Josh Withers 
How I Create a Wedding Ceremony
At the end of the day, a great ceremony, like a great song, should make you feel something. And that's all I need to know about everything.
Award-winning Josh Withers marriage celebrant
Not Your Average Brisbane Wedding Celebrant
Hi, I'm Josh! I create ceremonies that are the highlight of your wedding day—not just legal filler before the party. From Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast to Toowoomba, I craft authentic, meaningful celebrations that feel like you.
Your ceremony + my approach
A partnership that creates something brave, good, and powerful
Custom-crafted ceremonies
I believe your ceremony should be the absolute highlight of your wedding day—not something to get through. Every word is written specifically for you, creating a moment that feels authentic and meaningful.
Present, not performing
No scripts, no robotic recitations. I speak naturally and adapt to the moment, creating a ceremony that breathes your marriage into existence through real connection and conversation.
Collaboration with your vendors
I work closely with your photographers and videographers to ensure the ceremony is captured beautifully—because these moments deserve to be remembered exactly as they felt.
Ceremony options
Whether you want a full celebration, an intimate elopement, or need me as both celebrant and MC, I offer options that honor the significance of your day while fitting your vision.
Preparation with purpose
I invest time in getting to know you both—your story, your values, your vision. Our meetings (in person or online) aren't just about paperwork; they're about creating a ceremony that feels like you.
Legal clarity
To marry in Queensland, you need to be 18+, not currently married, not closely related, and entering marriage willingly. I'll guide you through the legal requirements with clarity and care.
Timing matters
Australian law requires at least one month's notice before your marriage. Most Brisbane couples book 9-18 months ahead, especially for peak season dates, but I occasionally have availability for shorter timeframes.
Brisbane destination weddings
Brisbane welcomes couples from everywhere. Whether you're locals or planning a destination wedding in Southeast Queensland, I'll help create a ceremony that honors your journey.
Queensland wedding wisdom
Brisbane's weather is generally gorgeous, but always have a Plan B for rain. I'll help you navigate the practical considerations of your ceremony location to ensure comfort for you and your guests.
My philosophy: The marriage ceremony can be, and should be, the best part of your wedding.
Brisbane ceremony options
For celebrations within approximately two hours of Brisbane CBD, with all travel expenses included
Elopement Ceremony
Intimate and meaningful
$ 1900
including GST- Complete legal marriage registration
- Personalised ceremony that honours your story
- Video call for planning
- Perfect for up to 20 guests
- No PA system required
- Ideal for garden ceremonies or intimate Brisbane locations
- Available on weekdays and at off-peak times
popular
Full Ceremony
Your complete celebration
$ 2500
including GST- Everything in the elopement package
- Awesome ceremony reflecting your values and story
- Professional Bose sound system and full ceremony recording
- In-depth planning to create your perfect ceremony
- Exclusive booking for your day
- Guidance for writing meaningful personal vows
Premium Experience
Ceremony + MC service
$ 3500
including GST- Everything in the full ceremony package
- The voice of your reception
- Professional reception coordination and vendor liason
- MC services that maintain the tone of your day
- PA system and wireless microphone for speeches inclding audio recordings
- Walking your grandma to her car at the end of the night
- Full-day presence and support
Southeast Qld Wedding Venues I Love
The Valley Estate, Gold Coast
This Gold Coast hinterland venue blends luxury with natural beauty—a perfect backdrop for couples seeking sophistication without pretension. I love how the ceremony space frames the mountains beyond.
Maleny Manor, Sunshine Coast
Perched in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with views that take your breath away, Maleny Manor offers that rare combination of exclusivity and warmth. The light here at sunset creates pure magic for ceremonies.
Gabbinbar Homestead, Toowoomba
This historic Toowoomba estate combines timeless elegance with meticulous attention to detail. The garden ceremony spaces create an intimate atmosphere even with larger guest counts.
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane
Nestled beneath the Story Bridge with Brisbane River views, this revitalised precinct offers urban sophistication with a distinctly Brisbane character—perfect for couples who love the city energy.
SEQ is a great place to wed
Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
This industrial-turned-arts space offers raw brick walls, river views, and creative energy—perfect for couples who want something distinctly Brisbane with character and edge.
Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Bay
Just a short boat ride from Brisbane, this island paradise offers beachfront ceremonies with the possibility of dolphins appearing at sunset—nature's perfect wedding guests.
Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton
This Brisbane region winery combines rolling vineyards, excellent food, and multiple ceremony locations—from intimate barrel rooms to grand outdoor spaces with Moreton Bay views.
Kwila Lodge, Gold Coast Hinterland
Tucked into the Gold Coast's green interior, this venue offers rustic elegance surrounded by nature. The ceremony space beneath ancient trees creates a cathedral-like atmosphere without walls.
Words from Brisbane couples
"Our wedding day was an absolute dream come true, thanks in large part to our incredible wedding celebrant, Josh Withers. From the moment we met him, we knew we had found someone truly special to officiate our ceremony. Josh's warm and friendly personality instantly put us at ease, and his genuine passion for what he does was evident in every interaction."
Belle
married in Toowoomba
"Josh was an amazing celebrant! Calm, relaxed and genuine. It is evident in his work that he has years in the wedding industry - professional and experienced. Josh managed our family friendly ceremony with ease making the ceremony both intimate and fun. I particularly liked that he didn't pretend to know us or to tell our story - he left that for us to do in our vows."
Kerri-Anne
married in Noosa
"We both feel that Josh delivered what he said he would promise. The ceremony was our favourite part and your words of encouragement, philosophy on gathering and marriage were exactly what we hoped for. You included our wishes of community and acknowledgment of family and friends seamlessly. Also, thank you for the reception. It took such a load off our mind knowing that the vendors could communicate with you (instead of us) which allowed us to enjoy the moment."
James
married in Brisbane CBD
Let's create something meaningful
Your ceremony deserves more than 'insert couple here.' If you're looking for a Brisbane celebrant who believes your wedding can be brave, good, and powerful—let's talk.
My Friends
Brisbane Wedding Vendors
My friends in the wedding industry that I trust and recommend in Brisbane
Bulb Creative
Photographer
Gold Coast, Brisbane
Harley at Bulb Creative has an incredible knack for capturing the wildly romantic moments with dreamy light and soft tones. His blend of editorial and documentary styles results in poetic, timeless images that truly reflect each couple's unique story.
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
Photographer
Brisbane, Melbourne
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.
Joshua Mikhaiel
Photographer
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.
Heart and Colour
Photographer
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.
Gabbinbar Homestead
Venue
Toowoomba, Brisbane
Gabbinbar Homestead is a historic estate in Toowoomba with 13-acres of manicured grounds and elegant homestead for weddings. With a rich history as the former summer residence of Queensland's Governors, it provides a timeless and picturesque setting for couples to create unforgettable memories. Apart from it's beauty, the thing that sets Gabbinbar apart is its exceptional staff.
Cut a Rug
DJ
Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Sydney
Aaron from Cut a Rug isn't just a wedding DJ—he's a vibe curator who transforms your celebration into an epic dance party. With a knack for reading the room and mixing tracks like a pro, he ensures your big day is anything but ordinary.
Evernew Studio
Photography, Videography
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast
Andy from Evernew Studio is not just a photographer; he's a creative force who captures weddings with his team with a timeless, elegant, and soulful touch. His dedication to storytelling through imagery ensures every couple's unique love story is immortalised beautifully.
Wedding advice + help
View all posts »Real advice for creating a wedding that feels like you.
Can we exchange vows personally, outside of the ceremony?
More couples are choosing to save their personal vows for a private moment. As a celebrant, I understand the appeal but want to explore what this means for your ceremony.
The Illusion of "Best" in the Wedding Industry
Wedding industry awards claim to crown the "best" celebrant or vendor, but this deep dive explores why excellence in weddings can't be objectively measured. From the psychological peak-end rule to the chemistry between couples and vendors, discover why finding your perfect match matters more than any industry accolade.
How to have a generic wedding
A text from a friend sparked this reflection on what actually creates a memorable wedding day. Spoiler alert, it's not the venue, styling, or even your celebrant.