A wedding full of condiments
Fight Club was a powerful movie and today it's got me thinking about weddings, and houses full of condiments but no food
Modern wedding ceremonies in Melbourne without the scripts or cookie-cutter nonsense.
I'm Josh Withers, a full-time marriage celebrant creating custom civil and Christian ceremonies across Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Geelong, and the Mornington Peninsula. No templates. No reading off iPads. Just honest ceremonies written from scratch.
TL;DR
What kind of celebrant is Josh?
No Scripts, All Craft
Every ceremony written fresh for you. 18 minutes, TED-talk inspired, delivered without reading. Melbourne couples deserve better than 'insert names here' templates.
Ceremony-First Philosophy
The ceremony isn't something to 'get through' before drinks. It's the moment we breathe your marriage into existence — whether that's a rooftop in Collingwood or a winery in the Yarra Valley.
Professional + Real
Quick replies, clear communication, professional Bose audio gear. I'm based in Tasmania but work regularly in Melbourne, Geelong, and across regional Victoria.
My philosophy: The marriage ceremony can be, and should be, the best part of your wedding.
What's Included
Everything you need for a Melbourne ceremony that matters
Since 2009, I've married over 2,900 couples across 24 countries. Here's what Melbourne and Victorian couples get.
Custom Ceremony
Written from scratch for you. No templates, no recycled paragraphs. Your ceremony is a one-time conversation about something important — whether that's at a Melbourne CBD rooftop or a Yarra Valley vineyard.
Professional Audio
Bose speakers and Rode microphones. Everyone hears the ceremony clearly at outdoor venues like wineries or gardens, and your videographer gets pristine audio.
Legal Authority
Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant authorised under the Marriage Act 1961. Also licensed in USA and Canada. Your ceremony will be emotionally resonant and legally solid.
Travel Included
Melbourne CBD, Yarra Valley, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula — travel is included in packages for ceremonies across Victoria.
Flexible Planning
As many conversations as you need — coffee in Melbourne, video call, whatever works. No unnecessary meetings or homework assignments.
18-Minute Format
Inspired by TED Talks — long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep everyone present and connected to what matters.
How it works
Enquiry
Check my availability for your Melbourne wedding date and choose a package. We will start getting to know each other.
Legal paperwork
At least one month before your wedding, we complete the Notice of Intended Marriage together — in person in Melbourne or via video call. I will guide you through it.
Ceremony conversations
Coffee in Melbourne or video calls to explore your story, values, and vision. I will write a ceremony that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple.
Your wedding day
I deliver your ceremony with professional audio, calm presence, and no script — creating the moment that anchors your celebration.
From couples who loved their wedding
"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 & CameronElopement
"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 & JackDestination 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 BelindaHobart wedding at Frogmore Creek
Ready for a Melbourne ceremony that matters?
Less 'dearly beloved', more *you*. Let's create something meaningful together.
Blog Posts
View all posts »Real advice for couples who believe marriage is worth doing right.
Getting Married in Less Than a Month? Here's How the Shortening of Time Works
Need to marry in less than a month in Australia? Learn how shortening of time for your NOIM works, the 5 qualifying circumstances, and how to apply.
Try my new Wedding Budget Calculator
Bring some peace and clarity into your wedding planning process with my new Wedding Budget Calculator app right here on my website.
Can you drink alcohol before your wedding ceremony?
When you hire a wedding vendor you're not just booking a wedding vendor or creative, you're explicitly choosing someone's taste in their craft.
My Friends
Melbourne Wedding Vendors
My friends in the wedding industry that I trust and recommend in Melbourne
Bow Creative
Wedding Planning
Melbourne, Victoria, Sydney, Australia, Tasmania
Kath from Bow Creative is the kind of planner who makes the whole ride feel like you’re working with family — not your aunty, instead she's the stylish cousin with great taste. Her work blends modern luxe with personality, and she nails it every time.
George Bowden
Photography
Melbourne, Australia
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.