Should Your Celebrant Also Be Your MC?

When you’re planning a wedding, one question comes up surprisingly often:

Should our celebrant also be our MC?

There’s no one “right” answer — but there is a right answer for you, your timeline, and the kind of atmosphere you want on the day. Let’s unpack what the MC actually does, when combining roles works beautifully, and when it might not be the best fit. I've had the pleasure of MCing multiple weddings and it's a lovely way to be a part of their big day from start to finish.

What Does a Wedding MC Really Do?

A good MC isn’t just someone with a microphone and a list of names.

They guide the flow of the reception, introduce key moments, keep guests informed, manage energy in the room, and subtly solve problems before anyone notices them. They’re the connective tissue between speeches, food service, dancing, and those little moments that can otherwise feel awkward or rushed.

In short: they help the night feel effortless.

Why Having Your Celebrant as MC Can Work Brilliantly

One of the biggest advantages of having the same person as both celebrant and MC is continuity.

By the time your ceremony is over, your celebrant already knows:

• Your story

• Your family dynamics

• Your sense of humour

• The tone you want (formal, relaxed, playful, somewhere in between)

That knowledge carries straight into the reception.

Instead of handing things over to someone new, the person guiding the ceremony simply continues guiding the day. It often feels smoother, calmer, and more connected — especially for couples who want the whole celebration to feel cohesive rather than segmented.

It can also simplify planning. One less supplier. One shared timeline. One person who understands how the ceremony timing affects the reception flow.

The Comfort Factor (That People Don’t Talk About Enough)

Public speaking is one thing. Reading a room is another.

A professional celebrant who also MCs does this all the time. They know how to:

• Fill a short silence without panic

• Adjust the energy if the room feels flat

• Gently move things along without barking orders

• Keep things warm, human, and inclusive

For many couples, that peace of mind alone is worth it.

Is it for everyone?

One thing that I love about how weddings are planned nowadays is that couples more and more are making their events unique. So while some couples love inspiration for planners and organisers, others have a very clear view of what they want.

This means that not everybody requires an MC for their reception. In other cases, they have a clear idea of who they want and it may not be the same person that marries them. What I always say to couples when they are trying to plan their weddings is "It's never a wrong answer as long as you've thought about it in advance."

Thinking About Having One Person Do Both?

As a celebrant who also MCs, I see the difference it makes when one person understands the whole story — not just the ceremony or just the party, but how everything fits together.

It’s not about taking over the day. It’s about guiding it quietly, confidently, and with a sense of care.

If you’re considering having your celebrant also act as your MC, it’s worth having that conversation early — not to lock anything in, but to see if it feels right for you and your day.

When I work as both celebrant and MC, my focus is on creating a wedding that flows naturally from ceremony to reception, without awkward handovers or forced formality. It’s calm, well-paced, and tailored to the people in the room — not a script pulled off the internet.

If you’re curious about how that might work for your wedding, you’re very welcome to get in touch and chat it through. Even if you’re still deciding, I’m always happy to talk options and help you work out what will suit you best.

👉 Get in touch here:

weddingswithadam.com.au/contact