Reflection on My First Year of Celebrancy

Rebecca and Jacqualyn, with me as their Celebrant 4th November 2024

As I look back on my first year as a celebrant, I can hardly believe how quickly time has flown. After completing my Certificate IV in Celebrancy in April 2023, I applied to the Attorney Generals Department to become a registered Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant. 

When I received the email on July 12th, 2023, confirming my successful application, I couldn't help but do a little happy dance!

Fast forward to October 20th, 2023, and there I was, officiating my very first wedding ceremony in the picturesque vineyards of the Hunter Valley. What a way to start my journey!

The lovely couple had approached me a couple of months prior after the bride's mother spotted my post of Facebook. I'm not quite sure if my celebrant post or my connection with Rotary Club in Cessnock caught their eye, but either way, I was thrilled.

Meeting the couple for the first time at a local hotel, I half expected them to say they'd keep looking for a celebrant. Instead they decided right then and there that they wanted me to officiate their wedding.

We filled out the necessary paperwork, and I left feeling excited about crafting a ceremony that reflected their unique love story.

I had written and delivered nine ceremonies during my training, five of which were weddings. Creating back-strories for the imaginary couples was part of the fun, so I was eager to see if working with real couples would be just as enjoyable. Spoiler alert: it was!

Shortly after my first wedding, another couple reached out after finding my details on the Attorney General's website. They opted for a simple 'legals only' ceremony at their home. It was an intimate affair and I felt honoured to play a part in their love story.

With their permission, I shared a heartfelt poem before guiding them through the legalities, and leaving after only 20 minutes with a smile that lasted much longer. 

By the end of my first year, I had also had the privilege of officiating two funerals for local families. It was a touching experience to help them honour their loved ones, reminding me that ceremonies can take many forms.

Adding to my growing list of meaningful moments came when I was invited to officiate a vow renewal and naming ceremonies for each of the couple's three children.

From July 2023 through to June 2024, my journey as a celebrant has been nothing short of exciting. 

Since then, I've officiated another funeral, and two more weddings and have another wedding ceremony in the works.

I feel confident that more opportunities will come my way as I continue this rewarding journey.

Here's to many more ceremonies filled with love and connection!