What should you ask a celebrant before you book them?
I think it’s important to meet with a marriage celebrant before you book them in. It gives you an opportunity to see if they’re the right fit for you and your wedding and to ask them a few questions.
So, aside from asking for their availability and a quote, what should you ask a celebrant before booking them for your wedding?
Based on my experience as a marriage celebrant, I’ve put together this list of questions you may like to ask when meeting with your potential marriage celebrant.
- What services are included in their fee? Do they have a contract or agreement for you to sign?
- What’s their stance on marriage equality? Some celebrants in Australia have opted to become ‘religious marriage celebrants’ and are not required to solemnise same-sex marriages (but must clearly identify themselves).
- Could there be additional fees or costs on top of the quote provided? For example, travel fees or late fees.
- Are they available for a wedding rehearsal? Is the rehearsal cost included in the quote?
- Do they have their own PA system?
- Can they provide you with sample wedding ceremonies and readings?
- What happens if they cannot attend the wedding? Do they have an emergency/back up plan?
- What’s their preferred method of contact?
- How often are they able to meet in person prior to the wedding? How often do they suggest you meet?
- Do they require any specific equipment for the wedding ceremony? For example, a signing table and chairs.
- Do they perform multiple wedding ceremonies a day? Is it possible they’ll have another wedding booked the same day as yours?
- What timeframe do you have to think things over? Can they put a tentative hold on your wedding date?
- What do they require from you to solemnise your marriage? For example, identification documents, forms and declarations.
- Would they be willing to negotiate price if you provide your wedding video to share on their website/social media?
- Do they have a referral discount? (Worth asking if they’re recommended by a friend or family member).
Phew! That’s all I can think of right now. Let me know if you have suggestions for other questions I might have missed.