Marriage Must Always Be a Choice: Why Your Celebrant Confirms Your Consent Before You Marry

When couples are planning their wedding, they often think about the fun parts – choosing a location, writing vows, deciding who'll walk down the aisle first, or whether the dog should be the ring bearer.

One thing many people don't realise is that, as your marriage celebrant, I also have an important legal and ethical responsibility.

Before I can marry you, I must be completely satisfied that both people are freely and willingly choosing to get married.

It's not just a box to tick. It's one of the most important parts of my role.

Marriage in Australia must always be by choice

Australian marriage law is very clear. Every person getting married must give their full and free consent.

That means each person understands they're getting married, wants to get married, and isn't being pressured, threatened or forced into saying "I do".

While the overwhelming majority of weddings I conduct are filled with excitement, love and genuine happiness, these legal protections exist for a very important reason. Everyone deserves to enter marriage because it's what they truly want.

What does your celebrant actually do?

As part of the legal process, I'll spend time getting to know both of you throughout the lead-up to your wedding.

We'll complete your legal paperwork together, have conversations about your ceremony, and I'll meet with you both before your wedding day.

These conversations aren't just about planning your ceremony. They also help me ensure that you're both entering into marriage voluntarily and understand the commitment you're making.

If I ever had genuine concerns that someone wasn't freely consenting, I couldn't simply ignore them.

It's about protecting everyone

Sometimes people worry that these conversations are intrusive. They're really not.

Think of it like any other important legal process. There are safeguards in place to protect people, and this is one of them.

Most couples probably won't even notice it's happening because our conversations feel natural. But behind the scenes, I'm fulfilling an important responsibility that helps ensure every marriage begins with respect, honesty and genuine choice.

Every couple deserves to feel safe

Marriage should never happen because someone feels pressured by family, culture, finances or expectations.

It should happen because two people have independently chosen one another.

As a celebrant, that's something I take seriously.

Creating a relaxed, supportive atmosphere isn't just about helping calm wedding nerves. It's also about making sure both people feel comfortable, heard and confident throughout the entire process.

More than just signing the paperwork

Being a marriage celebrant is so much more than standing at the front and reading a ceremony.

I'm responsible for ensuring all of the legal requirements are met, your paperwork is completed correctly, and that your marriage is valid under Australian law.

Confirming that both people freely consent to marrying each other is one of those responsibilities—and one I'm proud to uphold.

Because every great marriage should begin the same way:

With two people who are excited, confident and wholeheartedly choosing each other.

If you're planning your wedding and have questions about the legal side of getting married in Australia, I'm always happy to explain the process in plain English. My job is to make it feel simple, while making sure every legal requirement is taken care of so you can simply enjoy your wedding day. You can contact me any time about any questions you may have.

Take care, x