If you’re considering booking a celebrant training course, you’re probably already doing some research – comparing providers, looking at prices, reading reviews, trying to work out what separates one programme from another.
That’s exactly the right thing to do. And I want to help you do it well – even if that means you end up choosing someone other than me. Because the most important thing is that you find a celebrant training course that genuinely serves you, gives you real skills, and supports you properly. Not one that simply looks impressive on a webpage.
So here are the questions I’d encourage you to ask before you commit.
Who is actually delivering the training?
Some training organisations are led by a well-known figurehead but delivered by associates or subcontractors. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that – but you should know what you’re signing up for. Ask specifically: who will be teaching me, giving me feedback, and available to me when I have questions? In my programmes, that’s always me. Every student works with me directly, receives feedback from me personally, and can reach me throughout their training. And that’s the case for both my one-to-one and my self-paced programmes.
What is the format, and does it suit how you learn?
A celebrant training course delivered entirely through pre-recorded videos is a very different experience from live, interactive one-to-one training. Both have their place – I offer both – but they suit different people. Think honestly about how you learn best. Do you thrive with structure and scheduled sessions? Or do you need the flexibility to work at your own pace around existing commitments? Neither answer is wrong, but it matters for which format will actually work for you.
How much personal feedback will you receive?
This is one of the most important questions to ask, and one that doesn’t always get a clear answer. Some courses offer group feedback or automated marking. In my programmes, every single assignment receives individual, written feedback from me. That personal attention is how you actually develop – not just as a celebrant, but as a writer and a communicator.
What does the course actually cover?
A good celebrant training course should go well beyond ceremony writing. Look for training that covers working with clients sensitively, developing your writing, understanding the legal landscape, and – critically – building your business. If the curriculum doesn’t include anything about marketing, pricing, or how to attract clients, ask why. The ceremony is only part of the work.
What support exists after you qualify?
The day you receive your Certification is exciting. But the weeks after – when you’re building your presence, waiting for your first enquiry, trying to hold your nerve – can be quietly challenging. Ask every provider what happens after the course ends. In my programmes, students have lifetime access to course materials, are invited to networking sessions every six weeks, and receive a dedicated post-course Q&A session. The community doesn’t end when the training does.
Is the training recognised?
This isn’t always straightforward in the celebrant industry, which has no single regulatory body. But look for endorsements from credible organisations. Both my Wedding and Funeral Celebrant training courses are NOCN Endorsed. That kind of external recognition matters and adds credibility to your future celebrant business.
Is there an opportunity to talk before you commit?
If a training provider doesn’t offer any opportunity to have a real conversation before you hand over your money, that tells you something. I offer an Informed Decision Session – a 30-minute call where we talk through your questions, your concerns, and whether my celebrant training course is genuinely the right fit for you. No pressure. No pitch. Just an honest conversation.
Before you go — a free resource for you
My free guide, Transitioning to a Celebrant Career, includes a section specifically on choosing the right training — what to look for, what to watch out for, and how to make a decision you’ll feel confident about.
If you’d like to talk through any of this with me directly, my Informed Decision Session is there for you. I’d love to help you find the right path — whatever that turns out to be.
Warmly, Dinah (She/Her)