A Civil Marriage Celebrant is appointed by the Australian Government's Attorney-General's Department and is authorised to solemnise marriages anywhere in Australia in accordance with the Marriage Act 1961.

Marriage Celebrants appointed since 2003 have undergone special training before being appointed. All Marriage Celebrants are required to undergo five hours of On-going Professional Development (OPD) per year so it is fair to say that most Celebrants are highly trained and qualified whether recently appointed or have many years' experience.

Although, traditionally, marriages have taken place in religious establishments, Civil Marriage Celebrants offer you a professional option. A civil ceremony can be equally as emotional, extremely professional and sensitive and above all include your wishes for your special day.

Civil Marriage Celebrants are professional people who will ensure that your special day is one to be remembered. They will officiate at formal, informal wedding ceremonies or themed ceremonies and, in most cases, are prepared to include some religious content which could be the reading of a prayer by a family member. Civil Marriage Celebrants will also work alongside the clergy. For instance there are occasions where a couple wish to have their marriage blessed by a Minister of Religion from their local church and providing that Minister is happy the celebrant will include this in the ceremony.