Ministers of religion authorised to solemnise marriages are not subject to the same standards and obligations as Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants.

Under legislative instruments of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) a marriage celebrant must:

• Complete Certificate IV in Celebrancy;
• Be assessed as a fit and proper person, and
• Pay an application fee and ongoing annual fees.

Ministers of religion wishing to solemnise marriages must register as marriage celebrants and be subject to the same regulations and conditions.