I'm so glad you're here
Find out everything you need to know about Josh Withers wedding celebrant
Overexcited father, blessed husband, Foo Fighters fan, massive nerd, professional traveller, and I've only finished work once you're both making out.
Making Weddings Great Again Since 2009
Achievements
Since 2009 I have been a lucky and blessed man to not just have fallen in love and married my wife Britt, we've also built two global wedding brands in The Elopement Collective and Josh Withers Wedding Celebrant. I've spoken at wedding conferences in Europe, the UK, Northern America, Australia and New Zealand, and every month I talk to 10,000+ wedding celebrants through the Celebrant Institute. Almost two decades on and every wedding, elopement, seminar, workshop, and article still brings me joy. It's an honour to stand with so many people like you doing brave and important things like getting married.
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Global reach
When people like you are having meaningful celebrations like a wedding in far-away and exotic locations of course you lean into the local cultures and themes, but for the ceremony and the voice of the event you want a professional public speaker on the same wavelength as you, ushering you into marriage in a culturually approppiate way. That is why hundreds of people like you have flown me across the world to be their international destination wedding celebrant.
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15 years of five-star reviews
Scattered across the internet over the last 15 years are reviews and testimonies from people like you, leaving the best and nicest reviews about me being their celebrant. I've been featured in the New York Times, the Daily Mail, The Today Show, and on Mamamia. Across the ABC and Channel Seven, 2GB, 2DAY FM, and KIIS.
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Award-winning
Just between you, me, and whoever is handing out awards, I don't think that much of them because despite everyone's kind words, the truth is that I'm the number one best celebrant for some people, and definitely not for others. Choosing a celebrant is an exercise in finding someone you gel with that you believe can deliver the ceremony you need to feel awesome. That said, I'll keep on accepting Celebrant of the Year awards if they're handing them out.
Inside info on your celebrant
Why should Josh Withers be your celebrant?
A modern approach to weddings
Not neccesarily anti-tradition, but anti traditions that don't mean anything to you bothPure unscripted joy
Josh creates unique unscripted but well-prepared but personal wedding ceremonies that focus on your future together.
Not too short, not too long
Your ceremony will be the perfect length - like a TED Talk, 18 minutes of meaningful connection that respects your guests time while delivering maximum impact.
Not a funeral for your single life
In not knowing what else to do at a wedding ceremony some people basically hold a funeral for your pre-married life. Instead Josh Withers wants to usher you into your future and encourage your guests to gather around and celebrate you.
Professional traveller
Based in Tasmania's Huon Valley but available worldwide, Josh has created ceremonies in over 20 countries around Europe, Asia, and North America while maintaining cultural relevance and authentic moments.
Australian marriages celebrated worldwide
For international weddings, Josh handles the Australian legal paperwork before the travel, saving you time, about $2000, and all the international marriage law administration headaches.
You have my full attention
As a full-time celebrant, Josh is available any day that isn't already booked, taking only one ceremony per day to give you complete focus.
I ❤️ What I Do
Whether in a Tasmanian wilderness, a European castle, or your backyard, Josh brings vulnerable, authentic celebrations to life through genuine connection, not scripts.
I can be the MC, The Emcee, or the Master of Ceremonies
Beyond being your celebrant, Josh can be your wedding reception MC - coordinating vendors, managing timelines, and ensuring your entire celebration flows perfectly.
Pretty Good On A Camera Too
Josh offers social media content creation so you can share your special moments immediately with friends and family.
Former Radio DJ, Current Wedding DJ
Before his life as a wedding celebrant Josh was a breakfast radio DJ and a bit of a music nerd so if you need aisle music suggestions or musical assistance, reach out for help.
A Leading Australian Celebrant
Along with his business partner in the Celebrant Institute, Sarah Aird, Josh talks to over 10,000 celebrants a year bringing them professional developement and marriage law help.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Josh's inbox is always open if a question you've got isn't covered here.
How far in advance should we book our celebrant?
While Australian law only requires one month's notice to marry, we recommend booking when you've chosen your date and venue. Josh accepts bookings 1-9 months ahead, but popular dates can book early, especially during peak wedding season.
What's involved in the legal process of getting married in Australia?
You'll need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before your wedding date. We'll meet to complete this paperwork, confirm your identity documents (passport/birth certificate), and ensure you meet the legal requirements (being 18+, not already married, and both consenting). On your wedding day, you'll sign your marriage certificates with two witnesses aged 18 or over.
Do we need to write our own vows?
You have complete flexibility here. The only legal requirement is that you basically say 'I ask everyone here present to witness that I take you to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.' Beyond that, you can write your own vows, which is what Josh recommends. The traditional 'I do' doesn't mean anything in Australian legal weddings.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Josh will always work with you and your venue to have a solid wet weather backup plan. He's experienced in quickly adapting to weather changes and will help coordinate with your vendors to ensure a smooth transition if needed. Remember, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck in many cultures!
How long is a typical ceremony?
A Josh Withers typical ceremony runs for 18 minutes - the same length as a TED Talk. Research shows this is the perfect duration for maintaining engagement while ensuring everything meaningful is included. No boring moments, no rushed feelings - just the right amount of time to create your perfect moment.
What makes you different from other celebrants?
Josh don't read from a script or tell your love story - your guests already know it. Instead creates an authentic ceremony focused on your future together. He speaks from genuine connection, keep things natural and engaging, and ensure your ceremony feels like a true celebration of who you are and where you're heading. Plus, with experience across 20+ countries, Josh brings a global perspective while maintaining cultural relevance.