An Extra Option for Name Changing After Your Wedding
There’s a fourth, lesser-known option for name changes after marriage in Australia – creating a completely new family surname together.
Australia's warm and relaxed wedding celebrant creating the best wedding ceremonies and big smiles from the red centre to the surf.
Hi, I'm Josh Withers! For 15 years I've flown, driven, and occasionally hiked to marry legends in every state and territory. I believe your ceremony should be the best part of your wedding – a clear, honest, slightly cheeky celebration of who you are. Custom packages (from $700) mean you only pay for what you need, from paperwork-only elopements to full MC + ceremony.
TL;DR
What kind of celebrant is Josh?
No Boring Weddings!If you’re looking for something heartfelt, real, and unforgettable — without the fluff, fake laughs, or recycled ceremony scripts — you’ve found your guy.
For People Who Value How Things FeelThe wedding ceremony should feel better than it looks. It’s not just something to “get through” before drinks.
No Templates. No Scripts. No Cringe.Every ceremony is created fresh — no recycled paragraphs, no weird stories, and definitely no pretending Josh knows you better than your besties.
Good Vibes, Real TalkJosh is approachable, grounded, and refreshingly direct. You won’t get vague wedding jargon or airy waffle — just clear communication, quick replies, and genuine enthusiasm.
Ideal 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.
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 created bespoke ceremonies for couples from Broome to Bondi and everywhere between. This isn't a side hustle — it's my full-time craft.
Words That Matter
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 marriage to life.
Legally Sound
Authorised under the Marriage Act 1961 and appointed to marry couples in the USA and Canada too. Paperwork done properly, zero stress.
Professional Sound Equipment
I turn up with Bose speakers and Rode & Sennheiser microphones so every laugh, tear, and promise is heard — and captured cleanly by your videographer.
Calm Presence
Think of me as your professional hype-man and steady hand. I'll read the room, hold space, and keep the whole show flowing without weird filler.
Simplified Planning
Choose paperwork-only, elopement, or the full MC package. I'll build a quote that fits; prices start at $700 and scale only with what you actually need.
TED-Level Timing
Inspired by TED Talks — around 18 minutes: long enough to mean something, short enough to keep your mates engaged.
The journey to your wedding
Step 1: Discovery
We'll check your date, choose the right package, and start getting to know each other — via Zoom or over a flat white if we're in the same town.
Step 2: Legal Preparation
At least one month before the big day we'll lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage. I guide you through every requirement so nothing gets missed.
Step 3: Ceremony Design
Together we unpack your story, values, and vibe. I shape that into a ceremony framework that feels familiar to you and fresh to your guests.
Your Wedding Day
I deliver your ceremony with presence, professionalism, and personality — setting the tone for an epic party to follow.
From couples who loved their wedding
"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."
Daniela and Belinda
Hobart wedding at Frogmore Creek
14.4K
Guests
2.9K
Couples
828
Flights
24
Countries
Ready for the best ceremony ever?
Less “dearly beloved”, more you. Let's create something meaningful together.
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My Friends
Australian Wedding Vendors
My friends in the wedding industry that I trust and recommend nationwide
Bow Creative
Wedding Planning, Stylist
Melbourne, Victoria, Sydney, Australia, Tasmania
Kath from Bow Creative is the kind of planner who makes the whole ride feel like you’re working with family — not your aunty, instead she's the stylish cousin with great taste. Her work blends modern luxe with personality, and she nails it every time.
Byron Bay Makeup Co
Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist
Byron Bay, Europe, Australia
Gypsy has this incredible ability to make people feel effortlessly stunning — not with heavy-handed makeup, but by revealing the beauty that's already there. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her on weddings in both Australia and Europe, and she’s a true artist through and through.
The Elopement Collective
Elopement Company
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, Worldwide, Brisbane
We created The Elopement Collective to give couples the freedom to get married in a way that feels effortless, intimate, and deeply personal—without the stress of a big wedding. Britt leads the charge with impeccable taste and heart, and together we craft beautiful, meaningful elopements around the world.
George Bowden
Photography
Melbourne, Europe, Australia
George Bowden is an editorial wedding photographer who captures the true essence of couples, documenting the heart of their love story with a calming and detail-oriented approach.
Heart and Colour
Photography
Brisbane, Australia
Phil from Heart and Colour is the kind of photographer whose lens captures not just the moment, but the whole heartbeat of a wedding—wherever in the world it happens to be.
Joshua Mikhaiel
Photography
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Australia
Joshua's passion for storytelling through photography is evident in every frame, making him a standout choice for couples seeking authentic and heartfelt wedding memories.
Time With Alex
Photography
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
I love Alex’s ability to create a relaxed, story‑driven wedding experience that brings out genuine emotion and personality, delivering photos you'll want to relive for a lifetime. Plus, when he got married in Adelaide he chose me to be his celebrant so he obviously has good taste!