Gold Coast Weddings

Congratulations if you're looking for the 'one', a marriage celebrant to stand alongside you, guiding you through the planning to your wedding day as trust me, I'm as excited as you!  I put as much thought, planning and energy into your day as you. The legal minimum requirement for marrying in Australia is only 5 people (you both, two witnesses over 18 and myself) which can be very intimate and special but maybe your dream is more epic than an elopement, micro wedding or minimony.  It can be whatever you want it to be but you can be assured my service to you is incomparable as I'm meticulous about the little things as the big things that matter to you.    

Ceremonies can be kiss me quick, full of fun or funky with the feels, solemn and serious, dress up, play up, traditional, religious or themed - whatever your wedding is to you, I value your vision and input bringing your ceremony to life showcasing you as a couple.  

Many couples go into a head spin once they decide to get married as the planning can be a little overwhelming.  Having over 20 years under my veil as a full time celebrant, I lost count after 2600+ weddings as you're not just a number to me as I still get so excited - that 'just married' loved up warm and fuzzies.  As one guest said to me after a recent wedding 'I can see and feel, you're truly invested in what you do' and that's so true and a huge compliment to me. You have the advantage in my wealth of knowledge, professionalism, contacts and calming nature with years of dealing with almost every situation for one of the most memorable days of your life (& boy do I have some stories to tell)!.  I've always lived by quality over quantity, so delivering a ceremony that's heartfelt to everyone, even those live streamed or working alongside a content creator is important to me.  As a qualified Justice of the Peace, you're assured the paperwork will be completed with the utmost care and accuracy, delivering your ceremony with warmth and genuine caring whilst respecting your privacy and honouring different cultural differences, traditions and religions.  For video footage of me doing what I love best, look at my 'Home', 'About Liz' & 'Gallery' pages or my social media accounts.

Bringing your vision to life is important to me and I'm there by your side gently reassuring you every step of the way, holding your hand from the planning stages through to the day itself, including the all important 'afters' in lodging your paperwork online and applying for your registered marriage certificate (Queensland weddings only).  I offer uniquely tailored packages catering for different requirements so that you're not paying for things you may not want or need.  Celebrant packages start from $375* up to $1250 - *strict conditions apply.  My Gallery page has my packages and inclusions or contact me directly and I'll send a specifically tailored quote for your location, date and needs.  

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."  Warren Buffett

If you get caught up in the little things, try not to micro-manage or it will become all too consuming: don't be frightened to take a break once the big ticket items are sorted, bring it back to why you are marrying.  Trust in the professionals as the day goes so very quickly and lastly on your wedding day, take the time to have a few minutes to yourselves to relax, reflect, enjoy & embrace your feelings ready for you to share an amazing day relishing in your new role as husband, wife, spouse or partner in marriage. 

I don't do ordinary - 'I do' perfect!  Please give me a call or email to arrange an appointment, simply click on the 'Contact' tab at the top of the page to send me an email to check my availability as I've wedding dates booked up to the end of September 2026 currently.  Yes I will marry you anywhere with my main wedding locations being the greater Gold Coast area, Scenic Rim, Tamborine Mountain, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Northern NSW.

"Liz is the most amazing, caring, understanding and receptive celebrant that we could have asked for.  She took the time to structure our ceremony in the way we wanted and it was absolutely beautiful. 

All our guests complimented us on such a beautiful ceremony.  I highly recommend Liz especially for same sex marriages because she will make you feel safe, comfortable and important." 

Anna + Kate Sept 2022

In Australia, all consenting adults can marry regardless of sex or gender.  One (1) months' notice of your intent to marry is required, except in exceptional circumstances and no more than 18 months in advance for your paperwork but you can book me well in advance of this with bookings to September 2026 so far.  The 'Notice of Intended Marriage form' is here for you click here to download, fill in your details and have your signatures witnessed by the list of prescribed authorities on page 4 and send it electronically or the original to me. Alternately, make an appointment and we'll fill it out together either in person or if you're in Australia, over Zoom, for example.  Contact me for an appointment and I'll step you through what needs to happen.  You'll both need to provide specific documentation prior to the wedding:

•   Valid passports OR
•   If you don't have a passport and are Australian born, an original birth certificate or extract + driver's license are required.  If you were born overseas, an original birth certificate (English translation, if applicable) + photo identification eg driver's license are required.

If either of you have been married before, proof of divorce/death/nullity documentation is also a prerequisite. Please contact me for further information or guidance in regard to your Notice of Intended Marriage form or if you require an application for a shortening of time.  

Commitment ceremonies are a beautiful way to honour your special relationship without a legal piece of paper but still wanting to make a tangible and memorable commitment.  You may have eloped, had a micro or COVID marriage ceremony or married overseas and this is a wonderful way to share your love and special promises privately to one another or share that big celebration with family & friends as you can't legally marry twice. I offer bespoke ceremonies with a variety of keepsake certificates to choose from.

A renewal of vows ceremony can be held on or near milestone anniversaries or at any time to celebrate with loved ones.  They can recreate the joy of your wedding day triggering special memories.  Some choose to renew their vows with only myself attending as it is very powerful privately.  I conducted a renewal of vows for a couple who travelled to the Gold Coast from Russia at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort - what beautiful memories of the Gold Coast and of each other they took with them on their journey home.  Alternately, many couples may not have had the wedding of their dreams and this is the perfect opportunity to create new and wonderful memories.  The couple pictured right, celebrated a whopping 72 years of marriage this year, WOW! 

"Dearest Liz, our renewal of vows was a very special day for us both & you & your handsome son turned it into a magical day. Liz you are a very beautiful lady, very understanding, very caring & very humble & the best ever. You listened to our story & it was only bits here or there but how you put it together was so true. When we read our vows we howled our hearts out or should we say "our eyes". Nevertheless, from us both, we sincerely & truly thank you for giving us that very special unforgettable day. Thank you lots of love from us both." Tanea & Werner

If a themed wedding is more your style, I'm your celebrant! I've dressed in my white medieval cape and flower crown to Gatsby style, Friday 13th and Super Mario themed wedding.  I've been Priscilla Presley (see middle photo above), complete with American accent, hair and make-up.  A Star Wars wedding on May 4th - what else?  Some weddings are themed by colour or using elements from the location e.g. beach, in a hot air balloon, Pagan wedding, a cultural theme e.g. Scottish or Fifties Rockabilly, literally anything goes. One couple had a Hollywood theme as this was where the groom proposed (think bling!); another was Horror with the guests all thinking they were dressing for a Halloween themed 40th birthday party. A chilled out Bali theme where guests were invited to wear their favourite sarong with colourful umbrella's suspended from above and around the pool.  These were given to guests as wedding keepsakes.  Maybe having your fur babies join you down the aisle - I got to sing, 'Scooby Scooby Doo, where are you?' to one ring bearing pooch just recently.  Literally anything goes, so I'm happy to fit with your theme.

Some couples want a surprise wedding but it can only be a surprise to the guests as legally, you both have to give consent in writing with the Notice of Intended Marriage form (see the information above).  Having a 'surprise' wedding for your partner's milestone birthday or as part of your engagement party can't happen unless you both agree having signed legal documentation prior and giving full consent.  The guests, however, can be in the dark as long as you like and I promise to keep your secret. 

I've had years of experience as a compere or MC / Master of Ceremonies and voice-over artist and I happily bring that experience to any occasion.  Please contact me for current rates and availability.  

Having compered many corporate events including fashion parades with Australian icon Julie Anthony, art shows, annual charity balls at The Star, 100th birthday celebrations, baby shows, sporting dinners with guests such as Olympic rowing great James Tomkins, politicians, legendary comedian Col Elliott and blessing of boats, Gold Coast Women in Tourism breakfast and officiating at the opening of various complexes.  I have helped raise thousands of dollars for a wide range of charities and organisations and I am a proud supporter of the ACT for Kids (formerly Abused Child's Trust) & the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation.  

I was joint MC at the launch of the Festival of Elegance 'Water Wheels Wings' signature event held at Links Hope Island hosted by Connecting Northern Gold Coast & their 5 days of Festival events, including a fashion parade and Awards Dinner.  I've compered and co-ordinated fashion parades and a Melbourne Cup parade at the Gold Coast Arts Centre raising funds for Paradise Kids. 

I've MC'd the Alliance of Celebrants Queensland's (ACQ) annual conferences 2012 - 2016 and  presenting styling and contingency plans every celebrant should have in place in case of emergencies.  I also reported on the Coalition of Celebrant Associations in meetings with the Attorney-General's Department with respected presenters Frances Whiting, author & journalist; Pip Courtney from ABC's Landline; author and humanitarian, Kay Danes OAM; Perri Burton, Feng Shui Master and delivering the compulsory component from the Attorney-General's Department to colleagues 2016 - 2018.

"Dear Liz, What can I say but a very big thank you from the ACQ Committee, members, seminar attendees - thank you so much for an amazing job so pleasantly and professionally handled - the day would not have been the success it was without your presence and MC skills.  Will be very pleased to recommend you to anyone looking for a person with experience and delivery such as yours.  Thank you again - it was so appreciated."  kind regards Rosanne, former ACQ Treasurer and past Vice President.

To give a final farewell to someone you've cared deeply about is a privilege and a heartfelt service delivered with understanding can help ease the pain to begin to heal in your own time.  Paying tribute to and celebrating a life is a blessing reminding us all that we must live life to the full.  I respect cultural and religious differences, writing and delivering a service that reflects the families or your loved ones wishes, whilst capturing the essence of their being.  If you have engaged a Funeral Director, I work closely with them to prepare and deliver the funeral or memorial.  Maybe the funeral is over and you now want to scatter or intern your loved one's ashes and wish for a few words to be spoken. If you'd prefer to talk to me privately about your own end of life wishes and arrangements, please just get in touch.  

'Liz, Thank you, thank you, thank you, your organized, calming, professional yet personal approach and execution of Ariane's funeral was exemplary. I wouldn't hesitate to use your services for any future events. Kind regards, William McMinn' February 2023 

'Honestly, that was one of the most impactful and genuine services I've seen.  Thank you so much for all that you do.' Ben Cullen, former groom and Funeral Arranger.  May 2023

I also offer pet memorials as our fur, feathered and reptilian babies are a special part of our lives.  Losing them is an emotionally difficult time and a service can help with a sense of closure in celebration of their unwavering and unconditional love to you.  Please contact me on the "Make an Enquiry" button on the top right hand side of the page to see how I can help you and your family.

"There is no footprint too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world."