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.
Looking for a Hobart celebrant who actually gets what's important?
Tired of celebrants who phone it in? From the Huon Valley to Hobart and across Tasmania, I create ceremonies that are actually about you — not copy-paste wedding fluff. Whether you're saying "I do" at MONA, on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, or barefoot at Seven Mile Beach, your ceremony will be genuine, legally sound, and memorable for all the right reasons.
TL;DR
What kind of celebrant is Josh?
Weddings That Don’t SuckIf you're after something honest, personal, and genuinely memorable — without the fluff, awkward laughs, or cut-and-paste scripts — you’re in the right place.
For Couples Who Care About the FeelYour ceremony should *feel* like something — not just look pretty in photos. It’s not the boring bit before the party; it *is* the moment.
Zero Templates. Zero Scripts. Zero Cringe.Every ceremony is built from scratch — no stock paragraphs, no weird filler stories, and no pretending I know you better than your actual mates.
Down-to-Earth, Straight-Up VibesI’m based just outside Hobart in the Huon Valley, and I bring that grounded, easygoing energy with me. No waffle. Just clear chats, fast replies, and real enthusiasm.
Best for Couples Who Know What They WantYou value your time, want things done properly, and you’re building a day that actually *feels* like you. If that’s you, we’re probably going to get along really well.
Why Hobart Couples Choose Josh
No boring ceremonies, no part-time dramas
Living in the Huon Valley and proud to call Hobart home, I've crafted over 2100 weddings across 23 countries. Your Tasmanian ceremony deserves more than generic wedding speak.
No Copy-Paste Ceremonies
Every word is about you. Whether you're getting married at Stillwater or eloping at Cradle Mountain, your ceremony is written from scratch. No 'insert couple here' templates — just your authentic story.
Full-Time Professional
This isn't a weekend side hustle. I'm a full-time celebrant who answers emails, returns calls, and shows up prepared. No missed messages or last-minute dramas on your wedding day.
Killer Sound System
Your guests (and videographer) will thank you. Professional Bose S1 speaker with Rode and Sennheiser microphones means everyone hears your vows clearly — whether you're at Peppermint Bay or in a Hobart warehouse.
Individual & Modern
Civil ceremonies that celebrate your values, your way. No religious tradition required — just honest conversation about commitment, love, and the future you're building together.
Legal & Proper
I know the Marriage Act inside out and hold legal authority in Australia, USA, and Canada. Your marriage will be bulletproof legally and emotionally meaningful — the best of both worlds.
Travel-Ready Experience
From Bruny Island to Freycinet, I've married couples in every corner of Tasmania and beyond. Over 2100 weddings means I've seen it all and can handle whatever your day throws at us.
How we create your perfect ceremony
Let's Chat
We'll check your date, discuss your vision, and create a custom package that fits your needs. From simple paperwork-only ceremonies to full MC services — you only pay for what you want.
Legal Stuff Sorted
One month before your wedding, we'll complete your Notice of Intended Marriage together. I'll guide you through the paperwork so it's stress-free and legally solid.
Your Story, Your Way
Over coffee (or video call), we'll explore what makes your relationship special. I'll craft a ceremony that feels authentically you — meaningful but not stuffy, personal but not awkward.
The Big Day
I'll arrive early, set up the sound, and deliver a ceremony that's the highlight of your celebration. Calm, confident, and focused entirely on you two.
What Hobart couples are saying
"Josh was, without a doubt, the best celebrant we could have asked for and one of the best decisions we made for our elopement. From our very first conversation, both my now-husband and I knew we’d found the perfect fit. Josh brought such a sense of comfort and ease, making the entire process feel seamless. He guided us through every step with confidence, offering invaluable advice that led to a truly beautiful ceremony."
Laura and Matthew
Elopement
"Josh, our celebrant, was fantastic, passionate and demonstrate a deep commitment to ensuring we had the perfect moment to celebrate us. His support came from the first phone call, where he provided us with fabulous advice, to the actual day where he gave a beautiful speech about love and marriage and moved aside at various moments throughout the ceremony to allow us to have our moment together, and make it so beautiful and personal."
Mikaela & Dillon
Wedding
"Josh, you are an incredible wordsmith, are passionate and genuinely love what you do. You felt like an old friend, creating a relaxed and comfortable environment that we will forever be grateful for. We couldn’t think of anyone better to marry us. We couldn’t think of anyone better to marry us & can’t recommend Josh and the Elopement Collective team enough in creating a magical day."
Tayla & Ethan
Elopement
2.1K
Weddings Created
2.1K
Happy Couples
23
Countries Visited
15+
Years Experience
Ready to ditch the boring?
Custom packages from $700. Every couple's different, so I create a quote that fits your needs. Let's make your Hobart ceremony unforgettable.
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
Hobart Wedding Vendors
Trusted Hobart wedding professionals I love working with
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.
