‘You may now kiss the spouse’: New celebrant guidelines for marriage equality

The new era of marriage equality in Australia begins at midnight, and the Attorney-General's office has begun preparing celebrants for the change.

New fact sheets issued by the government illustrate the new terminology that celebrants will be able to use in ceremonies.

The traditional terms "bride" and "groom" are still present, but can now be used "regardless of the sex or gender of the person saying the vows.

Additionally, the term "spouse" can now also be used to refer to a male, female, intersex, non-binary gender or transgender person.

"This change allows marrying couples to make a personal choice about the terms to be used in their marriage vows that best reflect their relationship," the fact sheet states.

The "monitum" used by civil celebrants - the statement they are required to include in their ceremonies to explain the nature of marriage - has also been changed.

"Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life," the statement now reads.

The marriage equality laws took effect from December 9 last year following a controversial postal plebiscite survey and parliamentary vote, which means the earliest date couples can wed is from tomorrow, January 9.