You Don’t Have to Get Married at the Registry Office (Unless You Want To!)

Many people believe the only way to have a cheap, affordable, easy wedding in Melbourne is to head to the registry office—but that’s just not true! You don’t have to get married at the registry office — unless of course, you want to!

Some of the most relaxed, affordable, and FUN micro-weddings I’ve officiated have happened in parks, pubs, backyards, ice-cream parlours and private dining rooms. There's only one thing you legally need to be married: a Celebrant. So choose wisely. Stalk their socials, read the reviews, meet them for a no-obligation video call. If you’re hoping to save some coin, ask if they offer legals-only rates.

You see, Celebrant-led ceremonies are all about you. There’s no recycled, cookie-cutter script used on a revolving door of couples. Instead, it’s personal, real, and a whole lot more meaningful. Plus, you get the added bonus of being able to hold your ceremony just about anywhere on Aussie soil!

The overwhelming feedback I hear from couples who choose their Celebrant based on chemistry (not just convenience) is how intimate, authentic, and memorable their ceremony was. That kind of connection and care isn’t always something people think about when planning an elopement or micro-wedding—but it makes all the difference.

Just wanting to ‘sign the papers’ might mean missing out on the joy, nurturance, community, and celebration that comes from working with someone who gets you—someone you genuinely connect with.

Honestly, choosing a Celebrant is a bit like dating. There’s someone out there for everyone.

Since marriage equality in 2017, we’ve watched weddings evolve into gorgeous, creative masterpieces—and they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Oscar and Hannah (below) are a perfect example. They got married in Fitzroy Gardens, across the road from the registry office in Melbourne’s CBD. They rode the tram to their ceremony, their favourite humans were there, they immersed themselves in the beauty of nature and they had a genuine connection with me, their Celebrant - It felt like we were old mates. How special is that?

I promise you this: your ceremony will be way more memorable with just a wee bit of creativity, so when you're planning your unique wedding, think outside the registry office walls and get inspired by some of the couples below who did it their way!

Hannah and Oscar riding the tram to their intimate park ceremony!

Kim and Bones getting married up a tree by Renee the Celebrant

Sharon and Dessrae's micro-wedding at Studio Takecare's Flash Romantics, with their dogs as ring-bearers!

Lauren and Chris wanted a friend to officiate on the big day, so we signed some paperwork together over pizza and beer!

Jo and Tori came from Singapore to Melbourne to elope in Australia, Dolly Parton hitched them on a cliff up the Mornington Peninsula!