The love lessons learnt by Jennifer Ryder at the altar
There is one element binding every wedding in Australia together. One role that connects every couple and guest, quietly holding the foundation of the entire day. For all the talk of wedding individuality, from bespoke bridal gowns to signature cocktails, there remains a necessary conformity. A constant across every celebration. That constant, of course, is the wedding celebrant. The person which legally binds two people together, no matter the venue, style or scale. But how does one step into a role that sees love in its purest form? And why is it important for couples to have a connection with this person? Join Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Alice O’Brien as she sits down with Jennifer Ryder, owner of A Celebrant for Ceremonies, to explore the journey behind the vows.
Written by Alice O’Brien
If you’ve ever been to a wedding and wondered whether the person standing behind the couple, book in hand, announcing ‘you may kiss the bride’ is really that important? Well, the answer is yes. Not only are they important; they are the reason the couple is now considered legally married. In Australia, the title of celebrant carries significant responsibility. A celebrant is authorised to conduct legally binding ceremonies, with the most known being a marriage celebrant. This the person responsible for ensuring a wedding meets all legal requirements and is formally acknowledged by the federal government.
Celebrants are the individuals entrusted with formalising love in its most public declaration. But there is far more to the role than simply asking couples to exchange their vows.
“It can literally take hours and hours to pull a script together … the preparation of the legal paperwork is also time consuming … we spend can anything from five hours to twenty five hours of work,” says Jennifer.
Regardless of whether the process takes seconds, minutes or hours, Jennifer’s approach to her role as marriage celebrant remains the same. One which is centered on “truly understanding each couple’s unique vision.” It’s dedication which sets each marriage celebrant apart. While the role itself brings a level of similarity to every wedding, it’s the individual behind the title who shapes the personalised feel of the ceremony.
THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A CENTRAL PART OF COUPLES ‘I DO’ MOMENTS
Becoming a marriage celebrant wasn’t a career title Jennifer dreamt of throughout childhood, but rather one that came to her later in life. In early 2025 Jennifer created the business A Celebrant for Ceremonies and since then has dedicated her
energy to declaring love. But what sparked this sudden pivot?
Jennifer began working as a secretary before moving into nursing and transitioning into sales, including work within real estate.
“I’m a bit of a chameleon when it comes to vocation,” she pointed out.
Her most recent role before becoming a celebrant was running her own cleaning business. The period between closing that chapter and starting a new company was marked by reflection and self-discovery, sparked while travelling overseas with her partner Michael. The trip, for Jennifer, was filled with “pondering what else [she] could consider.” But Jennifer knew what she wanted.
“I knew I love talking to people, I knew I love travelling, and I knew helping people was at the top of my criteria list,” says Jennifer.
With these clear wants in mind “celebrant literally popped into [her] head.” Returning to Melbourne, Jennifer signed herself up to a certificate course and after six months of study she was ready to play her role in couples’ love stories.
A BLEND OF CAREER LEARNINGS
Each celebrant brings a touch of their past life into how they approach the role, and Jennifer is no different.
“I honestly believe my years in real estate gave me some of the most important experiences of dealing with personalities,” notes Jennifer.
“I learned that while you might have a mountain of information and experience, it doesn’t all need to be unraveled in one meeting,” Jennifer points out.
Understanding a marriage celebrant’s journey into the role may be one of the most valuable insights a couple can have when choosing their own. Jennifer is completely and utterly open about her path and how her past informs her present, and how each lesson learned has shaped the way she approaches her work. That openness forms the foundation of her client relationships: one built on trust.
THE DEEPER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Becoming a celebrant is not necessarily a journey filled with obstacles. You complete a training course, receive a certificate, and apply for registration. Once registered, you can create your own business, as Jennifer has done, or join professional associations. It’s the actual role where a person’s dedication and motivation is tested.
“It’s difficult to be a Celebrant full time,” Jennifer points out.
“I’m a huge believer in all things that come to those who wait, I know I’ll have enough work to keep me happy, which is all I can ask for.”
It’s a job where you play a critical part in one of the most important days of someone’s life. A day where your attitude, style and personality deeply influence how a couple remembers declaring their love in front of friends and family.
“It’s all about asking questions and learning about the couples love story,” remarks Jennifer
LESSONS IN LOVE
Despite the pressure of being a marriage celebrant, it’s a role where fulfillment is at its core.
“The most rewarding part … is witnessing the pure happiness in the [couple’s] eyes as they begin their new chapter together,” Jennifer says.
Love is one of the defining forces behind human experience. Choosing to spend your life with someone who understands, accepts and truly knows you is among the most precious and innately human commitments we can make. Being present for that moment is a “heartwarming experience that never gets old,” says Jennifer. Her journey as a marriage celebrant has also been one filled with deepening her own understanding of love.
“Your relationship is your future … hold tight to your vows, especially when times are tough,” Jennifer says.
The journey she shares with each couple, from the first meeting to the moment their marriage is declared, is grounded in honesty and understanding. In turn, naturally, Jennifer has found herself learning from the very couples she officiates.
“Being friends and doing things together builds a bond,” says Jennifer.
“That’s how love lasts.”
A marriage celebrant is more than just a legal requirement at your wedding; they are the person who guides you through your vows, shapes the tone of your ceremony and underpins the whole day. A Celebrant for Ceremonies, with Jennifer at the helm, embodies this understanding by bringing her own lived experience while continually learning from couples. Choosing who will marry you is worthy of thought and deep intention. After all, the person who stands beside you as you say ‘I do’ will forever be part of the story you tell.
Images courtesy of Jennifer Ryder