| CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MARRIAGE CELEBRANTS
1 Application of this Code of Practice
This Code of Practice applies to persons authorised under
subsection 39 (2) of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) to solemnise
marriages (referred to as marriage celebrants).
2 High Standard of Service
A marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service
in his/her professional conduct & practice.
3 Recognition of Significance of
Marriage
A marriage celebrant must recognise the social, cultural
and legal significance of marriage & the marriage ceremony
in the Australian community & the importance of strong
& respectful family relationships.
4 Compliance with Marriage Act
and other laws
A marriage celebrant must:
solemnise marriages according to the legal requirements
of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth); & observe the laws of
the Commonwealth and of the State or Territory where the
marriage will be solemnised; and prevent and avoid unlawful
discrimination in the provision of marriage celebrancy services.
5 General Requirements for Each
Marriage Ceremony
A marriage celebrant must respect the importance of the
marriage ceremony to the couples and organising parties
and, to that end, must do the following:
(a) provide each couple with information and guidance to
enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony, where
appropriate, that will meet their needs and expectations;
(b) respect the privacy and confidentiality of each couple;
(c) maintain appropriate facilities to interview couples
and provide office facilities, including facilities for
the secure storage of records;
(d) within a reasonable time before the marriage ceremony:
confirm all details with the couple; and
ensure the return of all personal documents belonging to
the couple (unless it is necessary to keep them for the
purposes of the ceremony); and sign any necessary declarations;
(e) conduct a marriage ceremony rehearsal if requested by
the couple;
(f) ensure that his or her personal presentation is of an
appropriate standard for the marriage ceremony and respects
the expectations of the couple;
(g) make efforts to ensure that the marriage ceremony is
audible to all those present, making use of audio equipment
if required;
(h) ensure accuracy in the preparation of documents and
throughout the marriage ceremony;
(i) arrive at the venue for the marriage ceremony at the
agreed time, but in any event, be available at the venue
at least 20 minutes prior to the commencement of the marriage
ceremony (except where the ceremony is to be held at the
same venue as the previous wedding) to ensure that each
couple receives a level of service which meets their individual
requirements;
(j) as stated in section 50 of the Marriage Act, ensure
that all relevant documentation is completed and forwarded
to the registration Authorities within 14 days after the
marriage ceremony;
(k) accept evaluative comment from couples and use any comments
to improve performance;
(l) provide each couple with information on how any concerns
or complaints in respect of the marriage celebrancy services
may be made to the Attorney-General's Department.
6 Knowledge and Understanding of
Family Relationships Services
A marriage celebrant must:
maintain an up-to-date knowledge about appropriate family
relationships services in the community; and inform couples
about the range of information and services available to
them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationships.
7 Adherence to guidelines
A marriage celebrant must adhere to all guidelines for
marriage celebrants approved by the Attorney General
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Last Modified: Monday 01, September 2003
Family Law and Legal Assistance Division
Attorney-General's Department
Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, BARTON ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6250 6666 Fax: (02) 6250 5900
ABN: 92 661 124 436
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