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.
G'day, I'm Josh Withers - proud Huon Valley local and Tasmania's most experienced modern celebrant. Whether you're saying "I do" at MONA, on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, or anywhere from Battery Point to Bruny Island, I create ceremonies that are honest, meaningful, and actually sound like you.
TL;DR
Why Couples Choose Josh
Living in Ranelagh in the beautiful Huon Valley, I've been creating ceremonies across Tasmania since 2009. From intimate Salamanca gatherings to grand Frogmore Creek celebrations, I bring the same energy: real words, professional service, and zero wedding waffle.
Every word is about you two – not recycled from last weekend's wedding. Whether you're at Peppermint Bay or Port Arthur, your ceremony reflects your story, your values, and your future together. No scripts, no generic readings, just authentic conversation.
Professional Bose S1 speakers and Rode wireless mics mean everyone hears every word – crucial when Tassie weather turns moody. Your videographer gets crystal-clear audio, and Great Aunt Marge in the back row doesn't miss a thing.
Full-time celebrant means no part-time problems. I handle all the Marriage Act requirements smoothly, whether you're locals or mainlanders escaping to Tasmania for your big day. Over 2,100 ceremonies means I've seen it all and solved it all.
Living here means I know the venues, the vendors, and the vibe. From Hobart's harbourside charm to the Huon Valley's rolling hills, I understand what makes a Tasmanian wedding special – and how to work with our four-seasons-in-one-day weather.
Your ceremony should feel like a celebration, not a funeral for your single life. I create moments that honour the significance of marriage while keeping things fresh, fun, and focused on your future together.
From simple registry-style ceremonies to full MC and ceremony packages, I craft quotes to match your needs. You won't pay for extras you don't want, but you'll always get my full commitment to making your ceremony brilliant.
Step 1: Initial Chat
Drop me a line with your date and dream venue – whether it's the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or your backyard in Sandy Bay. I'll check availability and create a custom package that fits your vision and budget.
Step 2: Legal Bits Made Easy
We'll sort your Notice of Intended Marriage at least a month before. Meet me in person in Hobart or the Huon, or we'll connect via video. I make the paperwork painless – promise.
Step 3: Creating Your Ceremony
Over a coffee at Pilgrim or Villino (or virtually if you're planning from afar), we'll chat about your story, your hopes, and what marriage means to you. I'll craft a ceremony that sounds like you talking, not me reading.
Your Wedding Day
I'll arrive early, calm your nerves, and deliver a ceremony that sets the perfect tone for your celebration. Professional, personable, and perfectly pitched – that's the Josh Withers guarantee.
"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
Let's create a moment that anchors your entire celebration – not just ticks a legal box. Available across Tasmania from Hobart to Launceston and everywhere in between.
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 in Hobart
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.