Photographers:

Bulb Creative, Tessa Shannon, George Bowden, Lauren Campbell, House of Love (Adelaide), Luke Fletcher, Heart & Colour, Dan Chafer, Allume.

All photos were in collaboration with The Elopement Collective

JOSH WITHERS WEDDING CELEBRANT

I've been creating marriage ceremonies since 2009 - thousands in 22 different countries - and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the person standing at the pointy end of your wedding impacts *everything* about your day. We set the tone, like the dude in the orchestra who hits the triangle and everyone sings in that key.

Think about it: your celebrant is the first voice your guests hear. They're the one who makes everyone laugh, cry, or both. They're the one who creates the atmosphere that carries through your entire celebration.

A great celebrant doesn't just read words off a page. They craft a moment, a vibe, a feeling. They hold the space for you to exchange the most important promises you'll ever make.

When the celebrant is nervous, everyone's nervous. When they're confident, everyone relaxes. When they're genuinely moved by your story, everyone feels it.

Yes, there are legal bits we need to say. In Australia, I need to tell you that "marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."

You need to say a single sentence that legally binds you together. That takes about 45 seconds. The rest of the ceremony? That's where the magic happens. That's where we get to tell your story, celebrate your journey, acknowledge your community, and create a moment that sets the tone for your entire marriage.

## What Makes My Approach Different

“I don't use scripts. Ever.”

This seems to freak people out, but hear me out. When I create your ceremony, I immerse myself in your story so deeply that reading from a piece of paper would actually limit what I can bring to the moment. I prepare more thoroughly than most celebrants who read from scripts. I rehearse, I know your story inside out, I understand the flow and feeling we're aiming for. But on the day, I'm fully present with you and your guests, responding to the energy in the room, making authentic connections. It's the difference between watching a movie you've seen before versus experiencing something for the first time. There's an energy to creation that simply can't be reproduced.

## The Wedding Industry's Best-Kept Secret

“Here's what nobody tells you:”

your ceremony can be the absolute highlight of your wedding day. Most couples spend months agonising over tablescapes and flower arrangements, but give their ceremony only passing thought. Yet the ceremony is why everyone's there. It's the moment you actually get married. When done right, your ceremony sets up the entire celebration. Your guests move into the reception buzzing with emotion, having witnessed something authentic and powerful, ready to celebrate this momentous occasion with you.

## What to Look For in a Celebrant

“Whether you choose me or someone else”

(though obviously I hope it's me!)

Here's what to look for:

1. **Connection**:

Do you feel comfortable with this person? Could you share personal stories with them?

2. **Authenticity**:

Are they genuine? Do you believe what they're saying?

3. **Confidence**:

Do they command attention without demanding it?

4. **Adaptability**:

Can they read a room and respond accordingly?

5. **Understanding**:

Do they really get what you want for your ceremony?

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## The Josh Withers Difference

I've created ceremonies worldwide, from Iceland to New York, from grand ballrooms to intimate elopements.

Each one has been completely unique because each couple is completely unique. I don't believe in templates. I don't believe one size fits all. I believe your ceremony should be as individual as your relationship.

I believe in marriage deeply. I believe it forms the foundation of our best communities and our strongest societies. And I believe your ceremony should reflect the magnitude of what you're undertaking, while still feeling completely like you.

Good celebrants aren't just service providers – we're artists, storytellers, space-holders, and guides. We transform legal requirements into meaningful rituals. We turn words into feelings. Choose wisely. This moment deserves nothing less.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​