The Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants includes:

A high standard of service in professional conduct and practice. 

(a) appropriate personal presentation for marriage ceremonies;

(b) punctuality for marriage ceremonies;

(c) accuracy in preparation of documents and in the conduct of marriage ceremonies. 

A marriage celebrant must recognise the social, cultural and legal significance of marriage and the marriage ceremony in the Australian community, and the importance of strong and respectful family relationships. 

A marriage celebrant must: 

(a) comply with the requirements of the Marriage Act 1961 and the Marriage Regulations  which apply to the marriage celebrant; and 

(b) observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of any State or Territory in which the marriage celebrant solemnises marriages; and

(c) avoid unlawful discrimination in the provision of marriage celebrancy services.

A marriage celebrant must:

(a) give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony, including information to assist the parties to decide whether a marriage ceremony rehearsal is needed or appropriate; 

(b) respect the privacy and confidentiality of the parties, including by: 

(i) arrange for appropriate facilities to interview parties; and 

(ii) deal appropriately with personal documents and personal information; and 

(iii) maintain appropriate facilities for the secure storage of records; and

(iv) ensure the return of all personal documents belonging to the parties as soon as practicable (unless it is necessary to keep the documents for the ceremony); 

(c) give the parties information about how to notify the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department of any concerns or complaints they may have regarding the marriage services provided by the marriage celebrant. 

 A marriage celebrant must: 

(a) maintain an up-to-date knowledge about appropriate family relationships services in the community; and

(b) inform the parties to the marriage about the range of information and services available to them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationship.