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.
Fun Melbourne wedding celebrant creating the best wedding ceremonies from Fitzroy to the Yarra Valley.
Hi, I'm Josh Withers! I'm a full-time professional celebrant helping couples from Melbourne, Geelong, and the Yarra Valley have the best part of their wedding. No scripts. No fluff. No filler. Just an honest, meaningful ceremony that feels like a big smile — not a weird funeral for your single life.
TL;DR
What kind of celebrant is Josh?
No Boring Weddings!If you’re looking for something honest, true, and awesome — without the fluff, fake laughs, or recycled ceremony scripts — you’ve found your Melbourne celebrant.
For People Who Value How Things FeelThe wedding ceremony should feel better than it looks, in my humble little opinion. 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, want things done properly, and are curating a day that actually reflects them — not just ticking boxes.
My Approach
What makes a Josh Withers ceremony different in Melbourne
Since 2009 I've created custom ceremonies across 23 countries, but Melbourne has my heart. Whether it's a rooftop in Collingwood or a winery in the Yarra Valley, I honour the gravity of marriage while keeping things real, joyful, and deeply personal. This isn't a side hustle — it's my life's work.
Words That Matter
I believe we breathe your marriage to life. Every ceremony is written from scratch because your story deserves more than 'insert couple here.' No reading from scripts — just authentic conversation that breathes your union into existence.
Legally Sound
The Marriage Act of 1961 gives me the authority to marry people according to Australian law. I also hold legal authority to perform marriages in the USA and Canada. Your ceremony will be both emotionally resonant and legally solid.
Professional Sound Equipment
Your ceremony isn't just a moment for you; it's for everyone present. I use professional Bose speakers and Rode audio gear so everyone hears the words that matter, and your videographer gets pristine audio for your keepsake.
Calm Presence
My role is to be a professionally calm and confident voice on your wedding day. I hold space for smiles, joy, reflection, and truth—adapting to the moment, the people, the place, and the beautiful chaos with authenticity.
Simplified Planning
No unnecessary meetings or homework. We'll connect as many times as needed for you to feel confident that I understand your vision. I prepare deeply but speak naturally, treating your ceremony as a one-off conversation about something sacred.
TED Talk Inspiration
My ceremonies are inspired by TED Talks – concise, impactful, and engaging. At around 18 minutes, they're long enough to be meaningful but short enough to keep everyone present and connected to the moment that matters.
The journey to your wedding
Step 1: Discovery
We'll check your date availability, choose the right package (prices start from $1400), and begin getting to know each other. This is a relationship, not a transaction.
Step 2: Legal Preparation
At least one month before your wedding, we'll complete the Notice of Intended Marriage together, either in person or via video call. I'll guide you through the legal requirements with clarity and ease.
Step 3: Ceremony Design
Over coffee or video call, we'll explore your story, your values, and your vision. I'll craft a ceremony that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple, with a clear structure that gives you peace of mind.
Your Wedding Day
I'll deliver your ceremony with presence, professionalism, and personality — creating a moment that anchors your entire celebration.
From couples who took the leap
"Josh was absolutely outstanding, funny, and charismatic. He made us feel incredibly comfortable and it is obvious how passionate he is about his job. We would choose him a million times over to be our celebrant."
Maddy & Cameron
Elopement
"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 the best ceremony ever?
Less 'dearly beloved', more you. Packages from $1400. Let's create something meaningful together.
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
Melbourne Wedding Vendors
My friends in the wedding industry that I trust and recommend in Melbourne
George Bowden
Photographer
Brisbane, Melbourne
George Bowden is an editorial wedding photographer who captures the true essence of couples, documenting the heart of their love story with a calming and detail-oriented approach.
