We often use some terms that might look like they can be used for the same thing but actually not. “Marriage celebrant” & “civil marriage celebrant” can be one of them which seems so common. In Australia, however, you will know that they are actually different. So what is the whole thing behind Marriage Celebrant Vs Civil Marriage Celebrant? Read on and you will know each and every basis of the distinction between them.
Marriage Celebrant in Australia Vs Civil marriage celebrant in Australia
When planning a wedding in Australia, one of the key decisions couples need to make is choosing the right person to officiate their ceremony. The terms “Marriage Celebrant” and “Civil Marriage Celebrant” are often used, and while they might seem interchangeable, there are important differences to consider.
What is a Marriage Celebrant?
A Marriage Celebrant in Australia is a person authorised by the Australian Government to officiate weddings. This category includes both civil and religious celebrants. Marriage Celebrants are trained and registered to conduct legally binding marriage ceremonies.
They ensure that all legal requirements are met, including the signing and lodging of necessary paperwork.
What is a Civil Marriage Celebrant?
A Civil Marriage Celebrant, on the other hand, is a type of Marriage Celebrant who specialises in non-religious wedding ceremonies.
Civil Marriage Celebrants focus on creating personalised, secular ceremonies that reflect the couple’s unique story, values, and preferences. They offer flexibility and creativity, allowing couples to design a ceremony that truly represents them.
What makes these two different?
Now, when the idea of Marriage Celebrant Vs Civil Marriage Celebrant comes to mind, what makes them different must come too. So, here it is:
They might serve different types of ceremonies!
The very first difference is the kind of ceremony they serve. So what are the ceremonies we are talking about?
Marriage Celebrant: Now they could do both, religious and civil ceremonies. Religious celebrants conduct ceremonies according to specific religious traditions and rituals. Who are they mostly? They may be priests, ministers, rabbis, or other religious leaders.
Civil Marriage Celebrant: These celebrants conduct non-religious ceremonies. Their focus is on personalising the ceremony to suit the couple’s desires, often incorporating readings, vows, and rituals that are meaningful to the couple without any religious connotations.
How flexible is each one of them?
Civil Marriage Celebrants offer greater flexibility in creating a ceremony that is unique to the couple. They can incorporate various elements such as personal vows, cultural traditions, and symbolic rituals like sand ceremonies or handfasting.
Ummm..here one can expect less from the other. This level of customisation is often not available with religious Marriage Celebrants, who must adhere to specific religious protocols.
Legal Responsibilities
Both Marriage Celebrants and Civil Marriage Celebrants have the same legal responsibilities when it comes to officiating a wedding. They must ensure that:
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) is completed and lodged at least one month before the wedding.
- The couple meets all legal requirements to marry.
- The marriage ceremony includes the mandatory legal wording.
- The marriage is registered with the appropriate state or territory registry.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between a Marriage Celebrant and a Civil Marriage Celebrant in Australia can help you make the best choice for your wedding day. Whether you opt for a traditional religious ceremony or a personalised non-religious celebration, the right celebrant will ensure your wedding is meaningful, memorable, and legally recognised.
Take the time to consider your preferences, beliefs, and the style of ceremony you envision, and choose a wedding celebrant in Melbourne who can bring your wedding dreams to life.