Thinking About Becoming a Celebrant to Marry a Friend or Family Member?
They Do vs Becoming a Celebrant
Becoming a celebrant in Australia can be a rewarding experience, giving you the chance to legally marry a friend or family member. But, the reality is that becoming a registered celebrant involves significant costs, time commitments, and ongoing requirements. Before you commit to this path, consider whether it’s the best option for you. Below, we’ve laid out a clear comparison to show how our services at TheyDo might be a simpler and more cost-effective choice.
What Does It Take to Become a Celebrant in Australia?
If you’re thinking about marrying a loved one, you might have considered becoming a registered celebrant. However, here’s what’s involved:
• Training and Certification: In Australia, you need to complete a government-accredited course, which is both expensive and time-consuming. A typical Certificate IV in Celebrancy costs around $1,500 to $2,500
• Government Costs: After completing the training, there are registration fees to be paid to the Australian government. The first-year application and registration fee is approx. $570.00
• Ongoing Fees: Once registered, you’ll need to pay yearly renewal fees and complete professional development to maintain your celebrant status. The yearly registration fee is $170.00 and you must complete compulsory professional development (PD) every year.
• Time Investment: Aside from the upfront costs, becoming a celebrant also means investing time in preparing for each wedding and managing legal paperwork. For someone who isn’t familiar with the legal paperwork, this can take up to 5 hours and any mistakes will results in failed marriage registration.
Cost Comparison: Becoming a Celebrant vs. Using TheyDo’s Services
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you weigh the costs and time commitment of becoming a celebrant against using TheyDo’s streamlined services:
| Item | Becoming a Celebrant | Using TheyDo Services |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Training Cost | Around $2,000 AUD | N/A |
| Government Registration Fee | $570 AUD | N/A |
| Ongoing Costs | Annual fee of $170 AUD + professional development costs | N/A |
| Time to Complete Training | 6-12 months | N/A |
| Time Spent Preparing Each Ceremony | Several hours per wedding | Minimal time for consultation |
| Legal Paperwork Handling | Managed by you | Fully handled by TheyDo |
| Total Estimated Cost for One Wedding | $2,570 AUD + ongoing fees | Starting from $890 |
For more information, please visit: https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/marriage/become-marriage-celebrant
If you’re considering becoming a celebrant just to marry your friends or family, it’s important to factor in the significant costs and time commitments involved. Becoming a celebrant can cost upwards of $2,570 AUD, and you’ll also need to invest months in training and handling legal obligations.
With TheyDo, you get all the benefits of a personalised ceremony, but without the hassle of becoming a registered celebrant. We handle all the legal aspects of the wedding, so your friend or family member can focus on what really matters: creating a meaningful and personal experience. This makes TheyDo the more affordable and time-saving option.
Is Becoming a Celebrant in Australia Worth It for One Wedding?
If you’re only planning to officiate one or two weddings, the cost and time involved in becoming a celebrant can be hard to justify. That’s where TheyDo comes in! Our services offer a stress-free alternative, allowing you to still play a significant role in the wedding without needing to jump through legal hoops.
Conclusion
Becoming a celebrant may seem like a great idea at first, but for most people, it’s not worth the investment for just one wedding. Before you commit, consider using TheyDo’s celebrant services. We take care of all the legal requirements while your loved ones get to lead the ceremony.
Make the smart choice—choose TheyDo and let’s make your wedding day personal, meaningful, and completely stress-free.
