Having a Friend or Family Member Lead the Personal Part
How couples can do the legal marriage first, then have a friend or family member lead a separate celebration.
If you want a friend or family member involved, the simplest legal option is usually this:
- do the legal marriage with an authorised celebrant first
- let your friend or family member lead a separate personal celebration later
Why couples do this
It means:
- the legal part is handled properly
- your friend does not need celebrant qualifications
- the later celebration can be as personal as you like
Important boundary
This site is for the legal marriage only.
If you want the legal side folded into a bigger guest ceremony, use a full-service celebrant like Josh Withers.
Best next steps
Ready to get married?
Start with the booking form
Fill out the booking form and pay the fee, then prepare your Notice of Intended Marriage with NOIM Easy. Once we receive your paperwork and check availability, we confirm the date, time, and place for your short legal marriage.