?

As part of our Australian Wedding Budget Series, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most important people of your wedding day – the celebrant. They’re the person who makes it all official. But there’s so much more to their role than just showing up and reading some pretty words.

So, what does a celebrant cost in Australia? We spoke to a bunch of talented professionals across the country to get the lowdown – from what’s usually included in their service to how to figure out what kind of celebrant (and fee) makes sense for you. A big thanks to the expert celebrants who helped us compile this information, including Zee Scott, Dee from Custom Celebrations By Dee, Megan of Megan Jordan Celebrant, Josh of Josh Withers Wedding Celebrant, Jamie & Cara from Brisbane City Celebrants, and Kate from Celebrant Kate.

Before we explore specific costs, let’s talk about expectations. While your wedding is a major milestone, we don’t believe it should come with financial stress. Clearly defining your overall budget and order of priorities as a first step will help you to determine how much of the budget you’re comfortable allocating to your ceremony.

Ask yourselves:

• Do you want a short, legal ceremony?
• Or an in-depth, beautifully personalised experience?
• What kind of vibe are you going for – calm and serene, seriously solemn, or lively and fun?
• Are you looking for rehearsal support?

Celebrant – Zee Scott, Photo by Arianna Harry Photography

What Does A Wedding Celebrant Cost In Australia?

In Australia, most professional wedding celebrants charge somewhere between $800 and $2,000. The sweet spot for a fully personalised, legal ceremony usually sits around $1,200–$1,600. This covers the works: your story, your vows, the legal stuff, and everything in between.

Unlike other wedding vendors whose costs may go up as your guest list grows, celebrant fees tend to stay the same, whether you’re eloping with only two witnesses or hosting a gala with 300 people.

How celebrants structure payments varies, but it’s common to pay in three instalments. A booking fee (often around one-third of the total) secures your date, and then you might pay monthly, in halves, or settle the balance a few weeks out from the wedding. Remember – celebrants are small business owners. So how they price and package things may be unique.

What Increases The Price Of A Wedding Celebrant?

No two celebrants (or ceremonies) are the same, so there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag. What you pay depends on who you book, what’s included, when and where your ceremony is, and how custom you want the whole thing to feel.

Your wedding date plays a big part. Saturdays in peak months like March and November are hot property, and many celebrants only book one wedding per day. One celebrant told us, “Even if your ceremony is short and sweet, if you want to get married on a Saturday at 3 pm in March, you’ll probably be charged the same as a full custom ceremony – it’s the opportunity cost of giving up another full-fee booking.”

Choosing a Thursday or morning ceremony? You might get a better deal. Some celebrants offer weekday (or even within school-hours) discounts, while others charge a premium for long weekends or public holidays (often 30% more).

Ceremony complexity (including cultural elements) also affects the fee. A no-frills legal ceremony might be around $700. A personalised 10-minute version? Closer to $1,100. And a story-rich, emotionally-packed ceremony by a celebrant with decades of experience? That could run upwards of $1,800. Add-ons like rituals or custom props might also bump things up slightly. As one celebrant put it, “The level of detail and personalisation in your ceremony will impact the price – you are receiving a more premium service.”

Celebrants – Jamie & Cara of Brisbane City Celebrants, Photo by October Falls Photography

What’s Usually Included In A Wedding Celebrancy Package?

At a minimum, a celebrant package includes the legal bits (according to the Marriage Act 1961): preparing paperwork, including lodging your Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month out, officiating your ceremony (ensuring the necessary wording is included!), and registering your marriage with the authorities. But what makes each package different is how your celebrant works with you to bring your story to life.

A typical package often includes:

• An initial meeting to get to know you
• Ceremony planning (often with additional meetings)
• Completion and lodgement of all legal paperwork
• The writing of your ceremony script
• Their presence and performance on the day

Some celebrants will guide you through this process via questionnaires and emails, while others prefer face-to-face or video meetings to shape your ceremony. Most will be in regular contact leading up to the big day – checking details, making edits, printing vow cards, and coordinating logistics. Some may also include a rehearsal, either onsite or online.

The level of personalisation is a key price driver. A simple legal-only ceremony is the most affordable option. If you’re after something more meaningful and unique, like a personalised script, custom vows, or storytelling elements, expect a higher investment to reflect the extra time and care your celebrant will put in. “The more detailed and thoughtful you want your ceremony to be, the more of an investment you need to make,” one celebrant explains.

While inclusions can vary between celebrants, most agree: much of the work happens before the ceremony, not just during it. That’s why booking fees often cover more than just saving the date; they also reflect planning time, legal admin, and all the behind-the-scenes care and expertise that goes into making your ceremony feel effortless.

What Additional Costs Are There For Wedding Celebrant Services?

Beyond delivering a legally compliant wedding ceremony, there are several additional costs and optional extras you might encounter when booking a wedding celebrant.

These optional extras (either within a package or added at an extra cost) might include:

Travel and Accommodation

For weddings held outside the celebrant’s usual area, additional travel charges may apply. For example, one celebrant shares, “I charge $1/km beyond 40km, and for anything over 200km, I add accommodation.” Another adds, “For a wedding over 90 minutes away from home, I charge a travel fee to cover time, petrol, and mandatory driving snacks!”

Lateness or Date Changes

If your wedding runs late or there are changes to the wedding date, some celebrants charge additional fees.

On-Site Rehearsal

Rehearsals are offered as an optional extra by some celebrants. These typically range from $100–$200. Others offer virtual rehearsals instead, which are often more time-efficient. “Most celebrants offer virtual rehearsals in lieu of on-site rehearsals, as they are more productive for the couple,” says one celebrant. “It is worth noting that attending a rehearsal at the ceremony location can be as time-consuming as attending the wedding!” adds another.

Official Marriage Certificate

While your celebrant provides a certificate on the day, the official marriage certificate (which is required for name changes or legal matters) must be ordered through the state’s Births, Deaths, and Marriages office. This is about $55–$70, depending on your state. Some celebrants include this cost in their fee, while others may charge extra for this service.

PA System and Microphone Use

If your ceremony is large, a PA system may be necessary. Some celebrants include the PA system in their packages, but others may charge extra. You might also need a second microphone or additional speakers depending on the size and layout of the event.

Signing Tables and Chairs

If your celebrant provides a signing table or chairs, these may come with additional costs. Some celebrants may include them as part of their service, but it’s important to clarify this in advance.

Personal Vow Support and Printing

Many celebrants offer vow-writing support or can print personalised copies of your ceremony. This may come as part of their package or as an additional cost depending on the celebrant’s services.

Additional Rituals or Personalised Ceremony Elements

Some celebrants offer additional rituals or customised ceremony elements, such as a hand fasting, sand ceremony, unity candle, or other symbolic gestures, which may increase the overall cost.

MC Services

Some celebrants also act as your Master of Ceremonies, helping to coordinate your reception. MC services can range from $600 to $1,500, depending on the celebrant’s experience and the level of involvement required. There’s also a growing trend of “micro MC” services – coordinating the key formalities in the early part of the reception for around $500. “Family photos, introducing you at your reception, or anything else that is beyond your ceremony; you will need to ask them to stay on as MC. Please do this when you are first enquiring with your celebrant. They may (like me!) not offer MC services, or may need to make plans with their family well in advance to ensure that they can MC for you,” adds another.

Specialty Outfit Requests or Themed Attire

If you’re looking for a celebrant to wear specific attire for your wedding (whether themed or otherwise), you’ll need to discuss this upfront. Some celebrants charge extra for themed or customised outfits.

Florals, Decor and DJ Services

Some celebrants offer additional services, such as florals, decor, or even DJ services, which may be included in a package or charged separately. The cost of these services will vary based on the celebrant’s expertise and what they offer.

It’s essential to be transparent with your celebrant about what you need and want for your ceremony. As one celebrant shared, “Please let me know if you’re interested in any additional services, such as acting as your MC or offering a personalised ceremony element, at the beginning of the booking process. That way, we can discuss any costs upfront and avoid surprises.”

Celebrant – Josh of Josh Withers Wedding Celebrant, Photo by George Bowden Photography and The Elopement Collective

What Else Affects A Wedding Celebrant’s Fee?

Aside from the tangible parts of the service described above, the celebrant plays an invaluable role in setting the vibe for your day.

“As a celebrant, you are a facilitator of a space and an unofficial event manager,” says one celebrant. “You liaise with other vendors to ensure they have everything they need. Your celebrant is also the person who manages any unforeseen circumstances in the lead-up to and on the day of the ceremony. They’re responsible for creating a calm, grounded environment so you feel comfortable and confident to marry.”

The skill of crafting a beautiful ceremony is worth paying for. As one celebrant explains, “A bespoke ceremony takes time, energy, skill, attention to detail, creativity, and a lot of experience to execute beautifully. It tells your story in an entertaining way, includes your guests and loved ones, incorporates important rituals, and offers personalised support to help you write and perfect your vows.”

Behind-the-Scenes Costs

Professional celebrants invest considerable time, effort, and resources behind the scenes to ensure your ceremony runs smoothly. As one celebrant explained, “From the moment the inquiry hits my inbox, I’m already putting in time to create the perfect ceremony for you.”

Some “hidden” costs that contribute to the overall fee include:

• Annual Registration and Professional Development Fees: Celebrants must maintain their qualifications and stay updated on legal changes, which often requires ongoing training and membership in professional associations.
• Advertising and Marketing: To promote their services, celebrants incur costs like website maintenance, social media marketing, and advertising campaigns.
• Business Essentials: These include clothing, hair and makeup, appropriate for ceremonies, fuel, parking fees, and even the occasional coffee (or beer!) during client meetings.
•  IT Expenses: This covers the cost of computers, software, and tools for client communication, scheduling, and financial management. Tools like CRM systems and accounting software help ensure everything is organised and running efficiently.
• Public Liability Insurance: to cover legal protections during the ceremony.
• Presentation Certificates: These must often be purchased from the government and are used by celebrants to issue certificates to the couple on the wedding day.
• Equipment and Maintenance: From microphones and PA systems to laptops and other tech, celebrants invest in and maintain equipment to deliver a flawless service.

The Time Investment

“Admin time really adds up,” says one celebrant, noting that officiating a wedding involves far more than just showing up on the big day. From the initial inquiry to the final paperwork, the time spent on each wedding can range from 12 to 20 hours, depending on the ceremony’s complexity.

One celebrant adds, “It’s not 20 minutes, as your dear old Uncle might quip to me after I arrive hours before he does!” This doesn’t even include any additional travel time, which can add several hours, depending on the location of the ceremony.

The style of ceremony you choose can directly affect the amount of time your celebrant invests in preparing and delivering it. A full, unique ceremony that is totally customised with multiple meetings, script-writing, and paperwork can take 20+ hours of preparation. A streamlined ceremony – still personalised but simpler, involving fewer meetings – might take around 6-8 hours. A legal-only ceremony of just the legal aspects with minimal personalisation might take around 3-4 hours. Although the latter still involves necessary paperwork, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Not all celebrants will offer this option to larger guest lists.

As one celebrant wisely noted, “Your celebrant sets the tone for your entire wedding.” The right celebrant will not just officiate – they’ll craft a meaningful experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. So while the fee might seem high, it’s a reflection of the value, effort, emotion and care put into ensuring your ceremony is everything you’ve dreamed of.

Celebrant – Megan of Megan Jordan Celebrant, Photo by It’s Beautiful Here

How to Get the Most from Your Wedding Celebrant Budget

The good news is that it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on having a meaningful, memorable ceremony. While wedding celebrants’ fees can vary, there are plenty of ways to find someone wonderful who still fits within your price range.

One of the most effective strategies is to schedule your ceremony during off-peak times – think weekdays or earlier in the day. As one celebrant explains, “Some celebrants offer better prices for weekday work, or earlier in the day work. Typically, there are only so many weddings a year a celebrant can work, and there are only so many weekends in a year, so a weekday wedding, or an earlier-in-the-day wedding, means they can service your wedding and still make another prime time wedding booking that week.”

Another smart way to save is to choose a local celebrant who won’t need to charge extra for travel or accommodation costs that can quickly add up if they’re coming from out of town.

You can also consider simplifying the ceremony itself. Personalisation can be beautiful, but it often comes with a higher price tag. Elopements or “legals only” ceremonies, for example, can be special without stretching the budget. As one celebrant puts it, “Opt for a shorter ceremony or one with less personalisation. Some of the nicest marriages I have been a part of have been micro weddings, which have been short and sweet and minimally personalised, or legals only, where couples have met at a cafe, shared personal vows and finished with a long black.”

They add, “There’s a common misconception or myth that going to the registry office is the only way to have a lower-cost ceremony. What many people don’t realise is they can pay pretty much the same fee to a celebrant and have a much more personal ‘Legals Only’ experience, in any location they choose and with a little more guidance through the legal process.”

While it might be tempting to cut costs wherever possible, it’s worth thinking carefully before skimping on the celebrant. Their presence, storytelling skills, and ability to create a genuine connection with your guests can make all the difference. As one celebrant gently suggests, “A friendly reminder that the celebrant isn’t a place to skimp for your wedding – that small additional fee may go a long way in ensuring your ceremony is a huge hit with your guests, and memorable for all the right reasons.”

Many celebrants are happy to help connect couples with others in the industry. “I believe there is a celebrant for each couple…however, it’s worth remembering that just because you want that celebrant, it doesn’t mean they are within your budget!” shares one. “As celebrants, we talk to other celebrants. Often, if a couple comes to me loving my style but notes that I am out of their budget, I have a handful of Celebrants I can refer them to who will be within their budget.”

Celebrant – Kate of Celebrant Kate Photo by The Collective by Mark Davis

Final Words of Wisdom When It Comes to Wedding Celebrants and Budget?

Some golden advice from our celebrant friends: “The most important thing is that you find someone whose energy matches yours – and who can give you the ceremony experience you’re dreaming of. Everything else is just details.”

Another tip: “When you choose a wedding date before choosing a wedding team, every conversation with a vendor starts with ‘Are you available?’ My best advice is to choose your core team first – celebrant, photographer, florist, etc. – then work with them to find an available date. Otherwise, you risk booking vendors who aren’t the right fit.”

Finding the right celebrant is about more than price. “If you don’t connect with a celebrant’s vibe, it doesn’t matter how cheap they are – it’s still not the right fit.” Be clear about your priorities, what you can’t compromise on and where you can be flexible. “There’s a celebrant out there for every couple and every budget. Your perfect match is waiting!”

Do your research – ask your venue and other vendors for recommendations, check reviews, and get to know celebrants on social media. One celebrant advises, “Can you see yourselves in their marketing? Do they respect and affirm your relationship? Would you feel comfortable having a drink or coffee with them?”

“And… controversially, ASK the question. If you love a celebrant but they’re out of your budget, ask if there’s room to meet in the middle. This may mean being flexible with the date or time. I can become flexible when you are getting married at a venue I love, with a photographer I adore, and your day sounds like the most fun ever!” But, as one celebrant reminds us, “Be respectful if or when we say, ‘No, I’m unable to discount my celebrant fee.’”

Remember, “Your celebrant should make you feel confident, heard, and excited for the ceremony. They’re there to guide you and bring your ceremony to life in a way that feels meaningful to you both.”

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible contributing celebrants who shared their wisdom and insights: Zee Scott, Dee of Custom Celebrations By Dee, Megan of Megan Jordan Celebrant, Josh of Josh Withers Wedding Celebrant, Jamie & Cara of Brisbane City Celebrants and Kate of Celebrant Kate.

Header image: Dee of Custom Celebrations By Dee, Photo by Gold and Grit Photography