Finding a Muslim marriage celebrant in Australia

For a nikah to be a legal marriage in Australia, it needs an authorised celebrant. Here is how to find one, what to ask, and how it works alongside the nikah. This is general information, not legal advice.

Imam or celebrant?

Some imams are also authorised marriage celebrants, so one person can lead the nikah and complete the legal marriage. If your imam is not authorised, you can work with a separate marriage celebrant who attends the nikah, or hold a short civil ceremony as well.

What “authorised” means

In Australia, marriages are solemnised by authorised celebrants, such as registered marriage celebrants and authorised ministers of religion. Celebrants are listed on the Attorney-General’s Department register, and you can check there that someone is authorised.

Questions to ask

• Are you an authorised celebrant, and can I see your details on the register?
• Can you complete the legal paperwork at the nikah?
• Do you understand the requirements of a nikah, including the wali, witnesses and mahr?
• Will you include the legal declarations?
• What do you need from us, and when?

Notice of Intended Marriage

You give your celebrant a Notice of Intended Marriage, generally at least one month before the wedding. Do it early, and ask what documents they need. See the legal requirements in Australia.

Where to look

Ask your mosque or Islamic centre, family and friends, and check the official register. In Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide there are celebrants experienced with Muslim weddings.

Looking for someone?

Zawaj is a Muslim marriage app built around nikah: written proposals instead of swiping, a Chaperone/Wali feature so family can be involved, and calls only once a proposal is accepted. It is free to join on iOS and Android.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

More guides: is a Muslim marriage recognised in Australia?, nikah in Australia, nikah certificate and what is mahr?