Have you ever performed an arranged marriage?

An arranged marriage is not part of the system in Australia as both parties have to be in favour of the marriage.  I have married couples from overseas but in all cases they married of their own free will.

As registered civil marriage celebrants we are obliged to watch out for weddings where one party is not marrying from their own free will. However many marriages are arranged by family or friends and both parties agree to go ahead, that is a different case. Yes i have undertaken marriages where the bride or the groom was chosen by parents (and uncle) but both the parties were happy to marry.

No

No :) 

Arranged marriages are not unusual. Statistically speaking arranged marriages do quite well.  

Arranged marriages are conducted they are freely entered into as part of cultural traditions. This is very different to forced marriages. As Celebrants we need to ensure that the couple are willingly entering the marriage and not being forced into it against their will.

No I haven't, unsual circumstances by today's standards, would have to make sure that neither party are being forced into the marriage and understand what it means to be married, and both parties are happy for marriage to take place

To be legally married in Australia one of the most important aspects is that both the bride and groom give consent. If this is due to an "arranged" marriage, as long as both the bride and groom give consent, then the legal marriage can go ahead. Recently celebrants have had training on making sure couples are giving consent and there are ways the celebrant can be rest assured both the couple want to be married. So to answer your question a celebrant would never know because the fact their may be arrangements made prior is not relevant. Hope this answers your question.

Arranged marriages arent the same as forced marriages. As Celebrants we need to ensure that the couple are willingly entering the marriage and not being forced into it unhappily.

If the couple is happily embedded in their culture and community, including the tradition of their marriage being arranged, then they will be getting married willingly. Here in Australia we dont have arranged marriages as part of the general main stream culture, but are you sure the match-making your parents, or friends, did to get get you together with your partner didn't have elements of being "arranged"?

The important thing is that the couple is happy, and willing, and wanting to be married. As marriage celebrants we are also expected to provide couples with information about pre-marriage counselling services. These services help couples to better understand each others feelings, goals, hopes and expectations around important life choices they will be making after they are married. Even without being an arranged marriage we sometiimes dont discuss before marriage our thoughts about issues that will be important for a happy marriage such as careers, children, finances, behaviours, family and personal issues and beliefs. For many couples this is very helpful towards a better understanding of each other and ultimately a long and happy marriage.