Interpreting a Registry ceremony
Learn everything you need to know about interpreters for Registry ceremonies in NSW. Discover why interpreters are required, who can act as an interpreter, and how they assist during your ceremony.
All Registry ceremonies are conducted in English, even if the celebrant can speak other languages. If the celebrant is not satisfied that the couple can speak and understand English, an interpreter must be used.
Please note: witnesses for marriage ceremonies at the Registry must speak and understand English and cannot rely on interpreters.
Deciding when an interpreter will be used
Marriage Interview
When booking a wedding with the Registry, the couple will have a marriage interview with a Registry officer. The officer will assess whether an interpreter is required for either or both partners for their ceremony. If an interpreter is required, this will be stated on the couple's confirmation email when the ceremony is booked.
Please note that either partner can also request to have an interpreter present if they are not confident in their English language skills.
On the day of the ceremony
The celebrant will also make the final judgement on whether the interpreter’s services are required.
Please note: if an interpreter is required but not present, the ceremony will not proceed.
Who can be the interpreter for a marriage ceremony
The interpreter must:
- not be one of the partners to the marriage
- be an adult (18 years or over)
- speak and understand both English and the native language of the partner/s to the marriage
They can be:
- an accredited interpreter
- a family member or friend
- one of the witnesses to the marriage
Please note: the Registry cannot provide interpreters.
What will the interpreter need to do
Arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony begins
This ensures there is enough time to complete paperwork and discuss key elements of the ceremony.
Complete and sign the statutory declaration
This is supplied by the Registry. The statutory declaration testifies that the interpreter speaks the relevant languages fluently and will interpret the ceremony.
Interpret pre-ceremony conversations
The celebrant will need to meet with both partners and the interpreter to:
- ensure any required original documents have been sighted by the celebrant
- confirm both parties consent to be married
- check the couple's details are correct on the certificate of marriage
- explain the difference between the commemorative, ceremonial, and official marriage certificates
- sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to marriage
- discuss the order of ceremony, for example, the speaking of the legal vows and whether the couple want to exchange rings.
The interpreter will interpret these conversations to ensure that both parties understand the requirements.
Interpret the marriage ceremony
The celebrant will deliver the ceremony in English. The interpreter will interpret the words the celebrant says in the native language of the partner/s. Any words the partner/s say in their native language, the interpreter will interpret in English for the celebrant. In a marriage ceremony, this includes the legal marriage vows.
The interpreter may be provided with a script for their convenience on the day of the ceremony. They should ask the celebrant if they need them to clarify or repeat themselves.
Complete the certificate of faithful performance
They will complete and sign the certificate of faithful performance supplied by the Registry once the ceremony is complete.
Relationship ceremonies
Couples who have registered their relationship in NSW may celebrate with a relationship ceremony at the Registry.
Booking a relationship ceremony at the Registry does not involve an interview, however, the couple must arrange for an interpreter if they do not speak and understand English. It is important that they understand what the celebrant tells them, and that they are not having a legal marriage ceremony.
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On the day of your ceremony
More information on what to expect on the day of your Registry ceremony including what to bring, when to arrive, what will happen during the ceremony and what to expect after your ceremony.