Can my friend be my celebrant in Australia?
Celebrant: Kate Morgan
Photographer: Leo Farrell
At I Do Drive Thru, we specialise in getting you legally married with a fun story to tell your friends… Speaking of friends, why don’t you ask your bestie, your sister or just your loud Aunt Karen to marry you?
Our amazing marriage celebrants can meet you anywhere to sign the marriage certificate and you can follow with a ‘marriage ceremony’ where you can exchange vows, rings and lots of kisses, with your friend running the show!
Here’s everything you need to know about having a friend as your celebrant, and how it fits into the broader spectrum of celebrating your love with a low-cost, simple, and fun wedding.
What Makes a Friend an Ideal Celebrant?
Choosing a friend as your celebrant can make your wedding day even more special. After all, who better to lead you through the ceremony than someone who knows you both intimately? A friend can bring a personal touch to the proceedings, ensuring that your ceremony is both meaningful and mega fun. But can a friend legally be your celebrant in Australia? The answer is ‘No’, but with an I Do Drive Thru celebrant there to tie up the legals, your friend can lead the ceremony.
One way that our couples work this, is to have the legal elements handled earlier in the day by their celebrant either at home, or at any other convenient location. Then later on they rock up to their venue, park, restaurant or other wedding spot to enjoy the ceremonial part of the day.
Legal Requirements for celebrants in Australia
In Australia, a celebrant must be officially registered with the Australian Government to conduct weddings. This means that if you want your friend to officiate, they must first complete the necessary training and obtain registration as a marriage celebrant. Honestly, this is a long and expensive job, so it’s just better to just book your an I Do Drive Thru celebrant anywhere in Australia.
Why Opt for a Friend as Your Celebrant?
Personal Touch: A friend who knows your story can tailor the non-legal ceremony to reflect your relationship, making it more intimate and special.
Memorable: Having a friend marry you is surely a lifetime memory in the making. What an honour for your amazing friend?
Flexible and Fun: A friend can offer flexibility with scheduling and style, making the process faster and easier. If you’re aiming for a no-fuss, fast wedding, this can be a significant advantage.
Considerations for a Friend Celebrant
While the idea of a friend as your celebrant sounds great, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Ceremony Expectations: Discuss your vision for the ceremony to ensure your friend is comfortable and confident in delivering it. It’s essential that they understand the importance of their role and can handle it professionally.
Legal Paperwork: And remember a registered celebrant will need to be responsible for completing and lodging the legal paperwork required for your marriage. We only work with the most professional and economical and celebrants.
Alternatives for a Simple Wedding
If a friend isn’t the right fit or you’re looking for something different, there are other options. Many couples opt for just booking a celebrant and photography team at I Do Drive Thru and following with family & friend speeches at a party later in the day.
Elopement Packages and Option-Driven Celebrations
For those seeking a more tailored experience without breaking the bank, our elopement packages are an excellent choice. They’re perfect for couples who want a low-cost yet beautiful and personal celebration.
Celebrant: Klara McMurray
Photographer: Leo Farrell
Final Thoughts
Having your friend as your celebrant can be a wonderful choice, bringing personal touches and cost savings to your wedding day. Just remember, unless they are a registered marriage celebrant, you will need to get a professional to do the legal parts.
For more information on celebrants, elopement packages, and low-cost wedding options, visit I Do Drive Thru.
We’re here to help you plan a wedding that’s as special as your love story—fast, flexible, and full of joy!