Top 3 questions couples ask me

One

What are the legal requirements for getting married in Australia?

This is hands down the most popular question — and rightly so! The legal side of getting married is really straightforward when you’ve got the right celebrant to guide you through it.

Couple signing marriage certificate on the branch of a pandanus tree — Photo by Taylah Jayne Photography

Here’s what you need to know:

You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding day (and no more than 18 months in advance). Find out everything you need to know about your Notice of Intended Marriage here!
You’ll need to provide original documents such as your birth certificate or passport, and if you’ve been previously married, a divorce or death certificate.
You both must be over 18 and free to marry.
The ceremony must be conducted by a registered celebrant and include specific legal wording to make it official. Find the listings of all the registered celebrants in Australia here!

Your celebrant will walk you through the paperwork, lodge the documents on your behalf, and make sure everything is 100% legal — so you can focus on the fun part!

Two

How much does a wedding cost in Australia?

Ah, the money question. The truth is, wedding costs can vary wildly depending on your style, size, and location. According to recent surveys, the average Australian wedding costs around $30,000–$36,000, but that’s by no means a rule.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Venue and catering are usually the biggest expenses
Celebrants, photographers, outfits, flowers, and music come next
Elopements and micro weddings can be much more affordable and equally meaningful. Take a look at my elopements and microwedding offer here!

The best advice? Set your priorities early. Decide what matters most (a stunning view? epic photos? a killer party?) and focus your budget there. You can absolutely have a beautiful, memorable wedding without blowing the bank.

Same sex couple get married on Broken Head beach, Byron Bay — Elise and Jen eloped! Bird and Boy photography

Three

How do we make our ceremony personal and meaningful?

This is one of my favourite questions — because it shows that couples really want their ceremony to feel like them.

Here are a few ways to create a heartfelt and unique experience:

Write your own vows (or get help crafting them). I have written about vows here- check it out!
Include readings, music, or rituals that are meaningful to you
Have your celebrant tell your your love story as part of the ceremony
Involve family, kids, or pets if they’re important to your journey
Ensure that you pick a celebrant that can deliver on what you want. One who can help you with ideas that will make your ceremony unique and perfect for YOU.

A great celebrant will get to know you, listen to what matters most, and weave your personalities into every moment. Your ceremony doesn’t have to be long or traditional — it just has to feel real and authentic to who you are as a couple.

Byron Bay wedding celebrant Heidi Robertson with a couple — Steph, Oliver and baby eloped at Forget Me Not. Photography by Riku Koroda

💬 Got More Questions?

If you’re planning your wedding and feeling unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. I’m always happy to answer questions, share ideas, and help bring your dream ceremony to life — whether you’re planning months ahead or dreaming of a spontaneous elopement.

Let’s make something beautiful, together! You can get in touch with me here :)