Why are your fees lower than many other celebrants’ fees?

Celebrants set their fees in accordance with their own costs, their particular target market, and/or what they think the market will bear. Some associations recommend fees of starting at $660 going to $1000+. Compared to, say, a plumber’s or mechanic’s hourly rate that is reasonable. However I subscribe to the original principle of offering a public service at a lower price, and probably have chosen a different market to the higher fee celebrants. Fees are only part of the equation, though. Your celebrant must be able to meet your needs. Look for value, not just price!

Does your quality suffer in order to offer affordable prices?

No! Quality, professionalism and ethics are crucially important to me. I strive to reduce my costs to enable me to work with those who don’t want to (or indeed cannot afford to) pay the higher prices. I limit my advertising, minimise travel costs, and don’t offer a range of ‘free’ giveaways etc.  I use less elaborate, but totally adequate, PA systems.  Without children at home my living expenses are less than many celebrants, enabling me to work on lower margins. 

Do you have restrictions on ceremonies you offer?

Apart from the above, I work in the areas with which I am comfortable. I offer Christian, traditional and/or contemporary ceremonies. I do not officiate at pagan, New Age or anti-Christian ceremonies. To do so would both compromise my beliefs and, in my opinion, be unethical to offer services to clients when my heart was not in the task. There are many  celebrants available for the ceremonies that I don’t cover

Why do you offer religious ceremonies?

As indicated above, there are celebrants available for all requirements. Many people want to incorporate faith in their marriage but who cannot—or do not want to—marry in a church or involve a priest / minister of religion. As a committed Christian with an authorised lay (or non-ordained) leadership role within a mainline church I am usually able to well meet that particular need. It is my intention to offer an alternative to a secular ceremony, rather than to a normal Christian marriage service in church. Many pastors of smaller or independent congregations are not authorised celebrants and I am able to offer a Christian legal ceremony to meet their needs.

What is the most important thing to look for in a celebrant?

That is always very difficult question. I think that you need to feel ‘comfortable’ with your the celebrant. That covers everything from professionalism; flexibility for your needs; fees; their beliefs and ethics; their availability (whether face-to-face, by phone or email); through to the indefinable how you ‘click’ with the person. Do you feel confident in their ability to meet their promises and your needs—which includes minimizing anxiety for the all important day? If I can leave you with one piece of advice: always meet with a celebrant before engaging him/her. Many celebrants offer an obligation free meeting for you to interview them. Have a wonderful wedding day with the celebrant who is right for you.   (For further info visit the Professional Celebrants Association.)

Frequently Asked Questions

To contact me:

 

 

 

Peter G P Hooper AMC CPC

Certified Practicing Celebrant

 

Phone:  03 9772 2326

Mobile:   0419 315 933

Email:  peterh@affordablecelebrant.com.au