Top 3 questions couples ask me when planning a wedding

Planning a wedding is exciting — and let’s be honest, a little overwhelming at times! Whether you’re eloping on a mountaintop, planning a barefoot beach ceremony in Byron Bay, or throwing a big celebration with all your loved ones, certain questions come up again and again.

Here are the top 3 most common questions couples ask me when planning a wedding in the Northern Rivers (or anywhere in Australia for that matter!) — and the answers to help you breathe a little easier.

One

What are the legal requirements for getting married in Australia?

This is hands down the most popular question — and rightly so! The legal side of getting married is really straightforward when you’ve got the right celebrant to guide you through it.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding day (and no more than 18 months in advance). Find out everything you need to know about your Notice of Intended Marriage here!

• You’ll need to provide original documents such as your birth certificate or passport, and if you’ve been previously married, a divorce or death certificate.

• You both must be over 18 and free to marry.

• The ceremony must be conducted by a registered celebrant and include specific legal wording to make it official. Find the listings of all the registered celebrants in Australia here!

Your celebrant will walk you through the paperwork, lodge the documents on your behalf, and make sure everything is 100% legal — so you can focus on the fun part!

Two

How much does a wedding cost in Australia?

Ah, the money question. The truth is, wedding costs can vary wildly depending on your style, size, and location. According to recent surveys, the average Australian wedding costs around $30,000–$36,000, but that’s by no means a rule.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Venue and catering are usually the biggest expenses

• Celebrants, photographers, outfits, flowers, and music come next

• Elopements and micro weddings can be much more affordable Mondays-Thursdays and equally meaningful. Take a look at my elopements and microwedding offer here!

The best advice? Set your priorities early. Decide what matters most (a stunning view? epic photos? a killer party?) and focus your budget there. You can absolutely have a beautiful, memorable wedding without blowing the bank.

Three

How do we make our ceremony personal and meaningful?

This is one of my favourite questions — because it shows that couples really want their ceremony to feel like them.

Here are a few ways to create a heartfelt and unique experience:

• Write your own vows (or get help crafting them). I have written about vows here- check it out!

• Include readings, music, or rituals that are meaningful to you

• Have your celebrant tell your your love story as part of the ceremony

• Involve family, kids, or pets if they’re important to your journey

• Ensure that you pick a celebrant that can deliver on what you want. One who can help you with ideas that will make your ceremony unique and perfect for YOU.

A great celebrant will get to know you, listen to what matters most, and weave your personalities into every moment. Your ceremony doesn’t have to be long or traditional — it just has to feel real and authentic to who you are as a couple.

💬 Got More Questions?

If you’re planning your wedding and feeling unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. I’m always happy to answer questions, share ideas, and help bring your dream ceremony to life — whether you’re planning months ahead or dreaming of a spontaneous elopement.

Let’s make something beautiful, together! You can get in touch with me here :)

FAQs

What questions should we ask our celebrant before booking?
Start with the big three: What’s your ceremony style? Can you help with personal vows? And how do you make it legal? You’ll quickly get a feel for their vibe and whether they’re the right fit for your day.

Do we have to write our own vows?
Not at all! Some couples love writing personal vows, while others prefer to repeat something short and sweet after the celebrant. I have also written a blog post HERE on alternatives to saying your personal wedding vows out loud.

What’s legally required to get married in Australia?
You’ll need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before the wedding. Then on the day, you’ll sign legal paperwork with your celebrant and two witnesses. I guide you through every step to make it easy and stress-free.

How long does a typical wedding ceremony go for?
Most ceremonies I create run for around 20–30 minutes. Long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep your guests engaged and leave them smiling.

Can we include personal or cultural elements in our ceremony?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a family blessing, a nod to your heritage, or something quirky and fun — I’ll help weave it in so it feels natural and heartfelt.

About the Author
Hi, I’m Heidi Robertson — a modern, down-to-earth and highly organised wedding celebrant based in the beautiful Byron Bay region. With 14 years of experience and hundreds of happy couples married by me, I’m here to help bring your ceremony vision to life. Whether you’re after something incredibly simple or simply incredible!

From taking care of all the legal requirements to crafting a personalised, heartfelt ceremony, you can count on me to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to chat about your big day? Get in touch with me here!