What makes Josh's wedding ceremonies different from others?

Josh creates honest, memorable ceremonies without the weird, fake, or recycled wedding nonsense. If you're after something true and real, he’s your guy.

Why should a wedding ceremony feel better than it looks?

Because the ceremony is the true beginning of your marriage — not something to just 'get through' before the drinks. It’s the emotional firestarter to your whole celebration.

Does Josh use templates or scripts in his ceremonies?

No. Every ceremony is created from scratch with real stories and heartfelt words — no recycled paragraphs, no reading from a screen or book, and definitely no school-play energy.

What is Josh's communication style like as a celebrant?

Josh is down-to-earth and direct. You’ll get clear communication, fast replies, and genuine enthusiasm — never vague wedding jargon or airy waffle.

Is Josh connected to any vendors or planning services?

Josh is an independent celebrant and not tied to any vendor, except occasionally working with his wife at The Elopement Collective. He prioritises your moment over business deals and referrals.

Fun wedding celebrant creating the best wedding ceremonies from Tassie to Timbuktu

Q: Who is the ideal couple for Josh to work with?

Josh works best with high-agency couples — people who value their time, want things done properly, and are designing a day that reflects who they really are.

Hi, I'm Josh Withers! I'm the celebrant who believes your ceremony should be the best part of your wedding. No scripts. No fluff. Just an awesome ceremony that feels like a big smile — not a weird funeral for your single life.

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Meet Josh

The best wedding ceremony ever, by Josh Withers

TL;DR

What kind of celebrant is Josh?

No Boring WeddingsIf you’re looking for something honest, true, and memorable — without anything weird, fake, or recycled wedding rubbish — Josh is your guy!

Your Wedding Should Feel Better Than It Looks.The ceremony, the moment when we breath your marriage to life, is not just something to “get through” before drinks. It's the firestarter to the wedding celebrations.

No Scripts. All Heart.Every ceremony of mine is created fresh — no recycled paragraphs, no weird stories, and no reading a script off an iPad or book like it's a school play.

An Honest CeremonyJosh is approachable, grounded, and refreshingly direct. You won’t get vague wedding jargon or airy waffle — just clear communication, quick replies, and genuine enthusiasm.

High-Agency Celebrant For High-Agency CouplesJosh works best with couples who value their time, want things done properly, and are curating a day that actually reflects them — not just ticking boxes.

Your AdvocateI'm an independant marriage celebrant, the only vendor I'm in cahoots with is my wife at The Elopement Collective. But I've even convinced her clients to change plans. I believe that this moment is more important than referrals, money, and business. I'm in the vulnerability and authenticiy business.

My philosophy: The marriage ceremony can be, and should be, the best part of your wedding.

My Approach

What makes a Josh Withers ceremony different

Since 2009, I've been creating custom ceremonies that honour the gravity of marriage while keeping things real, joyful, and deeply personal. This isn't a side hustle — it's my life's work.

Words That Matter

I believe we breathe your marriage to life. Every ceremony is written from scratch because your story deserves more than 'insert couple here.' No reading from scripts — just authentic conversation that breathes your union into existence.

Legally Sound

The Marriage Act of 1961 gives me the authority to marry people according to Australian law. I also hold legal authority to perform marriages in the USA and Canada. Your ceremony will be both emotionally resonant and legally solid.

Professional Sound Equipment

Your ceremony isn't just a moment for you; it's for everyone present. I use professional Bose speakers and Rode audio gear so everyone hears the words that matter, and your videographer gets pristine audio for your keepsake.

Calm Presence

My role is to be a professionally calm and confident voice on your wedding day. I hold space for smiles, joy, reflection, and truth — adapting to the moment, the people, the place, and the beautiful chaos with authenticity.

Simplified Planning

No unnecessary meetings or homework. We'll connect as many times as needed for you to feel confident that I understand your vision. I prepare deeply but speak naturally, treating your ceremony as a one-off conversation about something sacred.

TED Talk Inspiration

My ceremonies are inspired by TED Talks - concise, impactful, and engaging. At around 18 minutes, they're long enough to be meaningful but short enough to keep everyone present and connected to the moment that matters.

The journey to your wedding

Step 1: Discovery

We'll check your date availability, choose the right package, and begin getting to know each other. This is a relationship, not a transaction.

Step 2: Legal Preparation

At least one month before your wedding, we'll complete the Notice of Intended Marriage together, either in person or via video call. I'll guide you through the legal requirements with clarity and ease.

Step 3: Ceremony Design

Over coffee or video call, we'll explore your story, your values, and your vision. I'll craft a ceremony that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple, with a clear structure that gives you peace of mind.

Your Wedding Day

I'll deliver your ceremony with presence, professionalism, and personality — creating a moment that anchors your entire celebration.

From couples who took the leap

"First of all, a huge thank you for this unforgettable wedding. We are so glad we had Josh Withers as our Celebrant at Uluru. Before the wedding he was available to us at almost any time of the day or night. He guided us with a lot of patience in far away Germany through all the forms we had to fill out for our wedding. He also took time to address our fears and concerns that come with making such a decision. The wedding day itself was absolutely wonderful."

Bernie & Christiane

Eloped at Uluru

"Josh is a truly wonderful celebrant who will make you feel at ease from your first meeting. Josh has an exceptional way with words and delivered the ceremony of our dreams. It was heart felt and intimate (exactly what we wanted) and I would recommend him to anyone wanting a ceremony that is the opposite of cooker cutter style. His words come straight from the heart (and are not read from off an iPad!) and having him as our celebrant was the perfect intro into marriage. Forever grateful we chose Josh!"

Carissa & Jack

Destination wedding

"Josh wonderful to work with in organizing our special day. Given neither of us had done this before he was helpful, kind and informative, Thanks Josh."