Last updated 1 December 2024

Authorised celebrants within Australia who can solemnise a marriage fall into three categories:

  • ministers of religion of recognised denominations
  • marriage celebrants (including ministers of religion of non-recognised denominations, and religious celebrants)
  • state and territory officers.

The Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) includes certain amendments to provide protections for ministers of religion, religious marriage celebrants and bodies established for religious purposes to act in accordance with their religious beliefs (ss 47, 47A and 47B Marriage Act).

Vows within a civil marriage ceremony

Marrying couples in a civil ceremony may also make a personal choice about the terms they wish to use in their marriage vows that best reflect their relationship. The term ‘husband’ can refer to a male marriage partner and ‘wife’ to a female marriage partner, regardless of the gender or sex of the person saying the vows. The term ‘spouse’ may refer to a male, female, intersex, non-binary or transgender person. Couples may choose whether they use the terms ‘husband’, ‘wife’ or ‘spouse’ in their vows. This applies to a civil marriage ceremony only.