What types of wedding celebrants are there in Victoria? This is one of the first questions you might ask when planning your ceremony. When you’re planning a wedding in Victoria, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing your celebrant. Your celebrant doesn’t just guide you through the legal requirements—they set the tone for your ceremony and shape how the day begins. Whether you want something heartfelt and traditional or light-hearted and fun, the right celebrant will bring your vision to life.
The challenge for many couples is figuring out which celebrant feels like the right fit. That’s where it helps to understand the different types of wedding celebrants. In Australia, the government recognises a few official categories, but beyond that, celebrants come with a variety of personalities and styles. Knowing both sides—the legal categories and the personal styles—will make your choice much clearer.
The Types of Wedding Celebrants Australian Government Recognises
When you’re choosing your celebrant, it’s important to understand that only certain people are authorised to conduct weddings in Australia. The government regulates this closely to make sure your marriage is valid and legally binding.
Here are the four official types of wedding celebrants recognised by the Australian government:
- Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants – These are civil celebrants who conduct non-religious ceremonies. They’re one of the most popular choices for couples who want a flexible, personalised ceremony.
- Commonwealth-registered religious celebrants – Celebrants who are affiliated with a faith but also registered under Commonwealth law. They can conduct ceremonies in line with their religion while ensuring the marriage is legally recognised.
- Ministers of religion from a recognised denomination – Priests, ministers, or other clergy members who are authorised to perform weddings within their church or denomination.
- State and territory officers – In some cases, government officers may be authorised to perform marriages, though this is less common for most couples.
Each of these celebrants is responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are met—such as lodging your Notice of Intended Marriage and registering your marriage after the ceremony. Once you’ve decided which category suits your circumstances, you’ll be ready to think about style and personality. That’s often the most exciting part of finding the right celebrant.
The Types of Wedding Celebrants in Victoria
The truth is, even within the official categories, wedding celebrants bring their own personality and approach. Choosing one is less about “right or wrong” and more about finding someone whose style feels like a natural fit for your big day. Below are the personality types you’re most likely to encounter when meeting wedding celebrants in Victoria.
The Traditionalist
If you want a ceremony that feels timeless and elegant, The Traditionalist wedding celebrant might be exactly what you’re looking for. This celebrant type follows a classic structure, blending rituals and customs that give your ceremony a sense of gravitas and formality. You’ll know that every detail is handled with order and respect, which is especially reassuring if you have family who value tradition.
The Traditionalist is a perfect match for weddings held in formal venues such as churches, heritage halls, or manicured gardens. They bring a sense of dignity to the occasion, often incorporating wording or rituals that echo ceremonies from generations before. If your dream wedding involves walking down the aisle to classical music and exchanging vows steeped in tradition, this celebrant will make it unforgettable.
The Storyteller
Do you want your ceremony to feel like it’s truly about you as a couple? The Storyteller wedding celebrant takes time to get to know you, weaving your love story into the heart of the ceremony. From your first meeting to your wedding day, they’ll gather details that highlight your journey—from how you met to the little quirks that make your relationship unique.
With a Storyteller, your ceremony becomes deeply personal and engaging. Guests leave feeling like they’ve been part of your love story, not just spectators at an event. If you’d love your vows to be surrounded by stories that make your guests laugh, cry, and smile, The Storyteller will deliver a ceremony that feels truly unforgettable.
The Modern Minimalist
Some couples prefer a ceremony that’s sleek, contemporary, and straight to the point. The Modern Minimalist wedding celebrant is perfect if you want to focus on what matters most: your vows, your promises, and the legal elements. There’s no unnecessary filler—just a clean, stylish ceremony that reflects your personality.
This style works beautifully for city weddings, rooftop celebrations, or intimate registry-style settings. The Modern Minimalist keeps things streamlined without sacrificing meaning. If you’d rather skip long readings and rituals in favour of a short and impactful ceremony, this celebrant type will fit your day perfectly.
The Fun & Quirky
For couples who want their wedding to feel more like a celebration than a formality, the Fun & Quirky celebrant is the way to go. These wedding celebrants bring humour, energy, and creativity, ensuring your ceremony is full of joy and light-hearted moments. They might encourage guest participation or surprise you with a witty twist on tradition.
Fun & Quirky celebrants thrive at outdoor weddings, festival-style events, or themed celebrations. They’ll make sure your guests are laughing one minute and tearing up the next. If you want your ceremony to reflect your playful spirit as a couple, this celebrant type will turn your wedding into an experience to remember.
The Spiritual-but-Not-Religious
Maybe you want something meaningful without being tied to a specific religion. The Spiritual-but-not-religious celebrant creates a space that feels intentional and soulful, often blending mindfulness, symbolism, or rituals that resonate with you. Their ceremonies often feel grounded, reflective, and inclusive.
This style appeals to couples who feel connected to nature, spirituality, or values-based living. This type of wedding celebrant may include readings, meditations, or symbolic gestures that add depth without dogma. If you want a ceremony that honours your connection while welcoming guests of all backgrounds, this type strikes the perfect balance.
The Romantic Poet
If you’ve always dreamed of a wedding that feels cinematic and poetic, The Romantic Poet wedding celebrant will make your vision a reality. They use expressive, lyrical language to elevate the moment, making your vows sound like part of a timeless love story. Every word feels carefully chosen to capture the beauty of your relationship.
Romantic Poets are perfect for intimate weddings in beautiful settings like gardens, beaches, or candlelit spaces. Their ceremonies are heartfelt and artistic, designed to make your guests reach for tissues. If your ideal ceremony feels like it belongs in a love story, this celebrant type is the one for you.
The No-Fuss Legal-Only
Not everyone wants a big production on their wedding day. The No-Fuss Legal-Only celebrant is for couples who just want the paperwork handled without the extras. They make sure your marriage is legally binding with minimal fuss, often in a quick and simple setting.
This wedding celebrant style is perfect for elopements, second marriages, or couples who plan to celebrate later in another way. It’s about keeping things practical, stress-free, and to the point. If your focus is simply on being married without ceremony theatrics, this is the most straightforward option.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful moments of your life, and the celebrant you choose plays a central role in shaping it. By understanding the different types of wedding celebrants, from the official categories to the personality styles, you’ll feel more confident in making the right choice.
Take the time to consider what matters most to you. Do you want something traditional, light-hearted, minimalist, spiritual, or poetic? Once you’re clear on your vision, you’ll be able to find a celebrant in Victoria whose style feels like the perfect fit. After all, your wedding ceremony should reflect who you are as a couple—and the right celebrant will bring that to life.
And while your celebrant shapes the ceremony, your entertainment keeps the celebration going. To make things easier, we’ve curated a list of some of the best wedding entertainers not only in Victoria but across Australia. From live bands and DJs to comedians and specialty acts, you’ll find options that will keep your guests dancing, laughing, and celebrating long after the vows are exchanged.
