Marriage Celebrant Essentials (July) – 1 space left
starting Tuesday 21st July 2026This very popular, on-line, short course provides all the essentials for starting out on the right foot as a marriage celebrant. MCE ensures a thorough knowledge of the legalities imposed by the Marriage Act and recent changes affecting celebrants. You will be well set up for applying to be appointed as an independent marriage celebrant by Internal Affairs (Births Deaths and Marriages, BDM), and dealing with the tricky legal questions that invariably arise in a public role. You will learn about designing ceremonies at the simpler end of the spectrum.
Class times on Zoom:
Tuesday 21 July 2026: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Tuesday 28 July 2026: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Tuesday 4 August 2026: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Enrolments less than one week before course commencement may incur an additional admin surcharge
This paper is complemented by Marriage Celebrant Mastery which will be offered once more this year in August/Sept in time for our in-person graduation for those who have completed all other requirements. See other course listings.
Marriage Celebrant Essentials – Sept
starting Tuesday 29th September 2026Get your professional celebrant training underway with the next MCE prior to wedding season kicking off. This popular course fills quickly and is an ideal short course for aspiring marriage celebrants. It provides all the essentials and ensures a thorough knowledge of the legalities imposed by the Marriage Act and recent changes affecting celebrants. You will be well set up for applying to be appointed by BDM, and for dealing with the tricky legal questions that invariably arise in a public role. You will learn about designing ceremonies at the simpler end of the spectrum.
Tuesday 29th Sept 2026: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Tuesday 6th Oct 2026: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Tuesday 13th Oct 2026: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Earlybird enrolment till 8 September (but this class typically gets fully booked so don’t wait too long).
Polish Your Practice (Prof Practice – Pt 2)
starting Monday 21 September 2026Prerequisite: This paper is one of the two short courses that make up our Professional Practice strand. It is typically completed last in your CertCelSts qualification, but may be taken prior to Pt 1 – Building Your Brand. Please contact the Director if you are uncertain about your eligibility.
Polish Your Practice consolidates your learning across the four quadrants of professional celebrant practice to refine your craft. It focuses on strengthening client engagement for more complex ceremonies, deepening your understanding of ceremonial purpose, and advancing your capability in working with diversity, difference, and sensitive contexts.
In addition, we examine emerging sector issues, including the role of technology and artificial intelligence in contemporary celebrancy. Participants may request specialist topics of interest, allowing the cohort’s needs to shape elements of the curriculum.
The course is delivered over four Zoom sessions, held weekly, 7.00pm-9.30pm (NZT) on these dates:
Monday 21 September 2026
Monday 28th September 2026
Monday 5th October 2026
Monday 12th October 2026
Sessions combine discussion, case studies, skill-building exercises, ceremony delivery, and facilitated peer reflection. If you are aiming to graduate this year, please note this is the final opportunity to complete this paper in 2026.
Enrol by 31 August for earlybird rate
Marriage Celebrant Mastery
Starting Tues 18th August 2026 in weekly evening sessionsThis in-depth course is designed for those seeking to become fully trained, professional marriage and civil union celebrants offering bespoke, personalised ceremonies.
Building on the foundation of our Marriage Celebrant Essentials (MCE) course, this MCM course assumes a strong working knowledge of the legal responsibilities outlined in the Marriage Act and Civil Union Act.*
You’ll explore the full design process and a broad range of creative elements that can be woven into modern ceremonies of commitment. Through practical, hands-on learning, the course covers:
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Interviewing techniques
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Vow coaching
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Enhancing your ceremony writing and delivery
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Responding to the diverse needs of couples
- Managing Rehearsals
Whether you’re aiming to deepen your celebrant practice or elevate your professionalism, this course is practical, inspiring, and fun!
Course Format:
Tuesdays, 18 August – 15 September
⏰ 5 weekly evening sessions, 7:00pm–9:30pm (via Zoom)
*Practising celebrants who have already conducted four or more marriage ceremonies may apply for direct entry, bypassing the MCE prerequisite.
Enrolment Details:
To ensure smooth enrolment and allow time for pre-course preparation, we strongly recommend registering early. Earlybird rate available until 21 July, so please enrol early!