Celebrant or BFF with a mic? How do I choose who marries us?

When it comes to who can legally marry you in Australia, the choice is actually pretty clear: only an authorised celebrant or a registered religious minister can legally conduct your wedding. That means as lovely as it sounds to have your best friend or sibling officiate, they can’t legally marry you unless they’ve gone through the official process to become a registered celebrant. So if you want your marriage to be recognised under Australian law, you’ll need a celebrant (civil or religious) on board.

That said, there’s still plenty of room for your loved ones to be part of your ceremony. Many couples choose to have a celebrant handle the legal side while a close friend or family member shares their love story, introduces readings, or even leads the emotional part of the ceremony. It’s the perfect way to keep things personal and legal — your celebrant handles the official bits, and your BFF with a mic brings the heart and humour.

As a celebrant, I love working with couples to create a ceremony that reflects who they are — which sometimes means sharing the spotlight! Whether it’s crafting a seamless flow between your friend’s storytelling and the legal vows, or helping your loved one feel confident speaking on the day, I’ll support the whole process so it feels natural and special. At the end of the day, it’s not about who says the most — it’s about making every word meaningful and creating a seamless, heartfelt experience that feels uniquely yours..

Wedding Venue: Lamont's Bishops House

Wedding Photography: West Creative

Wedding Planner: Jody Q Weddings

Celebrant: Anne Miller Marriage Celebrant