What does a wedding celebrant actually do? (Hint: its more than you think)

If you think a wedding celebrant just stands up in front and says a few words, signs a paper or two, and tells you to kiss – I totally get it!

The truth is, a good celebrant is doing so much more behind the scenes to make a ceremony personal, meaningful and legally legit!

As a Sunshine coast celebrant and musician, I bring more than just paperwork – I bring the vibe, the heart, the humour (I hope) and the tunes… If you want them!

Here is a peek behind the curtain at what I actually do and why it matters so much to your wedding day.

The Legal Bits ( so you don’t have to stress)

Yep, getting married in Australia, Queensland to be more precise requires more than just saying “I do” truth be told – that’s not even a legal bit. 

As your celebrant, I take care of all the legal requirements including

• Lodging your Notice of Intended marriage (the NOIM as I refer to it)
• Making sure you speak the legal words in the right spot during your ceremony
• Prepare and submit all the official documents to Births, Deaths and Marriages
• Keeping you on track with the timing, ID checks and witness info

You get to relax and enjoy your engagement knowing I’ve got your back with all this stuff.

Creating the ceremony you want

I’ll get to know you both during our meeting, and ask heaps of questions about how you envision your ceremony to go and offer lots of guidance, especially because I know some people have never been to a wedding before. I get your vibe and turn the ceremony into something that feels like you.

Want a huge love story from the moment you meet to you both standing in front of me? Done.

Want something short but sweet still with some personalisation but not longer than 20 minutes? Also, done.

Want me to sing you down the aisle? Easy as!

I will help you

• Choose the right flow and structure 
• Include and rituals, readings and personal touches
• Guide you through writing your vows (or you could check out my kick arse blog about writing vows here : https://amandajensenweddings.com/2025/06/18/wedding-vow-tips/

On the day be the calm, confident vibe bringer

On the day, I am not just standing up there. I’m your

• Ceremony guide
• Soother of nerves
• Guest wrangler
• Microphone holder
• Vow passer
• Storyteller
• Tissue supplier
• Optional live musician 

I arrive early, make sure everything is good to go and bring the right mix of professionalism, calm energy and warmth to set the tone for your entire celebration.

Bonus : Celebrant and Musician in one

This is where things get fun!

If you want acoustic live music for your ceremony, I’ve got you cover. Except for the signing songs, they will need to be played over the speaker.

You don’t have to book a separate performer or stress about timings, Ill blend the music into your ceremony to flow and make it work.

Think

-Singing you down the aisle

-A live version of your first dance

-Background music as your guest arrive and mingle

It’s about more than the ceremony, it’s about the feeling

My job isn’t just to run through a script. It’s to create a space that’s warm, inclusive and a true reflection of your relationship.

Your ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the day, let’s make it fun, personal and full of love!

Planning a wedding on the sunshine coast or noosa?

If you’re planning a wedding in Noosa, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Gympie, I’d love to chat about how we can create something incredible together.

Whether you’re after a celebrant, a musician, or both, I’ll be there to make sure your day feels like you both. Relaxed, real, and unforgettable. From the legal bits to the love story to the last happy tear.

Ready to get started? Lets chat 

FAQs about wedding celebrants

How far in advance should we book our celebrant?

Most couples book their celebrants 9 to 18 months in advance, especially for the popular dates. If your date is soon, please reach out, because there is a one-month notice. If I’m free I’d love to help.

What legal documents do we need to get married in Australia?

Even though I service the Sunshine Coast and Noosa area all celebrants fill out the same paper work. The key document is the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), which must be lodged at least one month before your wedding. I’ll walk you through every step, so nothing gets missed. 

What happens if it rains or something needs to change last minute?

Don’t worry I am always calm in a crisis; I may spend the week before stressing about the weather but on the day that stress is long gone. I’ll work with you and your other vendors to help make adjustments, weather its moving the ceremony spot or changing the ceremony timing.

How long does a wedding ceremony usually go for?

That’s totally up to you! Most ceremonies I create are around 20–30 minutes, but I can tailor it shorter or longer depending on your preferences and the story we’re telling.

Can we include religious or cultural elements in our ceremony?

Of course. While I’m a civil celebrant, I fully support incorporating cultural traditions, spiritual rituals, or meaningful readings that reflect who you are. 

Do you do same-sex weddings?

Absolutely, proudly and wholeheartedly. Love is love, and I’m here for all of it.

What if we’re not great at public speaking?

That’s so normal! I’m here to support you. I’ll guide you through everything, including how to stand, when to breathe, and I’ll even hold your vows for you. You’ll never feel alone up there. Some couples want me off to the side, some want me by their sides the whole time.

Will we get to see the ceremony script beforehand?

Yes! I’ll write a custom script just for you and send it through for feedback before the big day. That way you can tweak anything that doesn’t feel like you.

Can you provide a PA system and microphone?

Yep, I bring my own professional-grade PA system, microphone, and even play your pre-ceremony music or aisle song if you’d like (live or pre-recorded). If you’re also booking me as your musician, I’ve got all the gear ready to go.

Do you help with the rehearsal?

Yes! If you choose a package that includes a wedding rehearsal, I’ll be there to guide you, your bridal party, and anyone else involved so everyone feels confident on the day.

Do you offer MC or reception music services too?

I do! As a wedding celebrant, musician, MC and DJ, you can book me for your full-day package or mix and match depending on what you need. It makes the day flow seamlessly and keeps the energy high from start to finish.