• I will abide by the Privacy Act and the Celebrant Code of Conduct and always respect your privacy and confidentiality
• All Personal information and documentation is stored securely in a lockable filing cabinet
• Suitable electronic security measures are engaged to protect privacy and confidentiality of all electronic documents
• All Personal Information will be used only for the purpose for which it was collected, unless you have given permission otherwise

The 13 ‘Australian Privacy Principles’ are available at www.comlaw.gov.au.

Alternatively you can contact the Information and Privacy Commission in NSW by calling
1800 472 679 or visiting www.ipc.nsw.gov.au.

Celebrant Code of Conduct

1 – Application of this Code of Practice – Marriage Celebrants must adhere strictly to this Code of Practice.

2 – High standard of service – A marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service in his or her professional conduct and practice.

3 – Recognition of significance of marriage – A marriage celebrant must recognise the social, cultural and legal significance of marriage and the marriage ceremony in the Australian community, and the importance of strong and respectful family relationships.

4 – Compliance with the Marriage Act and other laws – A marriage celebrant must solemnise marriages according to the legal requirements of the Marriage Act 1961; and observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of the State or Territory where the marriage is to be solemnised; and prevent and avoid unlawful discrimination in the provision of marriage celebrancy services.

5 – General requirements for marriage ceremonies – A marriage celebrant must respect the importance of the marriage ceremony to the parties and the other persons organising the ceremony. To that end, the marriage celebrant must do the following:

(a) give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony that will meet their needs and expectations;

(b) respect the privacy and confidentiality of the parties;

(c) maintain appropriate facilities to interview parties 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 parties; and ensure the return of all personal documents belonging to the parties (unless it is necessary to keep the documents for the ceremony); and   sign any necessary declarations;

e) if requested by the parties, conduct a marriage ceremony rehearsal;

(f) ensure that his or her personal presentation is of an appropriate standard for the marriage ceremony, and respect the expectations of the parties in relation to the ceremony;

(g) make efforts to ensure that the marriage ceremony is audible to all those present (using audio equipment, if required);
(h) ensure accuracy in the preparation of documents, and in the conduct of the marriage ceremony;

(i) arrive at the venue for the marriage ceremony no later than the time agreed with the parties;

(j) if the marriage celebrant has agreed to perform more than one marriage ceremony on the same day, ensure that the parties to each marriage receive a level of service that meets their separate and special requirements; and be available at the venue for each marriage ceremony at least 20 minutes before the agreed commencement of each ceremony (unless, in the case of consecutive ceremonies, the ceremonies are to be held at the same venue);

(k) ensure that all relevant documents are completed and sent to the appropriate registering authority within 14 days after the marriage ceremony, as required by section 50 of the Marriage Act 1961;

(l) in relation to the provision of marriage services, accept evaluative comment from the parties, and use any comments to improve performance;

(m) give the parties information about how to notify the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department of any concerns or complaints they may have regarding the marriage services provided by the marriage celebrant.

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 parties about the range of information and services available to them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationship.