Terms and Conditions – Celebrant Services Agreement

This document sets out the terms and conditions and service agreement between the Celebrant and the Couple ("Clients") for the provision of celebrancy services, payment of fees, and compliance with the requirements of the Marriage Act 1961 ("the Act") and Marriage Regulations 1963 ("the Regulations") for marriage ceremonies.

Commitment Ceremonies, Renewal of Vows Ceremonies and Naming Ceremonies are not subject to the provisions of the Marriage Act 1961 or the Marriage Regulations 1963.

Celebrant Services

The Celebrant will provide services as an Authorised Marriage Celebrant at the agreed fee in accordance with the Marriage Act 1961 and the Code of Practice (Regulation 37L) under the Marriage Regulations 1963.

For Commitment Ceremonies, Renewal of Vows Ceremonies and Naming Ceremonies, the Celebrant will provide services as a Civil Celebrant.

The Celebrant will perform the Ceremony at the agreed date, time and location and will arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the designated commencement time.

The Celebrant reserves the right to leave the ceremony location one (1) hour after the agreed commencement time if the Couple or Clients have not arrived and have not contacted the Celebrant.

Marriage Documentation

The Couple agrees to supply and make available all relevant and requested documents to the Celebrant within the required timeframes.

Two witnesses are required to sign the marriage documents on the day of the ceremony. Witnesses must:

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

  • Be present at the ceremony; and

  • Be arranged by the Couple or Clients.

Where possible, the names of the witnesses should be provided to the Celebrant before the ceremony date.

The Celebrant will provide a decorative Marriage Certificate on the day of the ceremony. However, the Couple should be aware that if they intend to change their name or require official proof of marriage, they may need to obtain an official registered Marriage Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages. The cost of obtaining this certificate is the responsibility of the Couple or Clients.

Public Ceremonies and Permits

Ceremonies conducted in public locations, including parks and reserves, may require permits and/or fees payable to the relevant local council or authority.

It is the responsibility of the Couple or Clients to obtain any necessary permits and approvals before the ceremony date.

Council Rangers or authorised officers may stop a ceremony if the required approvals have not been obtained.

Insurance

The Celebrant maintains current Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance. A Certificate of Currency can be provided upon request to the Couple, Clients or venue management.

Payment Terms

Payments may be made by cash, credit card or direct deposit.

All fees are payable in accordance with the payment schedule agreed between the Celebrant and the Couple or Clients.

Intellectual Property

The Couple agrees that they will not share, copy, reproduce or distribute any part of their written ceremony, ceremony script, or any sample ceremony materials provided by the Celebrant without the Celebrant's prior written consent.

Celebrant Unavailability

If, on the agreed ceremony date, the Celebrant is unable to perform the ceremony for any reason, the Couple or Clients will be advised as soon as reasonably practicable.

The Celebrant will make all reasonable efforts to arrange for another Authorised Marriage Celebrant to conduct the ceremony. Where applicable, all required documentation will be transferred to the replacement Celebrant to enable the ceremony to proceed.

Cancellation by Client

If the Client cancels the booking for any reason, the following cancellation fees will apply:

More than 6 months before the Ceremony Date

40% of the Total Fee is payable.

Between 4 and 6 months before the Ceremony Date

60% of the Total Fee is payable.

Less than 4 months before the Ceremony Date

100% of the Total Fee is payable.

The Client acknowledges that these cancellation fees represent a genuine pre-estimate of loss, including but not limited to:

  • Time invested in preparation and consultation;

  • Administrative work completed;

  • Reservation of the ceremony date; and

  • Loss of the opportunity to accept alternative bookings.

Any payments already made will be applied towards the applicable cancellation fee. If payments received are less than the cancellation fee payable, the outstanding balance must be paid within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.