As a Celebrant What Do I Actually Do?

Written By Frank Servello

The Hidden Work Behind a Seamless, Unforgettable Ceremony**

If you’ve recently started planning your wedding, you’re probably discovering just how many moving parts go into creating a ceremony that feels effortless, heartfelt, and completely “you.”
And if you’re like most couples I work with, at some point you’ll say:

“We had no idea a celebrant does THIS much!”

It’s one of the most common lines I hear — and honestly, I love that moment. Because it means you’re realising something important: a great celebrant is much more than the person who shows up, stands at the front, and says a few words.

Behind every smooth and memorable ceremony is hours (and often weeks or months) of planning, legal preparation, storytelling, and coordination.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes of what I actually do to make your ceremony calm, organised, personal… and truly unforgettable.

1. I Guide You Through All the Legal Requirements

Before we even get to the love story, there’s the legal backbone of the ceremony. As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant, I:

  • Help you complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) accurately

  • Check and verify your ID and legal documents

  • Explain the one-month requirement and your timeline

  • Assist with any special circumstances or exemptions

  • Prepare all documents required for your marriage to be legally recognised

  • Lodge your marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages

Most couples don’t see this part — but they feel it. When the legal side is handled properly, you can relax and enjoy the emotional part of the day.

2. I Get to Know You as a Couple

A personalised ceremony doesn’t happen by accident.

I take the time to ask real questions about:

  • How you met

  • What you love about each other

  • Your quirks, strengths, inside jokes

  • Your shared adventures

  • The moments that changed everything

  • What marriage means to you

  • What you want your ceremony to feel like

This isn’t just note-taking. It’s story-building.
It’s how I transform your relationship into a narrative that feels warm, authentic, and true to who you are.

3. I Craft a Ceremony That Fits You

No two couples are the same — and no two of my ceremonies ever look or sound alike.

Your ceremony may include:

  • Your personalised love story

  • Cultural elements or traditions

  • Family involvement

  • A unity ritual

  • Readings

  • VIP acknowledgements

  • Humour (if that’s your vibe!)

  • Soft, romantic storytelling

  • A modern, minimal, no-fuss structure

  • Something completely unique that we design together

Every script is written from scratch.
Every detail is intentional.

4. I Help You Write (or Edit) Your Vows

Vows are often the part couples stress about the most — and that’s completely normal! I guide you by:

  • Providing vow templates and examples

  • Giving you a structure to follow

  • Helping you find the right tone

  • Editing your vows so they flow beautifully

  • Ensuring they’re balanced — equal length, equal tone

  • Keeping your vows secret from each other (if you want!)

Your vows should feel personal, emotional, and deeply you — not a Google copy-and-paste job.

5. I Coordinate With Your Vendors

A great ceremony requires teamwork.

On the day, I liaise with:

  • Your photographer and videographer (for angles, timing, positioning)

  • Your musician or DJ (for aisle entry, signing music, exit track)

  • Venue staff (for layout, backup plan, logistics)

  • Your bridal party (for cues and confidence)

  • Your florist or stylist (for the signing table setup)

This ensures everyone is aligned, the ceremony flows naturally, and no one is left guessing.

6. I Calm the Nerves (Yours and Everyone Else’s)

Whether it’s the couple, the parents, or the bridal party — nerves are real, and they show up right on schedule.

I help by:

  • Going over the flow one more time

  • Guiding the walk-in

  • Reassuring the groom/partner waiting at the front

  • Keeping the energy warm and calm

  • Providing big-picture perspective (“This is all happening because you love each other — nothing else matters.”)

Your ceremony should feel like a safe, warm bubble. I help create that.

7. I Lead the Ceremony With Heart, Warmth, and Presence

When the music starts and everyone turns around… that’s when my front-facing role begins.

My job is to:

  • Hold the space for everyone

  • Make your guests feel included

  • Tell your story with heart and respect

  • Guide you through every moment

  • Set a tone that feels authentically YOU

  • Ensure the ceremony flows seamlessly

  • Create an atmosphere where laughter, tears, and joy happen naturally

This is the part couples remember years later.

8. I Handle the Signing, Witnesses, Documents, and Lodgement

While the photos and smiles continue, I:

  • Make sure all documents are signed correctly

  • Check names, dates, times and details

  • Confirm your witnesses

  • Explain what happens next

  • Complete your marriage registration

  • Lodge everything with the appropriate authority

Once again — you don’t see this part.
But it’s what makes your marriage official.

9. I Leave You With a Fully Personalised, Beautiful Ceremony Experience

A great celebrant does more than “officiate.”
We create an experience.

One that feels:

  • Warm

  • Personal

  • Professional

  • Organised

  • Emotional

  • Joyful

  • Memorable

And one that reflects the two of you perfectly.

In the End… It’s So Much More Than Just “Saying the Words”

By the time we reach the aisle, I’ve already done hours — sometimes months — of work.

And when your ceremony wraps up, I want you to feel two things:

“That felt so us.”
and
“We couldn’t have imagined it any other way.”

That’s what a celebrant actually does.
And for me — it truly is the best job in the world.

Frank Servello
Next

Can We Write Our Own Vows?