KEY POINTS
- For marriage celebrant Marilyn Santiago, having the power to officiate weddings was an enticing and fulfilling prospect.
- In Australia, a 30-day notice is required before a couple can get married.
- The typical marriage celebrant cost ranges from $400-1500 in Australia.
Her inspiration to becoming a marriage celebrant
Marilyn's journey to becoming a marriage celebrant started with a simple invitation to a wedding. "I was invited to a wedding and got inspired. I wanted to become a marriage celebrant too," she recalls.
For her, having the power to officiate weddings was an enticing and fulfilling prospect. "I love to officiate weddings," she adds.
Despite having a full-time job, Marilyn did not let that stop her from pursuing her passion. She enrolled in a Certificate IV in Celebrancy course and completed it in six months.
"I took a course to become one. I finished the course in 2005 and got my registration in 2007," she shares. After two years of diligent effort, she officially became a registered celebrant.
The responsibilities of a marriage celebrant
Being a marriage celebrant comes with numerous responsibilities, and Marilyn ensures she fulfills them with dedication and heart:
Meet the couple: She takes time to get to know the couple personally and understand their desires for the ceremony.
Deliver the ceremony by heart: Marilyn delivers each ceremony with sincerity and heartfelt emotion.
Ensure valid paperwork: She meticulously checks all documents such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses, divorce papers, and other important documents to ensure everything is in order.
The typical marriage celebrant cost ranges from $400-1500 in Australia.
In Australia, a 30-day notice is required before a couple can get married.
"There is paperwork to fill out known as the Notice of Intended Marriage. After 30 days, on or after, they can get married," she explains.
It’s also possible for non-Australian citizens or permanent residents to get married, as there are no residency requirements for marriage in Australia.
Obtaining the legal marriage certificate
After the wedding, Marilyn provides the couple with a certificate they can keep.
"Once I register them online, I apply for their official certificate through Births Deaths and Marriages. After 2-7 working days, they receive their official wedding certificate," she explains.
Being a celebrant comes with its own set of challenges, such as unexpected weather changes. Marilyn emphasises the importance of having a Plan B. She has also officiated numerous same-sex weddings since same-sex marriage was legalised.
Civil vs. religious weddings
Marilyn outlines the differences between civil and religious weddings: "In a civil wedding, we follow a monitum and legal wordings. In a religious wedding, there are candlelight ceremonies, prayers, and Bible readings."
Although she is a civil celebrant, Marilyn accommodates requests for Bible readings depending on the couple’s wishes. "I allow it even as a civil celebrant, but it would be done in a park, not a church," she clarifies.
'Love Down Under' is a podcast series on SBS Filipino that explores love, relationships, and family stories.
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'I deliver the ceremony by heart': Marriage celebrant on officiating weddings
SBS Filipino
27/06/202423:15
