Can a celebrant perform a marriage of his own son or daughter?

Pastor of a local small church group wants to perform the marriage of his son and future daughter in law. In Victoria Australia is this legal?

Question Asked: 6/12/2017

Wedding Date: 6/08/2018

Most Helpful Response

Debra Hodge - Wedding Celebrant

(0) · Far North Coast NSW and Gold Coast Region

Posted: 14/02/2018

Yes, well Civil Celebrants can, so I imagine it depends on the particular Religion for Religious Celebrants.

Answered by: 8 Experts

Sort by:

Kaye Hartog

(2) · Adelaide and Surrounds

Posted: 8/02/2018

yes perfectly legal 

Lisa Keevill

(4) · Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands & Surrounding Areas

Posted: 31/01/2018

Yes, as long as all legal requirements are met. I have married many family members and would love to marry one of my children should I get the opportunity.

Treasured Ceremonies

(16) · Byron Bay to Ballina , North Coast NSW and Gold Coast QLD

Posted: 29/12/2017

absolutely yes, many celebrants only get the qualification to marry their family

Ashley Truscott Marriage Celebrant

(2) · Perth, Rockingham, Bunbury, Margaret River, Mandurah, Peel Region

Posted: 10/12/2017

Yes, there is nothing stopping either a civil or religious celebrant to perform the wedding of a their child, provided all other legalities are complied with. 

I had a chat with my daughter, who is 12 years old, just yesterday about this very thing, I said to her that I wouldn't be able to walk her down the aisle unless I do and then promptly take my position as celebrant. Perhaps her brother could walk her down the aisle. Be a lot easier to do the ceremony for a son as it would be harder to give up the traditional role of walking your daughter down the aisle. No probs for a female celebrant though.

Anyway, it would be an honour to do the wedding of a child. 

All the best!

Cherish The Memories - Jenny Ashen

(5) · Brisbane & Surroundings / Gold Coast/ Sunshine Coast / Toowoomba

Posted: 8/12/2017

As a Celebrant we can and I have officiated wedding ceremonies for my son and daughter.

It is such a special feeling when it is your own child, not that every wedding is special to me.

As for a religious minister, I'm not sure but don't see why not

Hope this is helpful and have a wonderful day.

John De Chiera

(1) · Perth + Margaret River - WA

Posted: 7/12/2017

There is nothing stopping you as a Civil Celebrant to marry your own children, siblings,relatives.I have married my nephew and niece to their partners and I found it to be such a special day not only for them but also for me as I felt so honoured knowing I am their Uncle that i married them.It's a more relaxed atmosphere as you know everyone present  as they are family.

Ceremonies by Cath - Catherine Flavell

(136) · New South Wales

Posted: 7/12/2017

Yes an authorised celebrant can legally perform weddings for anyone who wishes to marry and this includes any of their family members - including their own children. 

Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask your own question and we'll have our experts answer it.

Ask a question

Hi! I'm Chelsea and I can help you find suppliers for your wedding. Would you like some help today?

1 Chelseabot