Tip #1: Choose the location first. If you're wanting to get married in a church building you may get the location and the celebrant for the price of one. If you're fortunate to be going to a church already and are able to use their building and you know the minister you may come out only paying a donation.

If you're wanting to get married in a public garden you will find that this may be an expensive option. Local councils will charge you for the privilege of using these facilities and may even require a bond in case the place is left in a mess.

The third option is in a privately owned garden which could be quite a cheap alternative providing you know the owners. Other privately owned gardens like those maintained by universities and colleges, or society owned gardens may be a dearer option. Depending on their popularity it may also be harder to secure the day that you were hoping to get.

Tip #2 Find someone you like to officiate. Even if it's a celebrant that you found in the Yellow Pages it's important to get to know them and feel comfortable around them. Make sure you're able to meet with them prior to paying a deposit and gauge the chemistry between them. If it seems dour and sterile and perhaps you're just another number, take the time to go looking elsewhere.

It may even be possible for a close friend to officiate while keeping a celebrant on hand to sign the legal papers. Keep in mind though, that this will still cost you.