Wedding celebrant services
As a Newcastle and Hunter Valley celebrant, I work with couples to create ceremonies that feel authentic, light-hearted and fun. Whether you’re planning a vineyard wedding in the Hunter, a beachside elopement in Lake Macquarie or a legals only ceremony around your kitchen table, I’ll craft the perfect ceremony that reflects who you are.
One-size-fits-all is fine for ponchos, but not when it comes to your ceremony. I offer a few options as a baseline so you can choose the kind of celebration that suits you and the vibe you’re looking to create.
Whether you want a personalised ceremony with 150 of your loved ones or a no fuss private party for two, I’ve got options to suit.
Packages
01
Bespoke ceremonies
This is my most popular package for a reason: my bespoke ceremonies are personalised, meaningful and fun. It’s a ceremony tailored just for you with the goal of creating your ideal vibe. This package comes with all the support you need from our first chat to the moment you’re legally married and beyond.
Here’s what’s included:
An obligation free catch-up over the phone or via Zoom so we can get to know each other and chat about your ideal wedding ceremony
Unlimited phone calls and emails, because planning a wedding comes with a lot of questions and I’m always happy to help
A planning meeting (ideally in person) so we can lock in all of the details and fill out and lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage
The creation of a personalised ceremony written from scratch that reflects your relationship, your vibe and what matters most to you
Custom vow writing support, including my complimentary guide
A wireless PA system so everyone can hear your ceremony loud and clear, plus you can play your ceremony music through it
Lodging of all official paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages
Travel within 60 minutes of Newcastle, NSW
02
Stress-free elopements
Whether it’s just the two of you and your witnesses, or a handful of your favourite people, my elopement package is focused around a meaningful, low-fuss ceremony that’s all about you two.
Here’s what’s included:
An obligation free catch-up over the phone or via Zoom so we can get to know each other and chat about your ideal elopement ceremony
Unlimited phone calls and emails, because even a small wedding can come with big questions
A planning meeting (ideally in person) so we can lock in all of the details and fill out and lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage
Shorter than the bespoke ceremony option, but still incredibly personal, I’ll craft an intimate script that reflects your relationship, your vibe and what matters most to you
Custom vow writing support, including my complimentary guide
A wireless PA system for ceremony music
Lodging of all official paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages
Travel within 60 minutes of Newcastle, NSW
03
Registry-style legals only weddings
This option is perfect for couples who want a simple, registry-style wedding minus the courthouse (because Newcastle doesn’t actually have a courthouse you can get married in anymore). Whether you’re getting married overseas, but want to legally be wed in Australia, getting a friend to marry you but need the legalities covered by a registered celebrant or just want a no fuss, simple ceremony where you can get hitched in under five minutes, this is for you.
Here’s what’s included:
A quick catch up via Zoom so we can complete the Notice of Intended Marriage
A five minute ceremony with just the legally-required words and your two witnesses
My complimentary vow writing guide
Lodging of all official paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages
Travel within 60 minutes of Newcastle, NSW
04
Master of Ceremonies (MC)
Keen to let your loved ones completely relax at your reception? Then leave the MC duties to me. I’ll keep everything running smoothly and to time, and steer the ship so you and your crew are free to have fun.
Here’s what’s included:
Reception run sheet support, including suggestions on how to structure things to create a stress-free flow
Help wrangling guests and letting them know where to be and when (it can honestly be like herding cats at times - something I happen to be very good at)
I’ll be on the mic warming up your loved ones, sharing important info, introducing speeches, potentially running a fun game or two and keeping everyone entertained and informed
A natural problem solver if anything pops up throughout the night - whatever pops up, you can trust me to handle it
Travel within 60 minutes of Newcastle, NSW
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As a rough guide, wedding celebrants in Newcastle typically charge anywhere from $450 for a simple legals-only registry style wedding, up to $2,000+ for a fully bespoke, high-end celebration.
My pricing depends on a few key factors, like the type of ceremony you’re after, the location, travel requirements and added extras (like MC duties or ordering a copy of your official marriage certificate from Births, Death and Marriages). Whether you're planning a full-scale celebration in the Hunter Valley, an intimate Newcastle elopement, or something in between, I’ll tailor a package to suit your needs. Get in touch and I’ll happily talk you through the options and provide a personalised quote based on your plans. -
I do. While I’m based in Newcastle, NSW and spend a lot of time in the Hunter Valley, I’m more than happy to hit the road for your wedding day. If you have a location locked in, and you’re not sure if I'd travel to it, just ask.
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Yes. This is one of my favourite parts of the job. While personalised vows aren’t for everyone (and that’s completely fine too), for those who want to put pen to paper, I have a few different ways I can lend a hand. I give every couple my complimentary vow writing guide, but am also more than happy to lend an ear or a second opinion to drafts before the big day.
Frequently asked questions
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A registry-style ceremony is all about the legal essentials and can be completed in under five minutes with two witnesses. It’s ideal for people looking for a courthouse-style wedding, minus the courthouse. A bespoke ceremony is closer to the 20-minute mark, and it’s where I share your story in the most personalised way possible - it’s full of laughs, happy tears and moments that make your relationship uniquely yours.
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You’ll need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your big day - although I like to do it around 3-4 months out from your wedding day. You’ll also sign a Declaration of No Legal Impediment before the big day, but as close to your wedding ceremony as possible, and three certificates during your ceremony itself. But don’t stress - I’ll guide you through every step.
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I’d love to. If you’d like someone to keep the vibes flowing and timeline on track, I’m your person! I’ll bring the same warmth and light-hearted spirit to your reception that you experienced throughout your ceremony.
Get to know me
I’m Claire Considine (but you can call me CC). I’m a wife, mum of two, marketer by trade, civil marriage celebrant, one-time Guinness World Record holder and game show contestant winner. I’m known for my quick wit, love of a good pun, calming presence and ability to talk to anyone about anything.
I love asking hypothetical questions, collecting and sharing good stories and helping people feel completely at ease. Girlfriend magazine once described me as ‘more organised than a super-cute stationary store’ - and honestly, I’ve been riding that high ever since.
A big thank you to the talented photographers who feature on this page: Jamie Murcutt, Ben Adams, James White Photography, Make Ones Way and Lee Nichols Photography.