What to Ask Your Celebrant in Your First Meeting

Choosing a celebrant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. Your celebrant sets the tone for the entire ceremony — and that ceremony is the heart of the day. Your first meeting is the perfect opportunity to see whether you click, ask practical questions, and make sure you’re in experienced, supportive hands.

If you’re not sure what to ask, here are ten of the most helpful questions couples raise in their first meeting with me — and why they matter.

1. What is your role as a celebrant — and how much contact will we have beforehand?

A celebrant’s role goes far beyond turning up on the day and saying a few words. I guide you through the entire process — from legal requirements to ceremony structure — and work with you to create a ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple. You’ll have regular contact with me in the lead-up to the wedding — whether via the My Celebrant app, email, phone, or meetings — to answer questions, provide guidance, and make sure you feel fully prepared and confident. The My Celebrant app is a free tool for you to use. It gives you and I a ‘to-do’ list as we plan your entire ceremony.

2. Will you write a personalised ceremony that is all about us as a couple?

Your ceremony should never feel generic. I take the time to get to know you — how you met, what you love about each other, and what matters most to you. Your ceremony is written from scratch and woven together with your story, your values, and the tone you want for your day. No templates, no copy-and-paste — just a ceremony that feels genuine and personal.

3. What’s your style — are you fun, serious, romantic?

Whatever it is, the way Every couple is different, and so is every ceremony. Some couples want light-hearted and relaxed, others prefer deeply romantic, and many sit somewhere in between. My style is warm, natural and engaging, and I adapt it to suit you. We’ll talk about what feels comfortable, what doesn’t, and how you want your guests to feel during the ceremony.you tell your story online can make all the difference.

4. When and how do we get the marriage licence?

I make this part simple. I use the My Celebrant App, which sends you a reminder at the right time and includes a direct link to apply for your marriage licence online. No guesswork, no stress — just clear guidance so everything is done correctly and on time.

5. We’re nervous about writing vows — will you help us?

This is one of the most common concerns I hear — and the answer is yes, absolutely. I provide guidance, examples, and prompts to help you write vows that sound like you. As a special keepsake, I turn your vows into beautiful vow cards for you to use on the day and keep forever.

6. Will you run a rehearsal for us?

Yes — and it’s incredibly important. A rehearsal helps calm nerves, answers last-minute questions, and gives everyone confidence about what’s happening on the day. It’s also a lovely opportunity for your special people to mix, connect, and get to know each other before the big day, especially if they haven’t met before.

7. Are you comfortable having our young children at the ceremony?

Of course! I’ve taught young children for many years and absolutely love having them involved in ceremonies. Children bring joy, honesty, and unpredictability — and that’s perfectly okay. Whether they’re walking down the aisle, helping with the rings, or doing their own thing entirely, I create space for them to be included in a relaxed and supportive way.

8. Do you provide a speaker, microphone, table, and chair?

Yes to all of the above. I bring a professional speaker and microphone so your guests can hear every word, as well as a table and chair for signing the marriage papers during the ceremony. It’s one less thing for you to organise.

9. Will you step aside so you’re not in our first kiss photo?

Absolutely. Before I invite you to share your first kiss as a married couple, I will have already moved aside so your photographer captures that moment perfectly — just the two of you, front and centre.

10. What happens if something unexpected goes wrong on the day?

Weddings are real life, and real life doesn’t always follow a run sheet. Whether it’s sudden weather changes, a late arrival, heightened nerves, or a small hiccup, my role is to stay calm, adapt quietly, and keep the ceremony flowing smoothly. I’ll guide you, reassure you, and make sure any changes feel natural — so you can stay present and enjoy every moment.

Your first meeting with your celebrant should leave you feeling reassured, excited, and confident. Ask the questions, trust your instincts, and choose someone who truly understands what your ceremony means to you.