Hi, I’m Josh Withers — a full-time marriage celebrant who believes the bit where you actually get married should be the best part of your day. Whether we’re on the deck at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge or lakeside at Dove Lake, I’ll deliver a ceremony that’s legally solid, heart-rich, and never, ever boring. Packages are custom to you and start at $1800.
TL;DR
My Approach in the Highlands
Since 2009 I’ve flown, hiked, and occasionally trudged through snow to marry couples in 24 countries. Cradle Mountain is still one of my favourite backdrops: raw, rugged, and refreshingly honest — just like the ceremony we’ll create.
No copy-paste vows here. I write every ceremony from scratch, weaving your story with scripture and good humour, then deliver it without reading off an iPad — even if a currawong tries to steal my notes.
Authorised under the Marriage Act 1961, I handle the paperwork and the marriage law so you can focus on the promises.
Mountain breezes and excited tourists are no match for my Bose S1 and Rode/Sennheiser mic kit. Your guests — and your videographer — won’t miss a single word.
Blizzard, drizzle, or blazing February sun, I stay the steady voice that keeps everyone anchored in the moment (and the rings out of the mud).
Paperwork-only, intimate elopement, or the whole ceremony-plus-MC shebang — we’ll build a package that fits your plans and budget. Prices from $1800; you never pay for fluff you don’t need.
Over 2,100 ceremonies across 23 countries means I bring big-picture perspective, yet I still know which tracks flood after rain and where to find the cleanest loos at Dove Lake.
Step 1: Discovery Call
Jump on a quick video chat so I can hear your story, check Cradle Mountain logistics, and whip up a custom quote.
Step 2: Lock In the Legals
We complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (online or over coffee in Hobart) at least one month out — no ferrying paperwork up the mountain.
Step 3: Ceremony Design
We brainstorm your vows, readings, and faith elements. I draft the ceremony, you give feedback, and we fine-tune until it feels 100% you.
Step 4: Say ‘I do’
On the day I arrive early with the sound gear, steady nerves, and spare pens. You get married against one of the world’s most iconic skylines.
"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 craft a ceremony worthy of Cradle Mountain.
Real advice for couples who believe marriage is worth doing right.
Most people don’t know this, but I was the celebrant on the very first season of Married at First Sight on Channel Nine. I said yes to reality TV — once — and it turned out to be one of the strangest, most valuable lessons of my celebrant career.
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Trying to pin down a standard price for a celebrant? It hinges on experience, prep work, and the magic they bring to your day—not an industry-set fee.
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My Friends
My friends in the wedding industry that I trust and recommend for a Cradle Mountain wedding
Clint has over a decade of experience in shooting weddings in Tasmania, and is your biggest advcocate for having an honest and meaningful day.
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.
Only a few moments drive west of Hobart, nestled in Tasmania's Coal River Valley, Frogmore Creek Winery offers a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, complemented by exceptional food and wine, making it an ideal venue for an unforgettable wedding. One of my favourite wedding venues to work at.
Hugo brings unmatched energy and versatility to weddings—whether it's heartfelt acoustic moments or a packed dancefloor, he reads the room and delivers every time.
Isaac Westwood brings a soulful, customisable touch to your wedding day—whether it’s heartfelt acoustic moments or a packed dancefloor, he’s got every musical moment covered beautifully.
Jonathan is a talented, friendly, and experienced wedding photographer based in Tasmania. He is a friendly and calming presence at a wedding.
Nina and her team at Style My Day are the go-to for creating unforgettable weddings and events in Tasmania. Their extensive collection of hire pieces, from vintage treasures to bespoke creations, ensures your celebration is as unique and stylish as you are.
I've had the pleasure of working alongside Jordan and his squad of talented musos at XO Sounds, and their exceptional talent as both a musician and DJ truly elevates any wedding celebration. They bring a seamless blend of live acoustic performances and DJ sets that create an awesome atmosphere that keeps guests entertained throughout the wedding.
Josh Withers