The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal requirements under marriage regulations and the Code of Practice (contained in the regulations) that impact the conduct of marriage ceremonies:
use and role of interpreters
use of required wording
maintaining a high standard of service in professional conduct and practice
ensuring accuracy in the preparation of documents, and in the conduct of the marriage ceremony
ensuring personal presentation is of an appropriate standard for the marriage ceremony, and respecting the expectations of the parties in relation to the ceremony
making efforts to ensure that the marriage ceremony is audible to all those present (using audio equipment, if required)
arriving at the venue for the marriage ceremony no later than the time agreed with the parties
where the marriage celebrant has agreed to perform more than 1 marriage ceremony on the same day:
ensuring that each couple receives a standard of service that meets their needs
being available at the venue at least 20 minutes prior to the agreed start time of the ceremony
ensuring 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
accepting evaluative comment from the parties, and using any comments to improve performance
legal requirements under marriage regulations that impact marriage documentation:
lodgement times for forwarding documentation to registering authorities
recordkeeping requirements in relation to:
what records must be kept
type of storage
duration of storage
celebrant role in storage when religious organisation keep records
religious registers
civil celebrant certificates
recordkeeping sheets
registration requirements in the states and territories, including:
processesand procedures ofstate/territory Registrars of Births, Deaths andMarriages,
requirements to retain certain records
common errors in documentation ceremony stagecraft, performance and evaluation techniques, specifically in relation to marriage ceremonies
common issues that marriage celebrants may encounter during rehearsal and solemnisation of marriage, and approaches for responding, including:
working cooperatively with others, such as wedding venue staff, photographers, musicians, translators etc.
late arrival of bridal party or significant others
copyright issues related to the use of music
alcohol and other drugs intoxication issues
serious health issues of the parties to the marriage and significant others
serious health or emergency issues that could prevent the celebrant from completing their contract with the couple
extreme nervousness – the bride or groom cannot articulate the wedding vows
interruptions before, during or after the ceremony
disruptions caused by animals, children, photography drones
extreme weather situations and concerns related to the safety of couple, guests, self and others (including work health and safety (WHS) issues)
unexpected failure of power or equipment
processesand procedures ofstate/territory Registrars of Births, Deaths andMarriages, including the requirements for registration of the marriage and retaining of some records by the celebrant.types of errors in documentation, and how to avoid these:
celebrant Code of Practice in relation to providing information to couples about how to make a complaint consistent with the Code of Practice
role of registering authorities and ways to establish professional relationships
role and importance of marriage service evaluation, including:
how to incorporate evaluation into marriage celebrant practice
techniques for obtaining feedback from clients
techniques and process for self-evaluation.