Can a wedding service be done in two languages?

My partner and I are from different backgrounds. He's European and I'm from Australia. Are we able to get our ceremony done in both languages?

Question Asked: 3/02/2025

Wedding Date: 28/02/2025

Most Helpful Response

Treasured Ceremonies

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

Posted: 9/02/2025

Absolutely
I love doing these sorts of weddings. 
I have done may many weddings in a different languages and dual language.
Your celebrant should be able to provide you information and assist you in designing your ceremony, 
It would be a wonderful ceremony to perform.

Answered by: 12 Experts

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Simon J. Robinson Celebrant

(11) · Melbourne and surrounding areas

Posted: 6/02/2025

Absolutely can do that, either with a celebrant who is able to speak both languages or by involving an officially approved interpreter. The interpretor would of course add to the cost of the ceremony. I've also, on many occassions, reflected the cultural backgrounds of the couples I work with in different ways during ceremonies.

Jeff Baker Civil Celebrant

(3) · Sydney

Posted: 5/02/2025

Yes, A wedding ceremony can be conducted in 2 languages by using a bilingual celebrant or an approved interperter.

A Simple Celebration - Kathryn Drew

(2) · Gosford, Hunter Valley, and surrounding areas

Posted: 5/02/2025

Yes, and it's lovely to hear!  The celebrant does not need to speak the language, you can have a translator or guest translating. The celebrant will say the official legal wording in English and the couple need to say their official wording in English, and as long as both of the couple have a clear understanding of what's being said, all is fine. Xx

Christian Weddings Melbourne

(31) · All of Victoria

Posted: 5/02/2025

Yes, no problems! I have done several wedding ceremonies with translation so that all can hear and understand the ceremony words. If the couple makes a vow in a language I can not understand, I just need to hear the translater say the translation of that vow to fulfill my legal responsibilities.

Kelly Della Bosca Celebrant

(63) · Dandenong Ranges, East Gippsland, East Melbourne, Gippsland, Melbourne CBD

Posted: 5/02/2025

Hello Bride to Be,

Congratulations on your engagement!  This is a very exciting time for you and your fiance, as well as your family and friends.

Yes, a wedding ceremony can be done in two languages. You just need to make sure that both of you understand the ceremony and the legal requirements done.

I have conducted ceremonies where I had a translator stand next to me and we worked together with me speaking english and they spoke the preferred language to make everyone feel included and enjoy the ceremony.  You may also translate the ceremony script and your vows as well.

Anything is possible, just as long as the legal requirements are done.  It is your day and I always encourage my couples to do what feels right for them. 

Please do not hestitate to contact me if you have any furhter questions.  xx

Fiona Winwood Marriage Celebrant

(48) · Adelaide metro, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Kuitpo, Barossa Valley

Posted: 5/02/2025

Most definitely, I enjoy mutilingual ceremonys and have done a few in Spanish, Italian, Thai and Punjabi. So long as all the legal parts are all in English you could consdier an interpretor so all your guests feel comfortable and considered.  This is becoming a popular option to acknoweldge respect to each others culture. 

Blue Rose Celebrancy ~ Karen Quigley

(15) · Perth & Surrounding Areas

Posted: 5/02/2025

Yes it can but be mindful it will take double the time, as it is essentially 2 ceremonies being delivered. It is best to have a verbal bilingual ceremony in parts only or provide a script for those who don't speak English for the main part of the ceremony or a combination of both.

Vocal Events

(9) · Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Sydney

Posted: 5/02/2025

Yes you can. The only criteria is  that you need to hear the celebrant say the Monitum and the celebrant needs to hear you say the mandatory vows. This may require an interpreter. I have officiated a number of ceremonies where parts of the ceremony were conducted in dual languages but being english speaking only Monitum and vows were first on english then repeated in other languages.

Lynda Ross

(9) · Townsville, Magnetic Island & Surrounding Areas

Posted: 5/02/2025

Yes you may have your ceremony done in both languages.  There are several ways you can do that depending on how much English key people understand. it can range from certain aspects being spoken in the second language to a full translation where the celebrant says a bit followed by an interpreter saying the same words in the other language.  Sometimes you can have the ceremony translated and typed up as a written script for guests to follow along with. 

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