The Celebrant Institute is Australia's leading professional celebrant support membership, offering the Certificate IV in Celebrancy, along with mentorship and support from Josh and Sarah.

The difference between religious ministers and civil celebrants

Posted by Josh Withers | Mar 2, 2023 | Our Guidelines to Australian Marriage Law | 0 |

Karen asks:

What are the differences/similarities, restrictions and allowances between a celebrant-led wedding and a church wedding, that is, by an ordained minister. I have noticed a lot of confusion and even ignorance about what can and can’t be done when the question of faith is raised. Can a celebrant read a biblical text, what constitutes a church and why can’t all ministers perform weddings? I am a civil celebrant who came from a faith background and I know, there are many others as well.

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About The Author

Josh Withers

Josh is a marriage celebrant since 2009, based on Australia's Gold Coast with his wife Britt and two daughters. With Sarah Aird he co-founded the Celebrant Institute and specialises in the business of celebrancy and the art of present and intimate ceremony.