Organising an interpreter for a Registry ceremony

When is an interpreter required

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 Registry marriage ceremonies must speak and understand English. Witnesses cannot rely on interpreters.

Who decides when an interpreter will be used

During the marriage interview

Couples are required to have a marriage interview with a Registry officer before booking a wedding ceremony. During this interview, 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 your confirmation email after the ceremony is booked.

Either you or your partner can also request to have an interpreter present if you are not confident in your English language skills.

On the day of the ceremony

The celebrant will make the final decision on whether the interpreter’s services are required on the ceremony day.

Please note: if an interpreter is required but not present on the wedding day, the ceremony cannot proceed.

Who can be the interpreter for a marriage ceremony

The interpreter must:

be an adult (18 years or over)
speak and understand both English and the native language of the partner/s to the marriage

The interpreter can be:

an accredited interpreter
a family member or friend
one of the witnesses to the marriage.

The interpreter must not be one of the people getting married.

Please note: the Registry cannot provide interpreters.

What the interpreter needs to do

1

Arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony begins

Arriving early ensures there is enough time to complete paperwork and discuss key elements of the ceremony.

2

Complete and sign the statutory declaration

The statutory declaration documents are supplied by the Registry. The statutory declaration testifies that the interpreter speaks the relevant languages fluently and will interpret the ceremony.

3

Interpret pre-ceremony conversations

The celebrant will need to meet with both partners and the interpreter before the ceremony to:

ensure any required original documents are provided to 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.

4

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. During the ceremony, interpreters should ask the celebrant if they need clarification or need the celebrant to repeat themselves.

5

Complete the certificate of faithful performance

The interpreter will complete and sign the certificate of faithful performance supplied by the Registry once the ceremony is complete.

Interpreters for 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.