I’m Josh Withers — your local Ranelagh-based celebrant. After 2,100+ weddings across 23 countries I’ve come home to the valley I love, ready to marry couples from Cygnet to Kingston in ceremonies that feel like good conversation, not government paperwork. Christian or civil, orchard or riverside, I’ve got you.
TL;DR
My Approach
Your wedding doesn’t need pomposity. It needs words that ring true, a calm presence, and someone who files the paperwork correctly. That’s my lane.
No templates here. I write every ceremony from scratch so the only time 'insert couple here' appears is when I’m laughing about what most celebrants do.
With a Cert IV in Christian Ministry and two decades in civil celebrancy, I weave scripture or skip it completely — whatever fits your faith journey.
Whether it’s Peppermint Bay, a shed at Willie Smith’s, or an Airbnb on Bruny, I know the light, the wind, and how to work with every local vendor.
Bose S1 Pro speakers and Rode/Sennheiser mics mean Gran in the back row — and your videographer — hear every line perfectly.
Full-time celebrant life means prompt emails, on-time lodgement, and zero "oops we forgot the forms" anxiety.
Paperwork-only, elopement, full ceremony, or MC: pay for just what you need. We'll build the right bundle together.
1. Enquire & Chat
Tell me when, where, and how you imagine the vibe. We’ll check the date and pick a package over Zoom or coffee in Summer Kitchen in Ranelagh.
2. Legal Prep
We complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (electronic or in-person) at least one month out. I guide every tick-box.
3. Story Session
We dig into your history, hopes, and hilarity. I craft a ceremony outline you can tweak — no surprises on the day.
4. Wedding Day
I arrive early, set the sound, calm the nerves, and deliver a ceremony that feels like a TED talk your mates actually listen to.
"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 craft a ceremony that sounds like you. Packages start at $700 — chat to me for a custom quote.
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 MAFS. I said yes to reality TV — once — and it turned out to be one of the strangest, most valuable lessons of my celebrant career.
There’s no such thing as a “perfect” wedding. Something will go wrong—probably several things. But none of them have to ruin your day. I spoke with the Daily Mail about the 10 most common wedding disasters and how to deal with them.
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.
Why wedding photo apps don’t work—and what to do instead to actually get the reception photos you’ll want to keep.
My Friends
Local suppliers I trust — florists, photographers, and venues from Cygnet to the Channel
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