TERMS OF SERVICE
Marriage Celebrant | Master of Ceremonies | Wedding Coordinator
Operating Throughout All Australian States and Territories
Version: May 2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This document constitutes a legally binding contract. By signing the Booking Form, you agree to all terms contained herein. Please read this document carefully in its entirety before signing. If you do not understand any provision, please seek independent legal advice prior to signing.
This contract covers three distinct service categories, each of which may be engaged separately or in combination:
Part A – Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant Services
Part B – Master of Ceremonies (MC) Services
Part C – Wedding Coordinator Services
Only the Parts that correspond to the services selected on the Booking Form are binding on the parties. Parts A, B, and C are also subject to the General Terms in Part D, which apply to all services.
PART A – MARRIAGE CELEBRANT SERVICES
THE CELEBRANT AGREES
To provide Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant services to the Clients in accordance with the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) and the Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants, as amended from time to time.
To attend and conduct the ceremony at the time, date and place specified in the Booking Form, subject to these Terms.
To advise the Clients as soon as reasonably practicable if the Celebrant is unable to conduct the ceremony for any reason, and to use all reasonable endeavours to arrange a replacement registered marriage celebrant.
If the Celebrant is unable to perform the ceremony due to illness, injury, bereavement, family emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the Celebrant's reasonable control:
to refund to the Clients a negotiated amount reflecting work already completed; or to compensate the replacement celebrant from monies already paid, whichever is appropriate; and
to pass the Notice of Intended Marriage and all relevant documentation to the replacement marriage celebrant in a timely and appropriate manner.
To use her best endeavours to arrive at the venue no less than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony time. If the Celebrant experiences transport difficulties (including but not limited to traffic delays, vehicle breakdown, or accident), the Celebrant will bear the cost of alternative transport arrangements, such as a rideshare service, where reasonably practicable.
THE CLIENTS AGREE
To pay the Celebrant's fee in accordance with the Fee Schedule attached to the Booking Form, specifically:
the non-refundable Booking Fee (50% of the total fee), payable upon signing this agreement; and
the balance of the fee, no less than one (1) calendar month prior to the wedding date.
⚠ NOTE: All payments must be made by direct deposit to the Celebrant's nominated bank account, or by such alternative method as agreed in writing. If full payment has not been received by the due date, the Celebrant will not attend or conduct the ceremony and the Cancellation Policy in clause A.12 will apply.
That they have engaged the Celebrant for a specific date, time and location as stated in the Booking Form. Any change must be notified to the Celebrant immediately and confirmed in writing.
If the date and/or time of the ceremony is changed:
the Booking Fee will be applied toward the new date or time; and
the quoted fee schedule will stand, provided: (i) the new date and/or time is within 12 months of the original date; and (ii) the Celebrant is available for the new date and/or time.
If the location of the ceremony is changed, the Celebrant reserves the right to review and reissue the Fee Schedule, including the addition of a travel or accommodation fee.
If the Celebrant is unable to conduct the ceremony due to a change in date, time or location, the Celebrant may terminate this agreement and:
retain the non-refundable Booking Fee; and
if a draft ceremony script has been provided to the Clients at the time of the change, the Celebrant may retain or charge an additional $300 for preparation work completed; and
if the change occurs after a rehearsal has taken place, the Celebrant may retain or charge an additional $20 for administrative costs.
⚠ NOTE: If a change is made on the wedding day itself and the Celebrant cannot accommodate it, no monies will be refunded.
Cancellation Policy: If the ceremony is cancelled by the Clients:
with less than one (1) calendar month's notice before the ceremony date, and the full balance has been paid, no monies will be refunded;
with more than one (1) calendar month's notice, the Clients must pay 50% of any outstanding balance owed in addition to the forfeited non-refundable Booking Fee.
The Clients acknowledge that this agreement relates to a legal marriage under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). The minimum legal requirements for a valid marriage ceremony are the presence of the Celebrant, the two parties to the marriage, and two adult witnesses. Guest attendance and venue features are not legal requirements.
The only circumstance under which this contract is legally frustrated is where restrictions imposed by law or a Government authority with jurisdiction prohibit the performance of marriage ceremonies entirely. Where restrictions merely reduce the number of permitted guests, restrict certain activities (including dancing), or impose other conditions, but do not prohibit marriage ceremonies, this contract remains in full force and effect. If the Clients wish to cancel in such circumstances, clause A.12 applies.
Where applicable Government restrictions necessitate a postponement and marriage ceremonies remain lawful:
an additional non-refundable Booking Fee may be charged for the rescheduled date;
the Clients agree to contact the Celebrant immediately after liaising with their venue regarding potential rescheduled dates;
if the Celebrant is unavailable for the rescheduled date, the Celebrant will use reasonable endeavours to source an alternative celebrant; and
the original Booking Fee is non-refundable if the Celebrant is unavailable for the rescheduled date.
The Clients acknowledge that the Celebrant has explained the legal requirements for a valid marriage and they agree to comply with all obligations requested by the Celebrant.
The Clients agree to provide accurate and complete information to the Celebrant at all times, and acknowledge that providing false declarations or information in connection with a marriage is a criminal offence carrying a penalty of up to four (4) years' imprisonment under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth).
The Clients agree to provide all original documentation required by the Celebrant (including any accredited translation documentation) no less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the wedding date. Failure to provide required documentation within this timeframe means the ceremony cannot proceed and the Celebrant will not attend. No refund will be payable.
The Clients acknowledge that any replacement celebrant must also sight all original documents prior to the ceremony.
Where the Celebrant reasonably considers that prevailing weather or emergency conditions (including but not limited to extreme heat, fire, flood, storm or other natural disaster) in the vicinity of or en route to the ceremony pose a material risk to her safety, her equipment, or her vehicle, she reserves the right to delay attendance, relocate, or not attend until such risk has passed. The Celebrant will use all reasonable endeavours to attend and to communicate any changes to the Clients promptly.
If the ceremony is to be relocated to an alternative venue due to inclement weather, one of the Clients must notify the Celebrant by telephone (not by text message or email) no less than three (3) hours prior to the scheduled ceremony time to allow the Celebrant adequate time to travel and prepare documentation.
The Celebrant will take all reasonable steps to protect her equipment, documents and certificates from damage caused by weather or other adverse conditions. The use of the Celebrant's PA system is subject to favourable conditions and will not be used where, in the Celebrant's sole discretion, the unit may be exposed to damage by persons or the elements.
The Celebrant will use her best endeavours to ensure the PA system is fully charged, functional and tested prior to the ceremony. The Clients acknowledge that technical equipment may malfunction without fault of the Celebrant, and the Celebrant accepts no liability for PA system failure arising without negligence on the Celebrant's part.
If either Client has not arrived at the venue within thirty (30) minutes of the agreed ceremony start time, or if the ceremony cannot proceed for reasons outside the Celebrant's control, the Celebrant reserves the right to leave. In such circumstances:
the Clients will contact the Celebrant to agree on an alternative time and place for the ceremony, which will incur an additional fee payable in advance; and
if the Celebrant remains at the venue and the ceremony proceeds, an additional fee of $50 per 30 minutes of delay will be charged, payable prior to the ceremony commencing.
If any delay not caused by the Celebrant results in the Celebrant incurring additional costs (including but not limited to parking fines or extended parking fees), the Clients will reimburse the Celebrant for such costs.
The Celebrant accepts no liability for the late commencement of a ceremony arising from the late arrival of the Clients, their attendants or their guests.
The Clients agree to:
not arrive at the ceremony appearing to be intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or any other substance; and
ensure that both nominated witnesses are aged 18 years or over and appear sober and not under the influence of any substance at the Celebrant's sole discretion, failing which alternative witnesses must be nominated.
⚠ NOTE: The Celebrant is not lawfully authorised to solemnise a marriage where any party appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of any substance. The assessment of intoxication is at the Celebrant's sole and absolute discretion.
The Clients bear all costs for any items required for the ceremony (including symbolic ritual items) purchased by the Celebrant on their behalf.
If the Clients fail to provide information requested regarding their ceremony content (after the draft script has been reviewed) no less than 72 hours prior to the ceremony, decisions regarding ceremony content will be made at the Celebrant's discretion.
The Celebrant may use photographs and video footage from the ceremony (subject to photographer/videographer permissions), and client testimonials, in her promotional materials, including her website, social media, and other marketing collateral. The Clients may withdraw this consent in writing at any time prior to the ceremony.
PART B – MASTER OF CEREMONIES (MC) SERVICES
The following terms apply where the Celebrant has been engaged to provide Master of Ceremonies services. These terms are in addition to, and do not replace, the General Terms in Part D.
B.1 – Scope of MC Services
The Celebrant agrees to provide Master of Ceremonies services at the wedding reception or event as specified in the Booking Form. The MC service is a separate service to the Marriage Celebrant service and is subject to its own fee as detailed in the Fee Schedule.
The scope of MC services includes:
pre-event consultation to discuss the run sheet, timing, speeches, and the Clients' preferences and expectations;
arrival at the venue no less than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of MC duties to liaise with the venue coordinator, AV technician, and other relevant suppliers;
introducing and facilitating the flow of the reception program in accordance with the agreed run sheet; and
introducing speakers, making announcements, and guiding guests through the event program.
The Celebrant's MC service does not include the following unless expressly agreed in writing and reflected in the Fee Schedule:
script writing beyond a standard run sheet facilitation;
DJ or music management services;
event management or supplier coordination on the day; or
on-the-day coordination duties (refer Part C).
B.2 – Run Sheet and Client Responsibilities
The Clients agree to provide a finalised event run sheet to the Celebrant no less than seven (7) days prior to the event date. The run sheet must include the names of speakers and their correct pronunciations, the intended order of events, and the anticipated timing of each segment.
The Celebrant will prepare her MC script based on information provided by the Clients. If information is incomplete or inaccurate, the Celebrant accepts no responsibility for errors in introductions, announcements or timings arising from such omissions.
The Clients acknowledge that the Celebrant is not responsible for enforcing the run sheet or managing delays caused by guests, speakers, venue staff, or other suppliers. Any resulting delays are not the Celebrant's responsibility.
The Clients agree that decisions made by the Celebrant in her capacity as MC during the event (including changes to the order of events, timing adjustments, or editorial decisions made in real time) are made at her professional discretion and in the best interests of the event's smooth operation.
B.3 – Speeches and Content
The Clients acknowledge that the Celebrant does not review, pre-approve or take responsibility for the content of speeches or remarks made by wedding guests or other speakers.
The Celebrant reserves the right to exercise professional discretion in managing the conduct of the reception, including curtailing a speech or segment that, in her reasonable opinion, has become offensive, harmful, unlawfully discriminatory, or excessively lengthy to the detriment of other guests or the program.
The Celebrant will not facilitate, introduce, or present any content that, in her reasonable opinion, is defamatory, discriminatory, harassing, or contrary to law.
B.4 – MC Fees, Cancellation and Variation
The MC fee is as specified in the Fee Schedule. A non-refundable booking fee of 50% of the MC fee is payable upon signing. The balance is due no less than one (1) calendar month prior to the event date.
If the event is cancelled by the Clients:
with less than one (1) month's notice, no monies paid will be refunded;
with more than one (1) month's notice, 50% of any outstanding balance is payable as a cancellation fee.
If the event date, time or location is changed, the provisions in clauses A.9 and A.10 (adapted to the MC service) apply.
If the event runs significantly beyond the anticipated finish time through no fault of the Celebrant, and the Celebrant is required to remain, an additional hourly fee of $250 per hour (or part thereof) beyond the agreed finish time will be charged. This fee will be invoiced and payable within 7 days of the event.
⚠ NOTE: The Celebrant will not remain at the venue beyond a reasonable time where her personal safety or wellbeing is at risk, or where the event environment has become unreasonably hostile or unsafe.
B.5 – MC – Limitation of Liability
The Celebrant accepts no responsibility or liability for:
the conduct, content or duration of speeches delivered by guests or third parties;
delays or disruptions to the reception program caused by venue staff, other suppliers, or guests;
technical failures relating to venue AV equipment, music systems, or third-party microphones; or
the general satisfaction of guests with the reception program or its flow where disruption arises from causes outside the Celebrant's control.
The Celebrant's liability for any claim arising out of MC services is limited to the total MC fee paid by the Clients.
PART C – WEDDING COORDINATOR SERVICES
The following terms apply where the Celebrant has been engaged to provide Wedding Coordinator services. These terms are in addition to, and do not replace, the General Terms in Part D. The Celebrant is acting in the capacity of a professional coordinator and not as a licensed agent, event manager, or financial advisor.
C.1 – Scope of Coordination Services
The Wedding Coordinator service tier engaged by the Clients is as specified on the Booking Form and Fee Schedule. The Celebrant offers the following coordination tiers (select applicable):
On-the-Day Coordination: Management of the wedding day timeline, supplier liaison on the day, ceremony and reception run sheet management, and venue setup oversight;
Partial Planning: As above, plus assistance with supplier recommendations, reviewing supplier contracts (review only — not legal advice), and vendor management in the lead-up to the wedding; or
Full Planning: Comprehensive wedding planning from engagement to event, including concept development, budget guidance, supplier sourcing and management, venue selection, timeline creation, and full on-the-day coordination.
The exact scope of services for the selected tier is detailed in the separate Coordinator Service Scope document forming part of this agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the Coordinator Service Scope and these Terms, these Terms prevail.
Any services requested by the Clients that fall outside the agreed scope will require a written variation to this agreement and may attract additional fees.
C.2 – What the Coordinator Does Not Do
The Clients acknowledge that the Wedding Coordinator service does not include and the Celebrant accepts no responsibility for:
legal or financial advice of any kind;
the performance, quality, or reliability of any third-party supplier engaged by the Clients, regardless of whether the supplier was recommended by the Celebrant;
the review, drafting or negotiation of supplier contracts (any contract review provided is purely administrative and does not constitute legal advice);
insurance advice or the arrangement of wedding insurance; or
any services not expressly described in the agreed Coordinator Service Scope.
C.3 – Client Responsibilities in Coordination
The Clients agree to:
respond promptly to communications from the Celebrant regarding planning tasks, decisions or supplier information, ideally within 48 hours of contact;
make all final decisions regarding suppliers, styling, menu, and event elements — the Celebrant's role is to facilitate and advise, not to make binding decisions on the Clients' behalf;
ensure all suppliers are contracted and paid directly by the Clients unless otherwise agreed in the Coordinator Service Scope; and
notify the Celebrant promptly of any changes to the guest list, venue, or key event elements that may affect coordination planning.
The Celebrant will not be held responsible for outcomes resulting from the Clients' failure to make timely decisions, provide required information, or respond to the Celebrant's communications within a reasonable timeframe.
If the Clients engage a supplier that the Celebrant has not been informed about, and such engagement affects the coordination plan, the Celebrant accepts no liability for any resulting issues.
C.4 – Supplier Recommendations
Any supplier recommendations made by the Celebrant are provided in good faith based on the Celebrant's professional experience. The Celebrant makes no warranty, representation or guarantee as to the suitability, quality, reliability, or performance of any recommended supplier.
The Clients are solely responsible for conducting their own due diligence on any supplier before engaging them, reviewing all supplier contracts, and making payment arrangements directly with suppliers.
The Celebrant does not receive commissions, referral fees, or financial benefits from any supplier referral unless this is disclosed in writing on the Booking Form. Where a disclosed referral arrangement exists, this will not affect the Celebrant's obligation to act in the Clients' best interests.
C.5 – On-the-Day Coordination
The Celebrant will attend the venue on the wedding day at the time specified in the agreed run sheet to commence on-the-day coordination duties.
The Celebrant will liaise with venue staff, suppliers and wedding party members to facilitate the smooth running of the event in accordance with the agreed timeline. However, the Celebrant cannot compel third parties to comply with the agreed timeline and accepts no liability for delays caused by third parties.
If a key supplier fails to perform on the day (including but not limited to caterers, photographers, florists, or entertainment), the Celebrant will use reasonable endeavours to assist in resolving the situation but is not liable for supplier failure, the cost of replacement suppliers, or any loss arising therefrom.
The on-the-day coordination service concludes at the time specified in the agreed run sheet or Coordinator Service Scope. If the Clients require the Celebrant to remain beyond the agreed time, an additional hourly rate of $250 per hour (or part thereof) will apply, invoiced and payable within 7 days of the event.
C.6 – Coordinator Fees, Cancellation and Variation
The Coordinator fee is as specified in the Fee Schedule. A non-refundable booking fee of 50% of the total Coordinator fee is payable upon signing. The balance is due no less than one (1) calendar month prior to the event date, or as otherwise specified in the Fee Schedule for multi-stage planning packages.
For Full Planning packages, a milestone payment schedule will be set out in the Fee Schedule and forms part of this agreement. Failure to pay milestone payments by the due date may result in suspension of services until payment is received.
If the event is cancelled by the Clients:
with less than one (1) month's notice, no monies paid will be refunded;
with more than one (1) month's notice, 50% of any outstanding balance owed is payable as a cancellation fee in addition to the forfeited Booking Fee.
If the event date or location is changed, the Celebrant reserves the right to review and reissue the Coordinator fee schedule, including charges for additional planning work required as a result of the change.
If the Celebrant is unavailable for a rescheduled event date (including where cancellation is caused by Government restrictions that do not frustrate the contract), the original Booking Fee is non-refundable.
C.7 – Coordinator – Limitation of Liability
The Celebrant's liability arising from the provision of Wedding Coordinator services is limited, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the total Coordinator fee paid by the Clients.
The Celebrant is not liable for:
any loss, damage or disappointment arising from the failure, poor performance or non-attendance of any third-party supplier;
indirect, consequential, or economic loss of any kind;
loss arising from the Clients' failure to obtain appropriate wedding insurance; or
any event, circumstance or outcome beyond the Celebrant's reasonable control.
The Clients are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive wedding insurance prior to the event date to cover supplier failure, cancellation, and public liability risks.
PART D – GENERAL TERMS (ALL SERVICES)
The following terms apply to all services provided under this agreement, regardless of which Parts are engaged.
D.1 – Health, Safety and Welfare
The Celebrant prioritises her own health and safety. In the event that the Celebrant is unable to perform any agreed services due to illness, injury, mental health incapacity, or a family emergency, the Celebrant will notify the Clients as soon as reasonably practicable and use best endeavours to arrange a suitable substitute.
If a suitable substitute is arranged and accepted by the Clients, the Celebrant's liability is limited to the reasonable cost of facilitating that arrangement from fees already paid.
The Clients agree to ensure that the Celebrant is provided with a safe working environment at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, adequate shelter from the elements, safe access to the venue, and protection from harassment or threatening behaviour from guests.
If the Celebrant, in her sole and reasonable opinion, considers that the working environment poses a risk to her health, safety or dignity, she reserves the right to cease providing services without penalty and without refund of fees paid.
D.2 – Children and Guest Conduct
The Celebrant accepts no liability for damage to property, personal injury, or disruptive or offensive behaviour of children or adult guests prior to, during or after any service.
The supervision of children attending the event is the sole responsibility of the children's parent(s) or carer(s). The behaviour and conduct of adult guests is the Clients' responsibility.
The Celebrant accepts no liability for diminished service quality resulting from disruptions caused by children or adult guests.
D.3 – Intellectual Property
All ceremony scripts, MC scripts, run sheets, planning documents, timelines, and other written materials prepared by the Celebrant remain the Celebrant's intellectual property. The Clients are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use such materials solely for the purpose of their event.
The Clients may not reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the Celebrant's materials without prior written consent.
D.4 – Confidentiality
The Celebrant agrees to keep confidential all personal and sensitive information provided by the Clients, including medical information, family circumstances, and financial details, and will not disclose such information to any third party except as required by law or with the Clients' written consent.
The Clients acknowledge that the Celebrant may be required by law to disclose certain information (such as suspected fraud or criminal conduct) to relevant authorities.
D.5 – Privacy
The Celebrant collects personal information from the Clients for the purpose of providing the agreed services and complying with legal obligations (including under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)). The Celebrant handles personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable state privacy legislation.
The Clients consent to their personal information being held, used and disclosed by the Celebrant for the purpose of service delivery and, where applicable, being provided to the Attorney-General's Department and BDM registries as required by law.
D.6 – Force Majeure
Neither party is in breach of this agreement, or liable to the other, for any delay or failure to perform obligations where such delay or failure is caused by circumstances beyond the party's reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, pandemic, epidemic, government-mandated restrictions that prohibit the service entirely, fire, flood, cyclone, earthquake, or acts of terrorism.
A force majeure event does not excuse a party from paying monies already due. Where a force majeure event occurs, the affected party must notify the other as soon as practicable and the parties will use good faith efforts to find a mutually acceptable resolution.
For the avoidance of doubt, restrictions that merely limit guest numbers, impose conditions on gatherings, or restrict certain activities (such as dancing) but do not prohibit the relevant service entirely do not constitute a force majeure event under this agreement.
D.7 – Insurance
The Celebrant holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance for her services. Details are available upon request.
The Clients are solely responsible for obtaining any wedding insurance, cancellation insurance, or other insurance they consider appropriate. The Celebrant makes no representation that her insurance covers the Clients' losses.
D.8 – Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute arising from this agreement, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiation.
If the dispute is not resolved within 14 days of written notice being given by either party, the parties agree to refer the dispute to a neutral mediator appointed by agreement or, failing agreement, appointed by the relevant Dispute Resolution body in the state in which the services were provided, before commencing legal proceedings.
Nothing in this clause prevents a party from seeking urgent injunctive or declaratory relief from a court.
D.9 – Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Australian state or territory in which the ceremony or event is held, as specified in the Booking Form. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that state or territory.
Where the Celebrant operates across multiple states, any clause that is unenforceable in a particular state will be severed and the remainder of the agreement will continue in full force.
D.10 – Entire Agreement and Variation
This agreement (comprising these Terms, the Booking Form, the Fee Schedule, and any Coordinator Service Scope) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior representations, discussions, and agreements.
Any variation to this agreement must be agreed in writing and signed by both parties to be effective.
If any provision of this agreement is found to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal, that provision will be severed and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
D.11 – GST
All fees quoted are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). A tax invoice will be provided upon request.
D.12 – Testimonials and Marketing
The Celebrant may request a testimonial from the Clients following the event. The Clients are under no obligation to provide one. Where a testimonial is provided, the Clients grant the Celebrant a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the testimonial in marketing materials, on her website, on social media, and in other promotional material.
The Clients may, at any time prior to the event, withdraw consent for the use of their photographs or testimonials by written notice to the Celebrant.
D.13 – Medication and Medical Conditions
The Clients agree to advise the Celebrant as soon as practicable if either of them is taking prescribed medication or has a medical condition that may affect their demeanour, capacity, or participation on the event day.
The Celebrant reserves the right to postpone or cease proceedings if, in her reasonable opinion, a Client does not have the capacity to provide informed consent to any service being provided.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & SIGNATURE
By signing below, the Clients and the Celebrant confirm that they have read, understood and agree to be bound by the Terms of Service set out in this document, including the Parts applicable to the services engaged as indicated in the Booking Form.
⚠ NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL USE AND HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED BY A SOLICITOR. THE CELEBRANT IS STRONGLY ADVISED TO HAVE THESE TERMS REVIEWED BY A QUALIFIED AUSTRALIAN LAWYER BEFORE RELIANCE, PARTICULARLY WHERE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ACROSS MULTIPLE STATES AND TERRITORIES.