Course description
This nationally recognised qualification reflects the role of professional celebrants who work closely with clients to plan, write and present a wide range of ceremonies within the Australian community. Celebrants are generally self-employed and play a significant role in supporting families and communities during life’s most meaningful moments.
As a celebrant, you are invited to share in special occasions such as weddings, naming ceremonies, civil ceremonies and funerals. It is a rewarding career that requires creativity, professionalism and compassion.
You will also be responsible for fulfilling the legal requirements of marriage under Australian law. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to operate as a professional celebrant, including:
- Ceremony design, writing and presentation
- Understanding legal and ethical obligations
- Effective communication and client relationships
- Small business management skills to support self-employment
If you see yourself as a confident presenter, creative writer, empathetic communicator and organised business professional, this course could be your pathway to a meaningful and flexible career as a celebrant.
Possible career outcomes
- Funeral celebrant
- Marriage celebrant
- Family and community celebrant
Wondering if this industry will suit you?
We have created a very short course quiz to help you gain a little more understanding of what is required and whether you might enjoy a role in this industry. Take the quiz here.
Applications & attendance
How to apply
- Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or email COURINFO@gordontafe.edu.au.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 April Geelong City Campus |
Open: 16 Oct 2025 Close: 1 Apr 2026 |
Blended | Part Time | Start: 21 Apr 2026 | Tuesday I 5.30pm - 7.30pm | Apply |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course. Spaces are limited and only completed applications will be considered for an offer. Intakes can be cancelled at any time.
Additional attendance information
This course features a blended learning model, combining:
- Self-paced digital study materials - The Gordons LMS
- Interactive workshops via Zoom for real-time instruction and feedback
- On-campus face-to-face workshops to practice delivery and refine presentation skills.
Delivery method
Expect to dedicate 10–15 hours each week to both online and in-person study. Strong computer skills and reliable internet access are essential for success.
How often do I attend?
Induction:
Induction and access to workbooks and course materials via Gordon Online – Tuesday 21st April 2026.
Note: An invitation will be sent to all the enrolled students prior to the induction date.
You must be enrolled into the course to be invited to induction.
| TIME | PLACE | AGENDA |
|---|---|---|
*Optional 4.00pm – 4.15pm |
The Gallery |
Arrive and Hello |
| *Optional 4.15pm – 5.00pm | Tour Campus |
|
5.00pm – 7.00pm (Attendance required) |
The Gallery |
Induction Begins |
7.00pm |
Leave |
Goodbye and Good Luck |
Workshops:
- Workshop 1 – Friday 17th July 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 2 – Saturday 18th July 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 3 – Friday 28th August 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 4 – Saturday 29th August 2026, 9:00am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 5 – Friday 9th October 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 6 – Saturday 10th October 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 7 – Friday 16th October 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 8 – Saturday 17th October 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 9 – Friday 13th November 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 10 – Saturday 14th November 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 11 – Friday 20th November 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshop 12 – Saturday 21st November 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Zoom Sessions:
- Zoom 1 - Tuesday 12th May 2026, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
- Zoom 2 – Tuesday 26th May 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 3 – Thursday 4th June 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 4 – Wednesday 24th June 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 5 – Thursday 23rd July 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 6 – Wednesday 5th August 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 7 – Thursday 3rd September 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 8 – Tuesday 15th September 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 9 – Wednesday 21st October 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Zoom 10 – Thursday 5th November 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Entrance requirements
- Applicants are expected to have literacy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 4 and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Year 11 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2.
Apprenticeship and traineeship requirements
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Develop sustainable celebrancy practice | CHCCEL001 | 70 |
| Establish client celebrancy needs | CHCCEL002 | 80 |
| Prepare for, present and evaluate ceremonies | CHCCEL004 | 60 |
| Research, design and organise ceremonies | CHCCEL003 | 100 |
| Work legally and ethically | CHCLEG001 | 55 |
| Work with diverse people | CHCDIV001 | 40 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Establish and maintain marriage celebrancy practice | CHCCEL005 | 35 |
| Interview clients and plan marriage ceremonies | CHCCEL006 | 70 |
| Plan, present and evaluate funeral and memorial ceremonies | CHCCEL008 | 65 |
| Prepare for, present and evaluate marriage ceremonies | CHCCEL007 | 40 |
| Provide loss and grief support | CHCCCS017 | 55 |
| Research and develop business plans | BSBESB401 | 50 |
| Write content for a range of media | CUAWRT301 | 40 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Questioning
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Product (reports, projects, role plays etc)
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.71 | per hour | 760 | AUD $540.00 | AUD $4,972.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $3.55 | per hour | 760 | AUD $2,698.00 | AUD $4,972.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $5.66 | per hour | 760 | AUD $4,302.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | AUD $150.00 | Once | Charged at enrolment | ||
| Education Levy | AUD $114.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.