What Wedding Do I Need? - Help From a Wedding Celebrant Who's Seen it All.
- Debbie Taylor
- May 1
- 4 min read
Legals Only, Elopement, Micro, Bespoke, Mini, Pop Up ... what are all these different weddings?
There are so many different words being used to describe weddings now. It can be confusing as you try to work out what exactly you want.
The important thing is for you to focus on what you want.
The best wedding celebrants and other vendors will work to what you want, (although we might give you some things to consider 😉)
I’ve grouped weddings into three different categories which I offer couples.
Legals Only Weddings
Legals Only Weddings are also called registry style weddings.
They are the bare minimum of what is required to be married. In terms of the length of the service, it is very quick, less than 5 minutes. However, you still need to complete all the legal documentation required, as you do for all weddings.
I recommend that they are for small groups. You need a minimum of two other people (your witnesses). From my experience as a wedding celebrant, I find these weddings work well for groups of up to about 10 people.
These weddings suit couples who are planning a non-legal ceremony overseas and want to ensure that they are legally married in Australia (it’s far easier to get married here than in some countries). They also suit couples who want minimal fuss and are not interested in a ceremony.
As for all weddings, these weddings can be held anywhere. I’ve celebrated Legals Only weddings in cafes, backyards and kitchens, parklands and areas beside the lake. Basically, wherever you want!
Small and Intimate Weddings
Often called mini weddings or micro weddings, my Small and Intimate Weddings are personalised and, obviously include everything that is legally required for you to get married.
Being a smaller and simpler wedding ceremony, they typically don’t require a rehearsal. They include additional inclusions that the couple want but are not as comprehensive as a fully bespoke wedding.
I recommend these weddings for groups of up to about 40 people.
They normally last for about 10-20 minutes.
Elopements are traditionally a couple heading to a destination and getting married without family and friends. More and more, couples are including family and friends in their elopement, or destination wedding.
My Small and Intimate wedding may be suitable if this is something you are considering. It will still give you a personalised ceremony and meaningful celebration but without all the formalities of a big, traditional wedding.
Bespoke Weddings
These weddings are my ‘all inclusive’ option. Your Bespoke Wedding will be absolutely a reflection of you. Your wedding, exactly as you want it.
It can include anything and everything you want. These weddings are suitable for any number of guests. They last as long as you want, but normally between 20 and 45 minutes.
I include a rehearsal with bespoke weddings to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your day. It’s important that everyone who has a role in your wedding feels comfortable and knows what they need to do and when.
In planning your bespoke wedding, as your wedding celebrant I’ll ask lots of questions, prompting you to think about different options. Obviously, these weddings also include everything legally required for you to marry. I’ll even order your marriage certificate from the relevant Births, Deaths and Marriages for you!
One less thing for you to do 😊
A bespoke wedding is perfect for you if you want your wedding ceremony to be a memorable part of your day, something that your guests will remember, for all the right reasons. They are perfect if you want to include family and friends in your ceremony, and there are lots of ways we can include your guests in real and meaningful ways. Your wedding will be a reflection of you as a couple.
Some additional thoughts On Which Wedding Ceremony Is For You...
When considering what ceremony is most suitable, I suggest you think about what you want, but also your guests’ expectations. If you have a wedding party with 5 people each, and a huge number of guests, they expect a big wedding and so if your ceremony is all over in 10 minutes, they wonder why? What happened? Basically, it didn’t meet their expectations.
Many couples tell me that they don’t like being the centre of attention, which is hard on your wedding day! There are many things that, as your wedding celebrant, I can do in your ceremony to help you focus on each other, and minimise the stress you might feel with everyone looking at you. I will discuss these options with you as we plan your ceremony.
Whatever style of wedding you choose, as your wedding celebrant I will help make the planning as smooth, easy and as much fun as possible, and ensure that your wedding day is a celebration of you, the way you want.
Looking for a marriage celebrant in Canberra who puts you first?
Let’s create a ceremony that’s all about your love story, your style, and your dreams.
Together, we’ll make your wedding day truly unforgettable—let’s chat and bring your vision to life!
By Debbie Taylor
- Everyone's Favourite Canberra Wedding Celebrant
A Little More Wedding Ceremony Info:
PHOTOGRAPHY (in order) Nat and James - Doug Hall Photographer Couple Michael Boyle Photography T&J - Michael Taylor
M&R - Michael Taylor
Wedding photographers (Couple and me) – Alex Pasquali
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