Wedding Blog

“How do you choose a wedding celebrant?” is one of the most common questions asked by couples getting married in Australia. In this article, Jennifer Cram - The Inclusive Celebrant shares her expertise as an ex recruitment specialist on how to choose a celebrant and what questions to ask to find the perfect celebrant for you.

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How to choose a wedding celebrant

Let’s start by asking you, dear bride or groom to be, an awkward question. If you were looking for a solicitor, a tradie, or a doctor, would you be looking for a new friend or would your priority be someone who is good at their job, someone who takes the time to understand your needs, someone who is a good communicator? 

Take a moment!

Getting married is a serious undertaking that has far-reaching consequences because marriage changes your legal status and responsibilities. It affects so much – who your next of kin is, who can inherit your estate, and who you are legally obliged to support.

Make no bones about it, your celebrant can make or break your big day. Of course you want to put your ceremony in the hands of someone you like, someone you feel gets you. But you also need to be confident that that person is capable of delivering a ceremony that will be something special, and that they know their stuff, legally as well as ceremonially.

Time to trot out the tricks of the trade used by recruitment specialists when seeking someone to fill a critical position. Time to ask some penetrating questions. But first, you need to look at celebrant CVs (resumes).

When you apply for a job you are generally asked to send in your resume, and you may be asked to respond to some selection criteria to demonstrate the extent to which you meet the company’s specifications. If you don’t fit on paper, you’ll be weeded out, fast. This is a very efficient way of approaching what could be a sizeable number of applicants. They look for red flags, for reasons to toss your application on the reject pile. It is a last man standing methodology.

And it is a relatively easy way to go, because they know what the job consists of. What skills and experience it requires. But you, dear bride or groom to be, may not be across everything a celebrant does. So you have a couple of things you need to do before you start a serious search.

To find your perfect wedding celebrant, start by doing a little research. Image: Ayzia Jade Photography

First Step: Find out what comprises a celebrant’s job

I’m not suggesting that you read the Marriage Act (unless you’re heavily into boring bedtime reading), but you should do a bit of research into the legal requirements for marriage, what a celebrant’s legal role is, and what it takes to develop and officiate the ceremony. The Attorney General’s website is not a bad start. And a google search should turn up the information you need.

Second Step: Write a little list

Unless you live in a remote region, there will be dozens, if not hundreds, of celebrants in your area. While all authorised celebrants are required to abide by a code of conduct and to solemnise your marriage according to the rules of the Marriage Act, there is huge variation in how they go about the business of getting you married.

So it would be a good idea to have a discussion about what you want from your celebrant (perhaps a description of your “ideal celebrant” together with any deal-breakers) so that you can quickly narrow down the number of possibles. 

Do you want an upbeat and fun wedding celebrant, an elopement specialist, someone who’s adventurous, relaxed, helpful & organised, has plenty of experience or who will put you at ease on the big day?

Tip: Recruitment specialists approach each application looking for negatives. They know what the red flags and deal-breakers are for each job and look for those. This makes it easy to quickly weed out unsuitable candidates. 

Third Step: Let your fingers to the walking

A celebrant’s business listing is their advertisement but also their application for the job of being your celebrant. Using your list, scan celebrants in your region for your deal breakers and make a list of those still standing. Keep refining that until you get down to your top three or so. Then prioritise that list. The idea being that you make contact with your top pick first, check availability, and get a sense of them as a person. 

Hint: Back in the day when I was involved in interviewing applicants, I became quite famous for writing “Where’s the bloody evidence” next to extravagant claims made by applicants when addressing selection criteria. The interesting thing about Australian law is that while, in advertising, intentionally misleading or deceptive statements are illegal, puffery is not. Puffery is the term used for wild descriptions or claims that the legal pundits believe are unlikely to ever be thought of as true – for example claims to be the best, the most sought after, and similar boasts. In other words, extravagant claims for which evidence is lacking or inadequate because there is no comparative data or universal assessment process in place.

Image: PixieRos Photography

Fourth Step: Develop your questions

You will need two sets of questions. The first, basic availability questions that will be part of your initial approach. It’s a short list – Are they available on your date, and for your type and size of ceremony. And secondly, are they available for a ceremony at your venue. The second is important, particularly if some travel might be involved as many celebrants perform more than one ceremony on a day, particularly on the weekend.

The second set of questions is the probing ones you’ll ask when interviewing a short-listed celebrant. You’ll get the most useful responses if;

• You ask open-ended questions that can’t be answered by yes or no
• You test your assumptions by asking follow-up questions to either clarify or to expand on your understanding of what you are being told

Killer Questions a recruitment specialist would ask

1. What was your occupation/job before you became a celebrant and how has that fed into the way you operate as a celebrant? 

Why a recruitment specialist would ask this:

Recruitment specialists ask questions that will help them to get a sense of how well a candidate understands the role and its day-to-day requirements. They also want to find out whether the candidate’s skills match the job description and what they can do for the organisation overall. When you are hiring a celebrant how they answer this question should give you a sense of how they view their role, what their focus is, and whether their approach would be one you would be comfortable with.

Tip: Many celebrants either work full or part-time in another job, so you may need to tweak the way you ask the question to account for that.

2. How has the way you develop and perform a marriage ceremony changed over the period you have been a celebrant?

Why a recruitment specialist would ask this

Recruitment specialists ask questions that will help them get a sense of how flexible an applicant is, how nimble and open to change a candidate might be, and the extent to which a candidate is capable of introspection, analysis, and learning.

Tip: A good follow-up would be to ask How do you assess your performance as a celebrant?

3. What have you learned about weddings that has surprised you?

Why a recruitment specialist would ask this

Recruitment specialists ask questions that will help them get a sense of how deep the candidate’s understanding of the role is.

Tip: Inserting a question like this in the middle allows for a change of pace. That always helps as extra information is likely to be revealed when people are more relaxed.

4. What makes you a great celebrant and how does that set you apart from your competition?

Why a recruitment specialist would ask this

Recruitment specialists ask questions that will help them get a sense of how compatible the candidate might be with both the strategic imperatives and the culture of the organisation. How a celebrant responds to this question should give you an insight into their personality and the extent to which their values and style meet your requirements. 

Tip: Watch out for puffery! Good follow up questions would be asking for specific examples.

5. What do you do that is different from other celebrants?

Why a recruitment specialist would ask this

Where innovation is a key requirement, recruitment specialists ask questions that will help them get a sense of the extent to which a candidate can think outside the box and the extent to which a candidate understands relevant legal or ethical boundaries. How a celebrant answers this question may reveal both their focus and their understanding of both aspects of the celebrant’s role.

Tip: This question can also open the conversation to the nitty gritty of process. If it doesn’t, follow up by asking the celebrant to describe their process.

6. What questions do you wish we would ask you?

Why a recruitment specialist would ask this

We all know that one of the questions we are expected to be asked at the end of an interview is what we would like to ask the interviewer. Turning the question on its head by rephrasing it acknowledges that the celebrant is also assessing whether you are a couple that they would like to work with, but it also should give you a sense of their capacity to read you, and ensure that you come away from the interview with a full understanding of what is on offer, how it will be delivered, and how you will work together.

Last words of advice:

• Listen to your guts (both of you)
• Don’t be blindsided by shared interests, or similar tastes in food, drink, or sports – it is shared values that accurately predict the likelihood of success

Remember it is a two-way street. You’re hiring a partner, someone to work with you in creating a magic experience for everyone, including the two of you.

 Find your celebrant

This article was written by Jennifer Cram - The Inclusive Celebrant. Jenny is a wedding celebrant based in Brisbane. You can enquire with her here.

Cover Image: Jerome Cole Photography

Bali is one of the most exotic and sought after wedding destinations in the world. The rich culture, spectacular locations and scenic beauty make the island a popular holiday spot for domestic and international tourists alike, and a highly anticipated honeymoon destination for newlywed couples. But it is Bali’s stunning wedding ceremony and reception venues, their unique architecture, unique chapels and breathtaking location that make the island one of the most sought after wedding destinations on the globe. 

With a large number of domestic and foreign couples electing to marry in Bali, there are literally hundreds of wedding venues to take your pick from. Most couples jetting in for their wedding narrow down the choice of venues by deciding on a preferred region on and around the island. Bali is a large island (it takes around 12 hours to drive around it without stopping) and has a diverse cultural and topographic landscape that provides very unique wedding experiences depending on the region you choose.

The 6 regions below offer the best of Bali’s wedding experiences. If you’re looking for a destination wedding location in Bali, these are the regions where you’ll find the island’s best wedding venues and services.

Best 6 Places to Get Married in Bali

Batu Karang Nusa Lembongan Resort

Nusa Lembongan Island

At a small island lying off the Southeast coast of the main Island Bali, you’ll find the paradise utopia more commonly known as Nusa Lembongan. Quickly becoming one of Bali’s most popular attractions, this idyllic island is a world away from the frenzied pace of Southern Bali. Nusa Lembongan is a wedding destination for romantics, with breathtaking panoramic views across the Indian Ocean and luxurious accommodation and venues to host the most intimate occasion with your loved ones. 

With a high density of 5-star resorts and villas, Nusa Lembongan’s serene landscape and flawless facilities are perfect for those couples who desire all the comforts, complemented with friendly and attentive service. Nusa Lembongan is commonly the likelier choice of couples who wish to have a fancier, grander or more of a formal wedding, with the focus on an overall high-end guest experience. Accommodation at the island's best wedding resorts ranges from AUD $90 to $260 per night on average (via booking sites) and you could expect to pay around US $100 per person for an all-inclusive wedding package with catering and drinks.

Sunset at Nusa Lembongan Island. Image: Gold Hat Photography

The island is equally famous for its iconic sunrises & sunsets, and its pristine white beaches that offer views to mainland Bali and the magnificent Mount Agung. There's a great choice of wedding venues at Nusa Lembongan island, from eco retreats to thatch villas and resorts that you can hire exclusively for your extended wedding. Finding your perfect destination wedding venue in this region won’t be an issue at all.   

Nusa Dua 

Beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, seclusion, minimal crowds and a rich culture is what you’ll find in Nusa Dua. Being in its own Bali bubble, weddings in Nusa Dua are all about luxury experiences, beautiful beaches and local traditions. Whether visiting quiet and secluded beaches is your preference, or kicking your feet up poolside Nusa Dua is a guaranteed relaxing experience for holidays, weddings, honeymoons or simply a romantic break for two.

Being on the less commercial side of Bali (despite the convenient 30 minutes drive from bustling Kuta), daytime activities are a little more low key here. You can visit small shopping centres and daytime markets, browse the wares of many local talents, enjoy authentic street food or simply stroll along the shoreline. Swimming and snorkelling are popular daytime activities, Pandawa Beach offers kayaking and other water sports rentals and the area also has some challenging surf beaches.

There's loads of places for wedding guests to explore in Nusa Dua too. From beaches with huge limestone cliffs and impressive carved statues, to water blow holes, to fishing spots and golf courses.

Bali culture. A destination wedding in Bali offers a rich cultural experience.

Temples are a prevalent feature of the landscape in Nusa Dua and add to the rich culture of the region. There's also several galleries that display valuable artwork from across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Cultural events include the Nusa Dua Fiesta held every October which includes street parades and live performances of music, dancing and arts.

Nusa Dua is a popular location for small weddings and elopements with many wedding ceremony packages on offer. Prices range from approximately $1,500 to $7,000 depending on your venue choice and the type of ceremony you choose. Options include culturally sacred ceremonies, Hindu or Buddhist weddings, cliff top ceremonies, beach nuptials and waterfall weddings. 

The Ungasan Resort

Ungasan

Seamlessly blending into the greater Uluwata area, resting on the southernmost tip of the island -  Ungasan is notoriously known as one of the most scenic areas in Bali. She offers majestic clifftops with views for as far as the eye can see. The area combines peaceful rural surroundings with some of the most élite luxury resorts and clifftop villas the Island has to offer. 

One of the many architecturally spectacular ocean view wedding venues in Bali

Ungasan is also home to some of the most spectacular beaches on Bali Island, with pristine white sand shores and clear blue waters. Weddings are all about elegance and comfort here. Ungasan is the epitome of a seaside wedding sanctuary, offering discrete privacy and intimacy as well as world-class cuisines and luxurious accommodation and facilities.

Wedding guests will enjoy exploring Ungasan by the many tour options available. There’s a popular half day ‘hidden secrets’ jeep tour and a busy industry of private drivers that will escort you to less touristic spots in the region. Adventure lovers can explore the area from above by booking a paragliding experience.

Ungasan is a picture perfect setting for chilling out with a specially crafted beverage in hand, while watching the sun disappear behind the ocean line. It is a dream setting for a tropical and exotic wedding celebration, although it is not as cheap as other areas in Bali. 

The going rate for an all-inclusive wedding for 10 people in one of Ungasan's exclusive resorts is around AUD $16,000. For 70 people you could expect to be quoted around $50,000. The list of inclusions offered at these resorts is impressive, with accommodation and spa treatments for all guests included, a private butler, driver and nanny, wedding ceremony and reception and a host of smaller ticket items.

Ubud District

Ubud is a place where traditional Balinese culture infuses every waking moment and where colourful offerings decorate the streets. The area is a showcase of sustainable design, culinary inventiveness, mindfulness and a celebration of culture. Ubud is an inland destination without the beaches or cliff top views, but it is as visually spectacular in its green finery, as its coastal neighbours are with their ocean outlooks. 

The stunning inland waterfalls of Bali's Ubud District

A scenic hour drive from Bali’s coast and beaches, you will find the vibrant “one with nature” Ubud District. With blends of local tradition and contemporary style hidden amongst enchanting lush valleys, flowing waters and green foothills – Ubud lends its beauty to couples to make an oath and begin life together as one in an awe-inspiring intimate and romantic inland wedding ceremony.

Ubud offers plenty of exciting things to see and do before and after your wedding. From exploring ancient temples, palaces and archaeological sites, to visiting the local museums and galleries, to taking photos at the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest. Nature lovers will enjoy the 9km Campuhan Ridge Walk, shoppers will love the Ubud Art Market and the Bali Agung Show is a must see experience for those who enjoy the theatre.

Many couples choose Ubud for their destination Bali wedding for the unique inland tropical location. The green countryside and rice terraces make a stunning backdrop for wedding photos as do the waterfalls and pools. While most couples head to seaside resorts to celebrate their Bali wedding, there’s something magical and especially intimate about weddings in Ubud. 

With its natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere Ubud provides a sense of divine spirituality and connectedness. Planning a wedding is easy here too, with many wedding venues connecting you with experienced industry professionals to do all your styling and planning for you.

Simple ceremonies at Ubud's waterfalls are popular and usually cost between AUD $2,000 - $3,000. Traditional Balinese ceremonies start at around AUD $500. And a wedding ceremony and dinner for 20 people at one of Ubud's treetop venues with stunning valley views starts at AUD $3,600.

Seminyak 

Alila Seminyak in Bali

Often characterized as Bali’s most sophisticated and upscale beach resort, despite humble beginnings – Seminyak is now a very modern part of Bali. This world renowned beach resort area at the southern end of Bali, is home to many luxury villas, hotels, spas, restaurants as well as high-end shopping malls.

Compared to Ubud, there’s fewer things to do in Seminyak. But if a relaxed, casual beach setting in which to exchange your vows is what you’re after or an ultra-glamorous celebration with all the glitz and glams – Seminyak will be your ideal wedding destination. It’s the ideal location for couples who are in quest of a unique and relaxed location to celebrate love, be it a legal wedding or a commitment ceremony. 

Sunbathing is the popular sport in Seminyak. If you can muster the energy there’s also some wonderful boutique shopping on offer and the fine dining is some of the best in Bali. The region also has a chocolate factory, several escape rooms, surf beaches, temples and cooking classes on offer.

There is no more luxurious location to say “I Do”, set on a tropical island, in earshot of the Indian Ocean waves and with breathtaking sunsets than Seminyak. To give you a rough idea of the cost of a wedding ceremony in Seminyak, a well known international hotel chain offers ceremonies attended by up to 50 guests including two nights accommodation for up to 4 couples from AUD $5,000.

Sanur 

Sanur is the oldest, original beach resort destination on the whole island and yet, it never failed to lose its unique personality, tranquillity nor the traditional Balinese feel. The coastline of Sanur spans 8km of sand and includes several popular beaches that don’t get quite as congested as those in the tourist centre of Kuta.

Villa at a Sanur wedding venue

Away from the hordes of tourists, in Sanur people enjoy bicycle rides to the local markets or strolls from the villa to the beach. Lining long stretches of the clean shore, traditional jukung fishing boats rest in colourful arrangements on the sand. The beaches are perfectly safe for swimming and if you’re after the thrill of action there are plenty of water sport activities including the unique Bali Seawalker where you can walk underwater and experience the beautiful reefs and tropical marine life. 

Sanur’s coastal strip has a wonderful selection of resorts and hotels that offer a range of wedding packages which are on average, cheaper than in Seminyak. Connected by a paved footpath and cycle track, the Sanur beaches with the best wedding venues include:

• Keramas Beach
• Sanur Beach
• Sindhu Beach
• Mertasari Beach

Off the beach, villas in the area offer well-tended lawns, luxurious pools and traditional thatched-roofed pavilions. Perhaps the world’s most spectacular wedding pavilion is also situated here, providing an all-glass-enclosed, spectacular setting for weddings of up to 60 guests overlooking Sanur beach.

Ulu Cliffhouse, Bali

Bali is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations for many great reasons. The island is a tropical paradise with its stunning beaches and ocean views providing a picturesque backdrop against its lush greenery. The architecturally stunning chapels and glass pavilions. The impeccable landscaping and poolside lounges at its villas and resorts. And the culturally rich and diverse people and services. 

Bali is also one of the most affordable wedding destinations on the planet. Luxury weddings are not expensive in Bali and flights into the country are affordable too. For couples with guests travelling into Bali from a variety of places around the world, the island’s location and accessibility to flights is especially convenient.

If you’re planning on having a destination wedding or elopement, you’re all but guaranteed to find a stunning wedding venue in Bali, that fits well with both your budget and your preferences.