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THE CELEBRANTS ROLE A Civil Marriage Celebrant is appointed by the Australian Government's Attorney-General's Department and is authorised to solemnise marriages anywhere in Australia in accordance with the Marriage Act, 1961. Marriage Celebrants appointed since 2003 have undergone special training before being appointed. All Marriage Celebrants are required to undergo five hours of On-going Professional Development (OPD) per year so it is fair to say that most Celebrants are highly trained and qualified whether recently appointed or have many years' experience. Although, traditionally, marriages have taken place in religious establishments, Civil Marriage Celebrants offer you a professional option. A civil ceremony can be equally as emotional, extremely professional and sensitive and above all include your wishes for your special day. Civil Marriage Celebrants are professional people who will ensure that your special day is one to be remembered. They will officiate at formal, informal wedding ceremonies or themed ceremonies and, in most cases, are prepared to include some religious content which could be the reading of a prayer by a family member. Civil Marriage Celebrants will also work alongside the clergy. For instance there are occasions where a couple wish to have their marriage blessed by a Minister of Religion from their local church and providing that Minister is happy the celebrant will include this in the ceremony. Additionally, a Civil Marriage Celebrant will accommodate your choice of location for the marriage ceremony thus giving you total control of this special occasion. Marriage Celebrants are governed by a strict Code of Practice as set down in the Marriage Act.
Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants
(regulation 37L) 1. Application of this Code of Practice This Code of Practice applies to marriage celebrants (being persons registered under Sub-division C of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961). Note Under paragraph 39I(1)(b) of the Marriage Act 1961, if the Registrar of Marriage Celebrants is satisfied that a marriage celebrant has not complied with an obligation under section 39G of that Act, including this Code of Practice, the Registrar may take disciplinary measures against the marriage celebrant. 2. High standard of service A marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service in his or her professional conduct and practice. 3. Recognition of significance of marriage A marriage celebrant must recognise the social, cultural and legal significance of marriage and the marriage ceremony in the Australian community, and the importance of strong and respectful family relationships. 4. Compliance with the Marriage Act and other laws A marriage celebrant must: (a) solemnize marriages according to the legal requirements of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth); and (b) observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of the State or Territory where the marriage is to be solemnized; and (c) prevent and avoid unlawful discrimination in the provision of marriage celebrancy services. 5. General requirements for marriage ceremonies A marriage celebrant must respect the importance of the marriage ceremony to the parties and the other persons organising the ceremony. To that end, the marriage celebrant must do the following: (a) give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony that will meet their needs and expectations; (b) respect the privacy and confidentiality of the parties; (c) maintain appropriate facilities to interview parties and provide office facilities, including facilities for the secure storage of records; (d) within a reasonable time before the marriage ceremony: (i) confirm all details with the parties; and (ii) ensure the return of all personal documents belonging to the parties (unless it is necessary to keep the documents for the ceremony); and (iii) sign any necessary declarations; (e) if requested by the parties, conduct a marriage ceremony rehearsal; (f) ensure that his or her personal presentation is of an appropriate standard for the marriage ceremony, and respect the expectations of the parties in relation to the ceremony; (g) make efforts to ensure that the marriage ceremony is audible to all those present (using audio equipment, if required); (h) ensure accuracy in the preparation of documents, and in the conduct of the marriage ceremony; (i) arrive at the venue for the marriage ceremony no later than the time agreed with the parties; (j) if the marriage celebrant has agreed to perform more than one marriage ceremony on the same day: (i) ensure that the parties to each marriage receive a level of service that meets their separate and special requirements; and (ii) be available at the venue for each marriage ceremony at least 20 minutes before the agreed commencement of each ceremony (unless, in the case of consecutive ceremonies, the ceremonies are to be held at the same venue); (k) ensure that all relevant documents are completed and sent to the appropriate registering authority within fourteen days after the marriage ceremony, as required by Section 50 of the Marriage Act 1961; (l) in relation to the provision of marriage services, accept evaluative comment from the parties, and use any comments to improve performance; (m) give the parties information about how to notify the Commonwealth Attorney-Generalīs Department of any concerns or complaints they may have regarding the marriage services provided by the marriage celebrant. 6. Knowledge and understanding of family relationships services A marriage celebrant must: (a) maintain an up-to-date knowledge about appropriate family relationships services in the community; and (b) inform parties about the range of information and services available to them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationship.  |
