How much does a marriage celebrant cost?

For half an hour's work surely too much. As a critical player in a usually costly ceremony, certainly too little. As one fixed cost in a budget where things can blow out perhaps just about right.

As you can see, there are differing perceptions around the price a celebrant might charge. So before we get the actual amount, which of course, varies with the kind of service you want, let's focus on value.

Dirt cheap is not an option

A few couples want dead cheap, no-frills nuptials. It's possible to DIY most of the pricey extras and still retain some style. But I have never met a bride, at least, who want a dirt-cheap celebrant.

At the other extreme, some desire their dream wedding where (Dad's or someone else's) money is no object. Most of us are somewhere in between.

Even those on a tight budget want to be sure it will be someone they can rely on and who is presentable, personable and authoritative. Maybe even fun if that's what the couple wants.

For a celebrant, even the most straightforward ceremony is not 'half an hour's work.' First, there's time being rightly checked out by the couple.

More involved than you might think 

The celebrant's most important job is to insist and check the marriage is compliant with the laws of the land. Behind the scenes, several regulations ensure 'there is no legal impediment to marry.'

Then if there's the go-ahead, we have the initial paperwork and working together to develop a script and order of ceremony. Naturally, there'll be some to-ing and fro-ing to get everything right. 

There may be a rehearsal the day before so everyone knows what to do. The celebrant may liaise with the venue and photographer beforehand to ensure all are on the same page. If needed, they will develop a wet weather plan and assess various risks to cover their professional and legal duty of care. 

The celebrant must carefully prepare all the documents to be witnessed and signed. They will get to the site early to check all is well and set up their public address system and perhaps their signing table. They will liaise with the family and friends and keep a close eye on the time. And all this before the wedding even begins!

The costs like the duration of the ceremony can vary

Now comes the ceremony, which may vary between 20- 60 minutes depending on the elements such as music, readings and rituals. The celebrant is charged under the law to ensure the legal vows are spoken word perfect, and the couple and their witnesses appropriately sign the three wedding certificates. They will also have to manage the anticipation of the guests and deliver 100% on the expectation of the couple.

Even after they are declared man and wife, or whatever term they choose, the celebrant must pack up and drive home. After 14 days, they must mail the paperwork to their local registry of Births, Marriages and Death.

The cost of something not going right

So you can see it's far more, sometimes considerably more than half an hours work. I'm not including the lengthy time and cost in training and being authorised by the Federal Government, paying for insurances and registration etc.

Given the high costs of any wedding, I'd venture to say the celebrant's services should represent the best value of the day regardless of whether they are considered inexpensive or pricey. 

I say should because I'm assuming they do their job correctly and following the couple's wishes. The cost of the celebrant getting anything seriously wrong, i.e. being late, losing documents or not validly marrying the pair, do not bear thinking about. 

I have been to some outdoor weddings where the guy who laid out and put away the chairs got paid more than the celebrant. I don't do this work solely for money, there are many other rewards, but for a professional service, it must be sustainable.

Value is the word you should focus on and not just cost. Sure the exercise is expensive, perhaps frighteningly so, but it can be a false economy to be too cut-price about the celebrant. You wouldn't want them to be cut-price about their service?

How is the price worked out?

You may be quoted a fixed price for the whole ceremony regardless of how long or short, and there may be itemised extras for expenses such as travel. Regardless the pricing should be transparent, fair and, depending on your pocketbook, affordable. I know mine is.

So how much does it cost, you say? If such a thing exists, the average cost of a standard Sydney celebrant seems to range between $450 for a simple ceremony to $1200 for the top of the range service.

I'll quote you a price after we have scoped out the ceremony you want. There's no extras or surprises, and I guarantee it will represent excellent value