In order to perform legal marriages in Australia a Civil Celebrant must be registered by the Attorney General. For registration a celebrant must complete a Certificate 4 in Celebrancy. This is a very comprehensive course that ensures the celebrant is well versed on the legal, ritual and logistical aspects that going into making a legal marriage.
There is an application fee, an annual registration fee to the AG Dept.
Celebrants are also legally obliged to complete annual OPD.
To ensure a collaborative and supportive network, many celebrants join Celebrant Associations. I belong to the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants and the Celebrants Network.
Insurance and Copyright Protection is also an expense.
A good sound system, mics and props are also required.
However, TIME is the largest factor. Hours are spent in communication, meetings, writing and performing the ceremony.
Having said that though ...we become celebrants because we love doing what we do.
I have 3 main price levels for marriage ceremonies. Other ceremonies vary with the degree of involvement.