Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Marriage Celebrants Code of Practice?

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A code of practice provides detailed information on the standards required by an Authorised Marriage Celebrant in Australia. Below is the current Code of Practice.

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Marriage Regulations 2017 - Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants

1 Application of this Code of Practice
This Code of Practice applies to marriage celebrants.
Note 1: A marriage celebrant is a person registered under Subdivision C of Division 1 of
Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961: see subsection 5(1) of that Act.
Note 2: Under paragraph 39I(1)(b) of that Act, 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. This includes (without limitation) ensuring the following:
(a) appropriate personal presentation for marriage ceremonies;
(b) punctuality for marriage ceremonies;
(c) accuracy in the preparation of documents and in the conduct of marriage
ceremonies.

3 Recognition of the 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 Act and other laws
A marriage celebrant must:
(a) comply with the requirements of the Marriage Act 1961 and the Marriage
Regulations 2017 which apply to the marriage celebrant; and
(b) observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of any State or Territory in
which the marriage celebrant solemnises marriages; and
(c) 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. This includes (without limitation)
the following:
(a) giving the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or
compose a marriage ceremony, including information to assist the parties to decide whether a
marriage ceremony rehearsal is needed or appropriate;
(b) respecting the privacy and confidentiality of the parties, including by:
(i) arranging for appropriate facilities to interview parties; and
(ii) dealing appropriately with personal documents and personal
information; and
(iii) maintaining appropriate facilities for the secure storage of records; and
(iv) ensuring the return of all personal documents belonging to the parties
as soon as practicable (unless it is necessary to keep the documents for the ceremony);
(c) giving 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 the parties to the marriage about the range of information and
services available to them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationship.