If either of you doesn’t speak or understand English well enough to follow the ceremony and say the legal vows, you’ll need a qualified interpreter to assist on the day. This is essential to ensure that both parties fully understand and freely consent to the marriage.

Here’s how it works:

  • The interpreter must be fluent in both English and the other language

  • They must attend the ceremony in person (or via live video if arranged in advance)

  • They will interpret the Monitum, legal vows, and any other parts of the ceremony if needed

  • After the ceremony, the interpreter must sign a statutory declaration confirming their accurate translation

Your celebrant is responsible for:

  • Ensuring both parties understand the ceremony

  • Arranging or approving the interpreter

  • Lodging the interpreter’s declaration with the marriage documents

⚠️ Important:

If one person cannot understand English and no interpreter is present, the marriage cannot go ahead—even if everything else is in place.