A Civil Marriage Celebrant is
appointed by the Australian Government's
Attorney-General's Department and is authorised to
solemnise marriages anywhere in Australia in
accordance with the Marriage Act, 1961.
Marriage Celebrants appointed since 2003 have
undergone special training before being appointed.
All Marriage Celebrants are required to undergo five
hours of On-going Professional Development (OPD) per
year so it is fair to say that most Celebrants are
highly trained and qualified whether recently
appointed or have many years? experience.
Although, traditionally, marriages have taken place
in religious establishments, Civil Marriage
Celebrants offer you a professional option. A civil
ceremony can be equally as emotional, extremely
professional and sensitive and above all include
your wishes for your special day.
Civil Marriage Celebrants are professional people
who will ensure that your special day is one to be
remembered. They will officiate at formal, informal
wedding ceremonies or themed ceremonies and, in most
cases, are prepared to include some religious
content which could be the reading of a prayer by a
family member.
Civil Marriage Celebrants will also work alongside
the clergy. For instance there are occasions where a
couple wish to have their marriage blessed by a
Minister of Religion from their local church and
providing that Minister is happy the celebrant will
include this in the ceremony.
Additionally, a Civil Marriage Celebrant will
accommodate your choice of location for the marriage
ceremony thus giving you total control of this
special occasion.
Marriage Celebrants are governed by a strict Code of
Practice as set down in the Marriage Act.
Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants
(regulation 37L)
1. Application of this Code of Practice
This Code of Practice applies to marriage celebrants
(being persons registered under Sub-division C of
Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961).
Note Under paragraph 39I(1)(b) of the Marriage Act
1961, if the Registrar of Marriage Celebrants is
satisfied that a marriage celebrant has not complied
with an obligation under section 39G of that Act,
including this Code of Practice, the Registrar may
take disciplinary measures against the marriage
celebrant.
2. High standard of service
A marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard
of service in his or her professional conduct and
practice.
3. Recognition of significance of marriage
A marriage celebrant must recognise the social,
cultural and legal significance of marriage and the
marriage ceremony in the Australian community, and
the importance of strong and respectful family
relationships.
4. Compliance with the Marriage Act and other
laws
A marriage celebrant must:
(a) solemnize marriages according to the legal
requirements of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth); and
(b) observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of the
State or Territory where the marriage is to be
solemnized; and
(c) prevent and avoid unlawful discrimination in the
provision of marriage celebrancy services.
5. General requirements for marriage ceremonies
A marriage celebrant must respect the importance of
the marriage ceremony to the parties and the other
persons organising the ceremony. To that end, the
marriage celebrant must do the following:
(a) give the parties information and guidance to
enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony
that will meet their needs and expectations;
(b) respect the privacy and confidentiality of the
parties;
(c) maintain appropriate facilities to interview
parties and provide office facilities, including
facilities for the secure storage of records;
(d) within a reasonable time before the marriage
ceremony:
(i) confirm all details with the parties; and
(ii) ensure the return of all personal documents
belonging to the parties (unless it is necessary
to keep the documents for the ceremony); and
(iii) sign any necessary declarations;
(e) if requested by the parties, conduct a
marriage ceremony rehearsal;
(f) ensure that his or her personal presentation is
of an appropriate standard for the marriage
ceremony, and respect the expectations of the
parties in relation to the ceremony;
(g) make efforts to ensure that the marriage
ceremony is audible to all those present (using
audio equipment, if required);
(h) ensure accuracy in the preparation of documents,
and in the conduct of the marriage ceremony;
(i) arrive at the venue for the marriage ceremony no
later than the time agreed with the parties;
(j) if the marriage celebrant has agreed to perform
more than one marriage ceremony on the same day:
(i) ensure that the parties to each marriage receive
a level of service that meets their separate and
special requirements; and
(ii) be available at the venue for each marriage
ceremony at least 20 minutes before the agreed
commencement of each ceremony (unless, in the case
of consecutive ceremonies, the ceremonies are to be
held at the same venue);
(k) ensure that all relevant documents are completed
and sent to the appropriate registering authority
within fourteen days after the marriage ceremony, as
required by Section 50 of the Marriage Act 1961;
(l) in relation to the provision of marriage
services, accept evaluative comment from the
parties, and use any comments to improve
performance;
(m) give the parties information about how to notify
the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department of
any concerns or complaints they may have regarding
the marriage services provided by the marriage
celebrant.
6. Knowledge and understanding of family
relationships services
A marriage celebrant must:
(a) maintain an up-to-date knowledge about
appropriate family relationships services in the
community; and
(b) inform parties about the range of information
and services available to them to enhance, and
sustain them throughout, their relationship.
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