How couples choose their celebrants (backed by the data)

When couples start planning their wedding, choosing a celebrant quickly becomes one of the most personal decisions they’ll make. After all, this coveted position isn’t just someone who’s there to handle paperwork – they’re the guiding person, helping you through the most emotional moments of the day. We use something unromantic (data) to unpack how couples choose their celebrants.

Drawing on insights from the Easy Weddings Annual Wedding Industry Report and couple surveys, here’s what the data tells us about how couples choose their celebrants — and what it means for suppliers looking to stand out.

Most couples choose a civil celebrant

The major shift in modern weddings is how ceremonies are conducted.

Today, around 82–85% of Australian couples choose a civil celebrant rather than a religious minister, reflecting the growing preference for personalised ceremonies.

Similarly, surveys show 63% of couples are planning non-religious ceremonies, which gives couples far more freedom to personalise their vows, location, and ceremony format.

For celebrants, this means the opportunity and competition have never been greater. With 9,000+ registered celebrants across Australia, couples have a lot of choice.

Standing out is no longer optional.

Personality is the biggest deciding factor

When couples describe what they want in a celebrant, the answer is consistent across couples: warmth and a good sense of humour.

This reinforces what many celebrants already know: couples want someone who feels authentic, relaxed, and capable of setting the right tone for the ceremony. Your personality is your product.

Celebrants who showcase their personality through their listing, social media, and especially video introductions often see higher engagement from couples who feel an immediate connection.

Reviews play a huge role in the decision

When couples are comparing celebrants, reviews often become the deciding factor.

Industry data shows that 56% of couples say positive online reviews influence their choice of celebrant, prompting them to research the supplier further. Couples aren’t just scanning star ratings either.

They’re reading the stories behind the reviews:

• Did the celebrant make guests laugh?
• Did they calm the couple’s nerves?
• Did the ceremony feel truly personal?

These experiences help couples imagine their own ceremony. For celebrants, building a strong review profile isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Personalisation is now expected

Today’s couples are deeply invested in making their ceremony feel both unique and personal to their love story. Our data tells us that 84% of couples now include personal vows in some part of their ceremony. This is a direct reflection of the storytelling and personalisation that is becoming such an important aspect of modern wedding celebrations.

Couples increasingly want ceremonies that:

• Tell their relationship story.
• Reflect their personalities.
• Include cultural traditions or blended families.
• Feel relaxed rather than overly formal.

Celebrants who clearly communicate how they personalise ceremonies: through questionnaires, interviews, or collaborative writing. These often resonate strongly with modern couples.

The continued importance of word-of-mouth

Although couples will turn to online directories and social media, recommendations definitely still matter. Around 21% of couples say that they found their celebrant through referrals from friends or family. Vendor recommendations also play a big part in couple’s choice. Photographers, planners, and venues frequently introduce couples to celebrants they trust.Strong relationships within the wedding industry can therefore become a major source of bookings.

Responsiveness is imperative

Planning a wedding can mean juggling multiple conversations with suppliers all a the same time. According to industry data, 42% of celebrants respond to enquiries within an hour, while 38% respond within 24 hours. Couples will often turn their attention the suppliers who were first, or early, to respond. It’s an even bigger bonus when communication is warm, helpful, and organised.

For celebrants, quick responses and clear booking processes can make a significant difference.

What does this mean for celebrants?

If the data shows us anything, it’s that couples aren’t just booking a service — they’re booking a connection.

The celebrants who stand out tend to do three things well:

1. Show their personality clearly online
2. Build strong reviews and social proof
3. Make it easy for couples to picture their ceremony

When couples can imagine themselves standing in front of you on their wedding day, the booking becomes much easier. And in a competitive market with thousands of celebrants across Australia, that connection is often what makes the difference.

Are you ready to meet more couples? Signing up to Australia’s number one wedding website will get you there. Find out more today.