Many new celebrants can feel overwhelmed when starting out, especially when it comes to understanding the roles of different government bodies. Two key entities you’ll interact with are the Attorney General’s Marriage Law & Celebrant Section and the Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) offices in each state or territory. It’s important to know the distinction between these bodies and your responsibilities as a marriage celebrant for each.
Attorney General’s Marriage Law & Celebrant Section (AGD) – Managing Your Registration
The Attorney General’s Marriage Law & Celebrant Section is responsible for:
Managing your registration as a marriage celebrant in Australia.
Ensuring compliance with the Marriage Act 1961 and other legislation governing celebrants.
As a registered celebrant, here’s what you need to know:
Annual Registration Fee:Each year, you must pay a $170 registration fee via the Marcel Portal to maintain your status as an authorized celebrant. This fee must be paid regardless of whether you conduct any marriages that year.
Ongoing Professional Development (OPD):To maintain your registration, you are also required to complete a certain amount of Ongoing Professional Development (OPD) annually. This ensures you are up to date with changes in marriage law and best practices. Failing to complete OPD could result in the suspension or cancellation of your registration.
Marcel Portal:Through the Marcel Portal, you can pay your annual registration, update your personal information, and track your OPD requirements. It’s the administrative hub for managing your duties as a celebrant under the Marriage Law and Celebrant Section.
Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) – Registering Your Clients’ Marriages
While the Attorney General’s Department oversees your status as a celebrant, once you officiate a marriage, you’ll need to work with the Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) registry in the state or territory where the marriage takes place. This is a separate responsibility.
Registering a Marriage:After you conduct a marriage ceremony, you are legally required to register the marriage with the relevant BDM office within 14 days. This involves submitting the completed and signed Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and other required documents, including the signed official marriage certificate.
State-Specific Requirements:Each state or territory has its own BDM office and procedures for registering marriages, so it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the process in your location. You’ll need to follow the specific instructions for lodging forms, which may include submitting them in person or electronically.
Key Differences:
Attorney General’s Marriage Law & Celebrant Section (AGD):
Manages your registration as a celebrant.
Requires you to complete OPD and pay the annual $170 fee via the Marcel Portal.
Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM):
Manages the registration of marriages in each state and territory.
Requires celebrants to lodge completed marriage documents within 14 days after the ceremony.
Summary:
AGD is focused on you as a celebrant, ensuring you stay registered, pay fees, and complete ongoing education.
BDM is focused on registering the marriages you conduct and handling legal documentation for each couple.
As a celebrant, it’s crucial to stay on top of both sets of responsibilities. Failing to maintain your registration with the AGD could result in losing your ability to conduct weddings, while failing to register a marriage with BDM could result in legal consequences for both you and the couple. By understanding these differences, you’ll be better prepared to manage your role effectively.