samantha-jayne-celebrant

Why Do Celebrants Charge What They Charge?

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:20:14 GMT

Why Do Celebrants Charge What They Charge?

This is honestly a fair question, and one that gets asked a lot.

When you're planning a wedding, you'll quickly realise there is a huge range in celebrant pricing. Some celebrants charge a few hundred dollars, while others charge a few thousand. So where do you even start?

From the outside, you're probably thinking, "Don't they just rock up with a microphone for 20 minutes and then bugger off?"

Fair enough. But the reality is, there is a lot more to being a celebrant than what you see on the day.

What Are You Actually Paying For?

You're not just paying for the ceremony itself.

You're paying for the planning, preparation, writing, admin, legal paperwork, communication, experience, support, and all the behind-the-scenes work that happens from the moment you book until the moment you're officially married.

You're paying for someone to answer your questions, guide you through the legal requirements, help with your vows, coordinate with your vendors, attend your rehearsal, create a ceremony that is actually about you, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

There are also the business costs that most couples never see. Things like registration fees, insurance, professional development, equipment, software, travel, memberships, and all the other bits and pieces that come with running a professional business.

A great celebrant does far more than simply read from a script.

They're guiding the flow of the ceremony, calming nerves, helping timelines stay on track, managing any hiccups that pop up, engaging your guests, and creating an experience that feels relaxed, personal and memorable.

What many couples don't realise is that a personalised ceremony doesn't take a couple of hours to put together. Depending on the level of support offered, a celebrant can spend anywhere from 10 to 25+ hours working behind the scenes on a single wedding. Between meetings, emails, planning, ceremony writing, legal paperwork, rehearsals, vendor communication and preparation for the day itself, there is a lot happening long before you walk down the aisle.

Why Do Some Celebrants Charge Less?

With so many great celebrants out there, you'll find a lot of different packages and pricing structures.

Some celebrants offer legal-only ceremonies, which are perfect for couples who simply want to complete the legal requirements and move on with the celebrations.

Others may offer fewer inclusions because celebrancy isn't their full-time gig. They may have another job and choose to take on a smaller number of weddings with a simpler service offering.

And that's completely okay.

There is absolutely a place for those celebrants, and for many couples that's exactly what they're looking for.

Why Do Some Celebrants Charge More?

Other celebrants, like me, offer the full bells and whistles experience.

That can include custom-written ceremonies, planning meetings, vow support, unlimited communication, rehearsals, guest engagement, professional sound equipment, online planning portals, travel, and sometimes MC services as well.

For me, being a celebrant isn't a side hustle, it’s my dream and it's how I bring home the bacon.

So, when couples book me, they're not just hiring someone to legally marry them. They're investing in someone who is there to support them throughout the entire process and deliver a highly professional experience from start to finish.

The other thing to remember is that your ceremony sets the tone for your whole wedding day.

It's often the first thing your guests experience. A great ceremony gets people laughing, crying, feeling connected and genuinely invested in your story. It creates a feeling that carries right through the rest of the day.

So How Much Should You Spend?

The short answer? That's completely up to you.

The longer answer is that it comes down to your priorities.

For some couples, a legal-only ceremony is all they need and want.

For others, the ceremony is one of the most important parts of the day. After all, if you don't have a celebrant there, are you even married? NO!

The most expensive celebrant isn't automatically the best fit. Equally, the cheapest option isn't always the right fit either.

What matters most is finding someone whose:

Personality clicks with yours;
Ceremony style feels natural to you;
Communication puts you at ease; and
Presence makes you think, "Yep, they're the one."

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong amount for a celebrant to charge.

Every celebrant runs their business differently, offers different inclusions, and brings their own experience and personality to the table.

My biggest piece of advice? Look beyond the price tag and understand what's actually included.

Because the best celebrant isn't necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive.

It's the one who makes you feel comfortable, supported, understood, and genuinely excited to have them standing beside you on one of the biggest days of your life.

And if you're currently on the hunt for your celebrant, I hope this has given you a little insight into the celebrant's side of things.

Toowoomba Park Weddings

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:11:12 GMT

Toowoomba Park Weddings

How Do I Get Married in a Park in Toowoomba?

If you're anyone who is anyone, you'll know Toowoomba is famous for its parks, cascading greenery and stunning flowers. We're not called the Garden City for nothing.

So, if you're thinking about taking advantage of one of Toowoomba's beautiful parks and getting married surrounded by nature, this blog is for you.

There is something pretty special about saying "I do" under a giant tree, with flowers blooming around you and fresh air replacing four walls and a ceiling. Park weddings can be absolutely beautiful, but there are a few things you should consider before locking one in.

Let's dive in and work out whether a Toowoomba park wedding is your vibe.

Why Couples Love Park Weddings

There are plenty of reasons couples choose a park wedding.

Beautiful natural backdrop

Often more affordable than a traditional venue

Great for intimate weddings

Plenty of room for guests

Minimal styling required because nature has already done the heavy lifting

But before you start picturing yourselves standing under the trees, there are a few practical things to think about.

Are You Comfortable with an Audience?

My first question to any couple considering a public space ceremony is this:

Are you comfortable with randoms watching your wedding?

Because they absolutely will.

Most people love a wedding, and innocent bystanders are definitely going to stop and have a little sticky beak.

If the thought of strangers watching you exchange vows makes you break out in a cold sweat, a public park ceremony might not be the best fit for you.

Ask yourself honestly – am I comfortable with that?

Public Spaces Come with Public Noise

When you get married in a public space, you're sharing that space with everyone else.

That means kids screaming, dogs barking, people walking past, lawn mowers, traffic noise, the smell of a nearby BBQ and all the other little surprises that come with the great outdoors.

My recommendation is to visit your chosen location around the same time and day you're planning your wedding.

Is there a Parkrun?
A weekly yoga class?
A busy playground nearby?

A little research now can save surprises later.

What's Your Plan B?

Or as I like to call it, your Plan Bullsh*t.

Because while we never want to use it, every outdoor wedding needs one.

What happens if it rains?
What happens if it's 40 degrees?
What happens if the wind decides to make an appearance?

You don't need to love your backup option, but you do need to be comfortable using it if Mother Nature has other plans.

Will the Space Fit Your Guest List?

This one sounds obvious, but it's worth mentioning.

Make sure the area you've chosen comfortably fits your guest numbers.

Nobody wants 50 guests crammed into a space clearly designed for 20.

Think about seating, standing room, access for elderly guests and where your vendors may need to set up.

Don't Forget the Permit

Now, this is probably the most important part.

I didn't mention it earlier because if you've already decided that random spectators, weather and public noise aren't for you, then a park wedding probably isn't your vibe anyway.

But if you've made it this far and you're still thinking, "Yep, I can handle all that," then your next step is checking permit requirements.

Depending on the park and your setup, you'll likely need approval from Toowoomba Regional Council.

The council recommends applying early to ensure your booking can be approved. Park private function booking

It's also worth noting that some parks have blackout periods during the Carnival of Flowers, particularly throughout September and October.

Popular Parks for Weddings in Toowoomba

Some of the most popular locations include:

Lake Annand Park

Laurel Bank Park

Newtown Park

Picnic Point Bushland Reserve

Queens Park

Waterbird Habitat

Peacehaven Botanic Park

How Much Does a Permit Cost?

At the time of writing, permit fees generally range from around $87 to $130 for a three-hour booking.

Can We Play Music?

Absolutely.

Acoustic instruments and battery-powered PA systems are generally permitted.

Just be mindful of the volume and respectful of other park users.

Can I Have Any Celebrant?

You sure can.

In fact, I know a pretty good one.

The only thing I ask is for a copy of the permit before the big day.

Final Thoughts

A Toowoomba park wedding can be absolutely magical.

If you're happy to embrace the beauty, flexibility and occasional unpredictability that comes with an outdoor ceremony, our parks provide some incredible backdrops for your special day.

Just make sure you've done your homework, secured the right permit, thought about your backup plan and chosen a space that suits your guest numbers.

Then all that's left to do is get married.

Easy.

Do We Even Need To Do Anything Now We're Engaged?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:55:42 GMT

Do We Even Need To Do Anything Now We're Engaged?

What You Need To Know About Getting Married in Australia

One of the first questions I get asked after a couple gets engaged is, "What do we actually need to do now?"

The good news? Not nearly as much as you think.

The legal side of getting married is super important, but it's not something you need to stress over. When you book me as your celebrant, I guide you through all of this and make sure everything is completed correctly and on time. You focus on being excited about getting married, and I'll focus on the paperwork.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Marriage in Australia?

In order to get married in Australia, you must:

Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage Form with your celebrant;

Not already be married to someone else;

Not be in a prohibited relationship (parent, grandparent, sibling etc.);

Be of marriageable age; and

Consent to and understand what marriage is.

Easy enough, right?

Now let's talk about the forms.

Before the Ceremony

Form #1 – Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

Fondly referred to as the NOIM by celebrants!

This form forms the basis for all of your legal paperwork and, as the title suggests, is a notice of your intended marriage.

This is by far my favourite form to fill out because every couple gets so chuffed after they've signed. It's the first of a few forms you'll sign to make your marriage legal. The way couples look at each other, smile and nod, just gets me every time.

Honestly, it's super easy to fill out. We usually catch up over a coffee or wine, fill it out together and I witness your signatures. I do need to sight evidence of your name and place of birth, but I'll dive into all the logistics when we meet.

And if you're not local, no worries, we can do it via an online video platform.

The NOIM is required to be lodged with your celebrant no later than one month before your intended marriage date and no earlier than 18 months before.

You don't need to hold onto it either – I do all of that for you.

Voila, first form done!

Form #2 – Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marry (DONLIM)

Yep, another form and another acronym.

This form is signed before the ceremony and confirms that you meet the legal requirements for marriage and that there is no reason you can't legally get married.

I usually get couples to sign this form during a separate consent meeting or right before the ceremony.

Easy done.

On the Day

Form #3 – Official Certificates of Marriage

And there are two of these!

Legally, we need to sign two official certificates of marriage on the day.

Traditionally, one stayed with the celebrant and the other was sent to Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). These days, celebrants lodge everything electronically through the BDM online portal, so the process is a little different.

It's a bit outdated in parts, but they'll catch up eventually.

To complete the legal paperwork, you'll also need two witnesses who appear to be over 18 years of age. They must be present during the ceremony and hear the ceremony take place.

Form #4 – The Commemorative Form 15 Marriage Certificate

Ahhh, the pretty one!

This is the certificate you receive on the day. It's official, it's beautiful and it's usually the one that ends up framed or tucked away somewhere safe.

What it can't do, however, is help you change your name. For that, you'll need to apply for the official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages after your marriage has been registered. And, wink wink if you hire me as your celebrant - I organise this for you too!

Also worth knowing – if your Form 15 is lost or damaged, it can't be replaced, so take good care of it.

After the Wedding

Honestly?

Nothing.

Just kick back, enjoy your honeymoon and enjoy being married.

After the ceremony, I lodge all the paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages, so you don't need to do a thing.

Once your marriage has been registered and you've received your official marriage certificate, you can go for gold and start changing your name on all the important things if that's what you're planning to do.

Long Story Short...

The legal side of getting married can sound like a lot when it's all written down like this, but honestly, it's one of the easiest parts of wedding planning when you've got a celebrant guiding you through it.

My job is to make sure everything is completed correctly, lodged on time and legally compliant.

Your job is to enjoy being engaged, get married and soak up every moment of the day.

Long story short? Hire me as your celebrant and I'll make sure it's all taken care of legally, professionally and stress-free.

samantha-jayne-celebrant

Why Do Celebrants Charge What They Charge?

Why Do Celebrants Charge What They Charge?

This is honestly a fair question, and one that gets asked a lot.

Toowoomba Park Weddings

Toowoomba Park Weddings

How Do I Get Married in a Park in Toowoomba?

Do We Even Need To Do Anything Now We're Engaged?

Do We Even Need To Do Anything Now We're Engaged?

﻿

What You Need To Know About Getting Married in Australia