Oh The Place's You'll Go - Wedding Reading
You don't need a wedding reading to make your ceremony awesome, but Dr Seuss doesn't hurt.
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
My Approach
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.
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.
Authorised under the Marriage Act 1961 and appointed to marry couples in the USA and Canada too. Paperwork done properly, zero stress.
I turn up with Bose speakers and Rode & Sennheiser microphones so every laugh, tear, and promise is heard — and captured cleanly by your videographer.
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.
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.
Inspired by TED Talks — around 18 minutes: long enough to mean something, short enough to keep your mates engaged.
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.
"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
Less “dearly beloved”, more you. Let's create something meaningful together.
Real advice for couples who believe marriage is worth doing right.
You don't need a wedding reading to make your ceremony awesome, but Dr Seuss doesn't hurt.
If you think a wedding ceremony needs to go for an hour, this one’s for you. I'm taking a leaf out of TED's book.
Wedding vows aren’t “that one tradition that just won’t go away” — they’re the entire point. Here’s why tradition isn’t the enemy, and why we need better stories, not fewer rituals.
A rulebook for the weirdos, romantics, and professionals who believe the ceremony should be the best part of the wedding
My Friends
My friends in the wedding industry that I trust and recommend nationwide
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.
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's passion for storytelling through photography is evident in every frame, making him a standout choice for couples seeking authentic and heartfelt wedding memories.