Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is a small wedding?
A small wedding is also known as an intimate wedding and can also be referred to as a pop-up wedding or an elopement wedding. It is a great alternative if you don’t want the huge expense or stress of a large wedding, or if you are looking for an alternative to a religious ceremony.
How does a small or intimate wedding work?
We offer couples a smaller, simpler, quicker and cheaper wedding ceremony alternative that you can share with your closest friends and family. We provide a celebrant, a professional photographer and can even help arrange a venue and your flowers. You can choose any Sunday to Thursday, most times of day and any location to hold your ceremony. We look after all the legal stuff, and you will receive a range of beautiful photographs of the ceremony, your friends and family and the two of you. Simple!
What makes us different?
We're flexible - we can marry you anywhere in Canberra, and at any time (Sunday to Thursday). We cater especially for small, affordable ceremonies, and with our wealth of local knowledge and experience can help make your wedding planning easy.
Do you only do weddings?
Glad you asked, we can also help officiate and document any small ceremony in Canberra, including
Vow renewals / reaffirmation ceremonies
Civil unions / commitment ceremonies
Naming ceremonies
Just complete the contact form and tell us what you are looking for!
How many people can we have?
Small weddings are best suited to under 30 guests to maintain an intimate atmosphere and keep the focus on the couple.
Can you still help us if we have more than 30 guests?
Of course, let's talk about what your needs are and we'll put something together for you.
What services do you provide for a small wedding?
We can help arrange:
Amazing flowers - a simple bouquet for the bride and a buttonhole for the groom
Beautiful location – there are indoor and outdoor venues available
Do you offer wedding photography and celebrant services outside of Canberra?
Yes, we can provide these services depending on the date. There will be an additional travel cost on top of the ceremony and photography fee.
Can you help us plan our small wedding?
Yes, with our many years of experience with Canberra weddings, we can advise you on just about all aspects of your wedding (maybe not colour schemes!!!)
Ceremony
Where can we get married?
Anywhere! You can have the marriage ceremony in your home, your back yard, in a park, in a restaurant, at a venue, in fact at any location you wish (subject to permissions). With our years of experience we can advise you on the perfect location for your wedding.
Is the small wedding legal?
Yes, the ceremony complies with the Marriage Act of 1961, and is 100% legal.
Who can be the official witnesses on the wedding day?
Anyone can be a witness as long as they are 18 years of age or over. You will need two, and even our photographer can be one of your witnesses.
Do we need to exchange rings?
No, you don’t have to exchange rings. In fact you don’t have to exchange anything to be married. There are many alternatives to the ring exchange which we can go through with you.
Are there registry office weddings in Canberra?
No, there is no registry office or courthouse style marriage service in Canberra. You must be married by a registered celebrant. We offer a simple, no fuss and affordable alternative.
I've already got a celebrant, can you provide just a photographer?
No problem, contact Michael Conlin from Mel Hill Photography.
Photography
What do I get?
Up to one hour of photography coverage by an experienced professional photographer on the day.
Beautifully edited, full resolution digital images in colour, plus a selection in black and white.
Online, downloadable gallery containing your full resolution images.
Image release to use, share, and print images as you please.
How many photos?
Heaps - there's no limit to the number of photos we'll take, and we'll ensure all the events are covered.
Can we extend the photography coverage?
Yes, you can extend the coverage to include getting ready photos, some reception coverage, or to give us some more time during the couples shoot for $500/hour (or part thereof). This must be arranged in advance.
Do I have to order prints from you?
No, you are free to print them wherever you like! However, we can definitely help you order the most amazing quality prints and canvas products from our pro-lab via the online gallery ordering system.
When will I receive the photos?
Please allow up to one month so we can give your photos the time they deserve.
I'm looking for just a celebrant, without the photography.
No problem, contact Michael Bower from Canberra Celebrants.
