How to Choose a Wedding Celebrant: 10 Expert Tips from Sydney Marriage Celebrant, Michael Janz

Choosing the right Sydney Marriage Celebrant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. Your ceremony can’t be repeated — it deserves to be personal, meaningful, and delivered by someone who truly understands you.

While there are five legal sentences that must be included, everything else should reflect your story, your style, and your vision. It’s your ceremony, not your celebrant’s.

As a Sydney Celebrant based in Randwick, working across the Eastern Suburbs, Sydney Harbour, North Shore and my favourite Sydney wedding venues, here are the 10 things I encourage every couple to consider.

1. Meet the Celebrant Before You Decide

The best way to know if a Celebrant is right for you is to meet them.

I offer a no‑obligation meeting so we can get to know each other. You can see whether I’m the right fit, and I can understand your needs, style, and expectations. I’m happy to travel to you, and I provide a comprehensive wedding planning kit at our first meeting.

2. Check the Celebrant’s Availability

Some celebrants book multiple ceremonies in one day. That can mean delays, rushing, or stress you don’t need.

I only conduct one wedding per day. Your ceremony gets my full focus, energy, and attention.

Sydney Marriage Celebrant, Michael Janz celebrating Brittany and James' North Head, Manly Wedding

4. Choose a Celebrant with a Proven Reputation

Reviews matter — but they need to be credible.

Look for:

Verified reviews
Testimonials on reputable platforms
Videos of ceremonies so you can see their style in action
A professional website with real examples of their work

A strong reputation shows consistency, professionalism, and genuine care.

5. Make Sure Their Personality Fits Yours

Your Celebrant will stand beside you at one of the most emotional moments of your life. You should feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident with them.

A meeting or even a phone call will quickly tell you whether the connection feels right.

6. Look for Professionalism

Professionalism shows up in the details.

Consider whether the Celebrant:

Responds promptly
Has a professional website
Uses high‑quality equipment (PA system, microphone, music setup)
Dresses appropriately
Has reliable transport
Communicates clearly and respectfully

As a full‑time Sydney Wedding Celebrant, professionalism is at the heart of everything I do.

7. Choose a Celebrant Who Keeps Learning

Celebrancy evolves — and so should Celebrants.

Look for someone who:

Attends training and workshops
Is part of celebrant networks
Invests in improving their craft

I never stop learning. Every couple teaches me something new, and I bring that experience into every ceremony.

8. Consider Their Experience — But Look Deeper

Experience matters, but years alone don’t guarantee quality.

What matters more is:

How they use their experience
Whether they personalise each ceremony
Whether they’ve grown, adapted, and refined their approach

A Celebrant with 10 years of doing the same thing isn’t the same as a Celebrant with 10 years of evolving.

9. Check the Celebrant’s Location

A local Celebrant can be convenient, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

I’m based in Randwick in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, and I happily travel across Sydney — beaches, parks, harbour venues, private homes, and beyond. Unless a flight is required, I don’t charge extra for travel.

10. Understand the Celebrant’s Fees

A Celebrant’s fee should reflect their service, preparation, professionalism, and the quality of your ceremony.

I offer a flat, all‑inclusive fee with no hidden extras. This includes:

professional Bose PA system
High‑quality recorded music for your ceremony
All meetings, planning, and support
A personalised, beautifully crafted ceremony

No surprises. No add‑ons. Just exceptional service.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding ceremony sets the tone for your entire day. Choosing the right Sydney Marriage Celebrant ensures your ceremony is warm, personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

If you’re planning a wedding in Sydney, the Eastern Suburbs, the North Shore, or any of my favourite Sydney venues, I’d love to meet you and help create a ceremony that feels truly yours.