How Much Should You Budget for a Wedding Celebrant in WA?
Planning a wedding in Perth, Bunbury, or anywhere in South West WA? One of the most common questions I get as a civil celebrant is: how much does a wedding celebrant actually cost in Western Australia, and what are you really paying for?
Let’s break it down with real numbers, expert insights, and everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision.
The short answer? It varies. The long answer? It depends on what kind of ceremony you want, how experienced your celebrant is, and how much support you’ll need from them along the way.
As a celebrant based in Bunbury, I work with couples across WA to create ceremonies that feel personal, relaxed, and fully legal. In this blog, I’ll break down the typical celebrant costs in WA, what’s included, and how to make sure you’re getting real value for your investment.
What’s the Average Cost of a Celebrant in WA?
Most professional wedding celebrants in WA charge between $700 and $1,500 for a fully personalised ceremony. According to recent data from the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants and national wedding directories like Easy Weddings, the average celebrant fee in Western Australia sits around $950 to $1,200.
If you’re after a registry style or legals only wedding, some celebrants (including me) offer these from $450 to $600. These ceremonies are short, sweet, and focused on meeting the legal requirements.
MC services are often available as an add-on or as part of a combo package. For a full Ceremony + MC experience, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600.
What Factors Affect the Price?
Celebrant pricing in WA isn’t just about the ceremony itself. While the wedding ceremony may only take 30 minutes, the average celebrant spends over 12 hours per wedding making it all happen. Here’s how that time usually breaks down:
1–2 hours: Initial consult, booking admin, and getting to know you
2–3 hours: Writing and personalising your ceremony from scratch
1–2 hours: Preparing, checking, and lodging your legal paperwork (NOIM, DONLIM)
1–2 hours: Communication with vendors, venue, and support with vows or logistics
1–2 hours: Optional rehearsal and travel (if booked)
3–4 hours: Wedding day arrival, ceremony time, and travel
Under the Marriage Act 1961, Authorised Civil Celebrants are legally responsible for verifying your identity, lodging your paperwork with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, ensuring both parties give free and informed consent, and overseeing the official signing of your marriage documents. Celebrants also pay annual registration fees and must complete yearly professional development through the Attorney-General’s Department to remain authorised.
When you pay for a celebrant, you’re investing in their legal knowledge, calm presence, professional gear, writing skill, and total time commitment. Pricing may also vary depending on:
Experience: Celebrants with years of experience and strong reputations may charge more.
Ceremony style: A simple elopement usually costs less than a fully personalised, story-driven ceremony.
Inclusions: Some celebrants offer a rehearsal, vow writing support, professional PA system, and signing table as part of their package.
Travel: Most celebrants include travel within 100km, with extra fees beyond that.
Day of the week: Weekday weddings or off-peak seasons may come with discounts.
A good celebrant doesn’t just show up. They prepare, personalise, and ensure your wedding is legal, meaningful, and seamless.
What’s Included in the Fee?
At Call That Celebrant, my packages are clear, flexible, and designed for real couples. Here’s what’s typically included:
A custom, story-driven ceremony that’s 100% legal
Lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
Full support with your marriage paperwork and ID checks
Unlimited emails and check-ins
Use of a professional PA system and signing table (if needed)
Travel within 100km from Bunbury
Submission of your legal documents to WA BDM after the wedding
Calm guidance, last-minute solutions, and backup plans
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, if you want a smooth, legal, and unforgettable ceremony.
The right celebrant brings more than a microphone and a script. You’re booking someone who creates the tone for your day, brings calm under pressure, and handles all the legal paperwork so you don’t have to. Investing in a professional celebrant means peace of mind, a personalised experience, and a ceremony that truly feels like you.
Pro Tip: Questions to Ask Your Celebrant Before You Book
What’s included in your fee?
Are there any extra charges (travel, weekends, MC duties)?
Can we meet before we book?
Do you offer both wedding and MC services?
What’s your process if we need to cancel or reschedule?
Final Thoughts
Choosing your celebrant is about more than cost. It is about connection, clarity, and feeling like your day is in safe hands. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a low key legals only wedding, I’m here to make sure everything runs smoothly, sounds amazing, and feels like you.
Ready to create a ceremony that’s legally sound, genuinely you, and stress-free from start to finish? Let’s chat and lock in your date.
Call That Celebrant © 2025 Elise is an Authorised Civil Celebrant based in Bunbury, providing relaxed, modern, and legally sound wedding ceremonies across Perth, Margaret River, Busselton, and South West WA. She specialises in wedding ceremony legal paperwork, helping couples complete and submit their Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), understand the Declaration of No Legal Impediment (DONLIM), and register their marriage through the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This blog is written to the best of Elise's ability based on the current Marriage Act 1961. If you have any questions or are unsure, always check with your local BDM office or get in touch with Elise for guidance.
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