Josh Withers 
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.
Cradle Mountain celebrant crafting joy-filled, fun ceremonies in Tasmania’s alpine heart.
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
What kind of celebrant is Josh?
No Boring Weddings!If you’re looking for something heartfelt, real, and unforgettable on Dove Lake — 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 (and/or wombats), want things done properly, and are curating a day that actually reflects them — not just ticking boxes.
My Approach in the Highlands
What makes a Cradle Mountain ceremony unforgettable
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.
Words That Matter
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.
Legally Sound
Authorised under the Marriage Act 1961, I handle the paperwork and the marriage law so you can focus on the promises.
Crystal-Clear Audio
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.
Calm in Any Weather
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).
Tailored Packages
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.
Global Experience, Local Insight
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.
How we’ll get you married in the mountains
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.
From couples who braved the wilds
"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 vows echoing off the peaks?
Less ‘dearly beloved’, more you. Let’s craft a ceremony worthy of Cradle Mountain.
Latest blog posts
View all posts »Real advice for couples who believe marriage is worth doing right.
I think 18 minutes is the perfect wedding ceremony length
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.
People Like Us Do Things Like This
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.
How to Be a Celebrant - The 22 Rules
A rulebook for the weirdos, romantics, and professionals who believe the ceremony should be the best part of the wedding
My Friends
Tasmanian Wedding Vendors
My friends in the wedding industry that I trust and recommend for a Cradle Mountain wedding
Clint & Bethanie
Photographer, Videographer
Launceston, Tasmania
Clint has over a decade of experience in shooting weddings in Tasmania, and is your biggest advcocate for having an honest and meaningful day.
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.
Frogmore Creek Winery
Venue
Hobart, Tasmania
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 Bladel
DJ, Musician
Tasmania, Hobart
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
Musician, Wedding Singer
Hobart, Tasmania
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 Wherrett
Photographer
Tasmania, Hobart
Jonathan is a talented, friendly, and experienced wedding photographer based in Tasmania. He is a friendly and calming presence at a wedding.
Style My Day
Wedding Styling, Event Hire
Hobart, Tasmania
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.
XO Sounds
Musician, DJ
Hobart, Tasmania, Sydney
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.
