How to choose a celebrant…
Choosing a wedding celebrant is one of those decisions that doesn't always get the attention it deserves and then on the day, you realise it might be the most important one you made.
Your celebrant is the person who sets the tone of the ceremony, guides you through the nerves, makes sure the legal stuff is sorted, and delivers the words that everyone in that crowd will remember. So it's worth taking a beat to choose the right one.
If you're based in Toowoomba, Dalby, or anywhere across the Darling Downs, here's what I'd look for.
1. Make sure they're actually registered
This is non-negotiable. A marriage celebrant in Australia must be registered with the Attorney-General's Department. You can check the register online at ag.gov.au. If a celebrant isn't on that list, they cannot legally marry you no matter how lovely their Instagram is.
2. Do they actually listen to you?
The first conversation with a celebrant tells you a lot. Do they ask questions about you as a couple? Do they want to understand what kind of ceremony you're after? Or are they already pitching you their standard package before you've said ten words?
A great celebrant listens first and talks second. Your ceremony should be about you not a template they recycle for every couple.
3. Do they cover where you're getting married?
The Darling Downs is a big region - Toowoomba Dalby, Oakey, Chinchilla, Miles, Goondiwindi, Warwick and all the small towns in between. Make sure your celebrant is willing to travel to your venue, and ask upfront about travel fees. Some celebrants only cover a small radius. Others (like me!) love a road trip.
If you're planning a farm or rural property wedding, check they're comfortable with outdoor and regional settings and that they bring their own PA system.
4. Ask about the process
A good celebrant walks you through everything: the NOIM paperwork, vow guidance, ceremony structure, what happens on the day. You shouldn't feel like you're figuring it out alone. Ask them: "What does the process look like from when I book to when I say I do?" Their answer will tell you everything.
Questions to ask when you reach out:
Are you registered with the Attorney-General's Department?
What qualifications do you hold?
Can you travel to [my venue]? Are there travel fees?
Do you provide a PA system?
Can I see an example ceremony script?
I'm Angela — a Cert IV-qualified, BDM-registered celebrant based in Dalby. I cover Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, and all of South West QLD. All you have to do is ask and I will be there. Every couple I work with also gets access to a personal online planning portal to track progress, view documents, and stay in touch. If you'd like to have a chat about your wedding, I'd love to hear from you.
