What to consider when choosing a celebrant

There are several things that an adventurous couple getting married in a wedding with a civil marriage celebrant should consider when booking a wedding celebrant:

1. Compatibility: It's important to find a celebrant who shares your values and vision for your wedding. Have a chat with your celebrant to see if you click and if they understand what you want for your special day. You want to have a similar worldview and outlook to your celebrant.

2. Experience: Look for a celebrant who has lots of experience conducting ceremonies in the type of setting you have in mind. They should be able to provide guidance and support in planning the logistics of your ceremony.

3. Fees: Be sure to discuss fees and any additional costs upfront to ensure there are no surprises. Spend as much as you need to get the celebrant you want, and spend as little as you can so you don't enter your wedding with regrets. You're not booking a rental car, this is a person who carves out time to care for you, about you, and to create something meaningful and epic for your marriage ceremony, so value them accordingly. You wouldn't ask a lawyer, surgeon, or hairdresser for a discount, you value their services and pay them appropriately.

4. Reviews: Ask the celebrant for testimonies, references or reviews from previous clients. This can give you an idea of what to expect from their services. Make sure that the reviews you are reading are from people with similar expectations as you.

5. Legal requirements: Make sure the celebrant is familiar with the legal requirements for getting married in your location, and that they are registered to perform weddings. Making sure they're a member of a professional body like the Celebrant Institute is a good start.

6. Personalisation: Look for a celebrant who is willing to personalise and create a unique ceremony to suit your preferences and style. This will make your wedding more meaningful and memorable.