Which one should I choose: wedding celebrant or religious officiant?

We were married in a country church, and I’ve never dissuaded anyone from a religious wedding service.

There’s something about the setting, the music and the power of ritual which can make a big difference.

It, of course, helps if you have some faith, connection, or intent to raise any children in the religion in question.

Sometimes if the couple is from different faith groups, it’s easier for the families (though not always) if they chose a celebrant who is seen as neutral.

It’s for those couples who don’t tick these boxes or for reasons of their own values prefer a civil ceremony that celebrants were created.

In 2018 almost 80% of Australian marriages were conducted by a celebrant, so it’s a preference with majority appeal.

In 1961 Australia was the first nation to appoint non-clergy celebrants to ensure civil and religious wedding ceremonies were of equal status.

Ultimately the choice is yours. Some clergy may insist on a pre-existing connection with the church or whatever, such as attendance or prior baptism.

Some churches and priests are available on a far more commercial basis and advertise as such.

Celebrants are essentially free to conduct their ceremonies as they see fit but have to be careful not to stray into a priest’s territory.

Given the vast majority of marriages are now civil ceremonies, the celebrants must be doing something right!