How to become a Civil Celebrant

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

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.

  • Average age
    Average age
    59 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Very strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    78% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    46 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,163
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Lower skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Higher Unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    20% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    1,000 workers
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
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