How to Choose the Right Celebrant for Your Wedding on the Sunshine Coast

The right celebrant doesn’t just tick the legal boxes. They set the tone for your entire day, from the first welcome to the final “I do.” But with so many celebrants on the Sunshine Coast, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?

After more than 8 years and 750 ceremonies officiated, here are my top tips for choosing a celebrant you’ll actually connect with.

1. Look for more than just a good speaker

Sure, your celebrant should be confident with a microphone. But public speaking is just one part of the puzzle. You also want someone who’s:

• • Organised and calm under pressure
  • Warm, personable, and able to connect with your guests
  • Skilled at weaving stories, emotion and humour without making it all about them
  • Experienced at managing ceremony logistics and flow

A great celebrant knows how to bring the vibe and keep it flowing seamlessly.

2. Ask the right questions before you book

There are the basics like whether they’re available on your date and can handle the legal paperwork for you. But the really helpful questions to ask include:

• • Do you stand between us the whole ceremony? (You don’t want them in every photo)
  • Do you guide us through writing our vows? (You’d be surprised how many don’t)
  • What happens if you’re sick on the day? (A strong backup network matters)

These will give you a better sense of how much support you’ll get and how well they’ve thought things through.

3. Prioritise connection over performance

Forget the “perfect wedding speaker”. You want someone who feels like a natural fit. Someone who gets your story, your humour, your vibe.

I’d describe my own style as modern, engaging, fun (but never cheesy) and sincere. The ceremonies I create feel like you, not a performance by me.

Look for a celebrant who:

• • Listens more than they talk (at least at the start!)
  • Makes you feel relaxed and seen
  • Understands how to balance sentiment and energy
  • Helps co-create the ceremony story with you (not just reads what you give them)

4. Ask how they personalise the ceremony

Templates and generic scripts are a big red flag in my opinion.

The right celebrant will take time to uncover your story and turn it into something that feels intimate and engaging, even in front of 100 guests.

I do this using a custom Q&A process with each couple. I then build the ceremony around your voices, memories, and quirks so what unfolds feels familiar, surprising and deeply personal all at once.

5. Beware the “too cheap to be true” celebrant

Yes, budget matters. But in this case, you really do get what you pay for.

A celebrant who brings the perfect balance of flow, humour, sincerity, and legal accuracy probably isn’t charging under $1k. If someone is too cheap, unfortunately it’s probably “too good to be true” and might leave your MC performing “vibe CPR” before the canapés are even served and that ain’t fun for anyone!

TL;DR? Here’s how to choose the right celebrant:

✔️ They feel like a fit (not a performer)
✔️ They take time to personalise your story
✔️ They support you through the whole process
✔️ They make you laugh and tear up
✔️ They’ve got experience, professionalism… and a Plan B

Planning your Sunshine Coast wedding?

If you’re looking for a Sunshine Coast celebrant who’ll make your guests laugh, cry and whisper “That ceremony was so them,” I’d love to chat.

Enquire here.