Being a marriage celebrant in Coffs Harbour has allowed me to gain a first-hand experience of all things weddings and the impact of COVID-19. At the end of 2020, the ABS released some interesting insights as part of their provisional data for January to June 2020 highlighting changes in patterns of marriage associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and for that reason, I want to issue a minor nerd alert for my latest blog.

2020 and now 2021 has been a period of exceptions.  We keep hearing of the word unprecedented, one that I need no longer right click to check if I have spelt it correctly.  The pandemic has of course changed the wedding landscape in so many ways.  Let’s take a quick look…..

Between January and June 2020 a total of 37,813 marriages occurred in Australia – in which I proudly contributed 0.08% ‘I do’s’.   The number of marriages represented a 31.9% decrease in the same period a year ago.  When comparing the same period of the last five years, the number of marriages was lower by 62.2%.

Between April and June 2020 the median age at marriage was 32.6 years for males and 30.7 years for females.

A whopping 80% of ceremonies were performed by a civil celebrant. This is a figure that I have seen climbing every year since becoming a civil celebrant many years ago.

Over the past decade, the marriage rate has decreased from 5.5 to 4.5 marriages per 1,000 people.  Despite the restrictions, nearly 10,000 weddings went ahead between April and June 2020 – and that’s a good thing not only for couples but Coffs Harbour’s awesome wedding industry suppliers and my amazing celebrant friends.

Without question, one of the biggest trends I have seen during the pandemic is the increase in elopements and micro weddings, two popular services that I have now been providing for more than 13 years to couples locally and afar. 

If you are trying to navigate how to get married within a world with a touch of uncertainty, then let’s talk.  I can make your wedding ceremony truly one to remember for a lifetime – and for all the right reasons. It’s what I do!

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  • After meeting Simon for the first time, we had no doubt in our minds that he was the celebrant for us. Simon was fantastic to work with and put our stressed minds at ease during our ceremony preparation. He was relaxed but well prepared and we found him to be available to answer any questions we had. He was able to keep everyone well entertained while the bride was unexpectedly delayed and our guests thoroughly enjoyed his humour. Not only did we think he was an excellent celebrant, we also received numerous compliments from our guest. If anyone is looking to hire Simon as their celebrant we cannot rate him highly enough. We only wish we could give him a 6th star. We cannot thank Simon enough for being a part of our special day.

    Peter & Lana

  • Brett and I would just like to thank you once again for being the celebrant for our wedding at Boat Harbour Beach. You were above and beyond all of our expectations. It was obvious that you made a real effort to get to know us individually and as a couple, but what really stood out to me is that you REALLY listened to what we wanted to portray about us and our love. You set the mood beautifully and everyone has commented on what a beautiful, fun and romantic ceremony it was. Thank you for giving us exactly what we wanted and we feel any other couple will be lucky to have you as their celebrant. We can’t recommend you anymore highly.

    Kara and Brett

  • Hi Simon,

    Tim and I are still on cloud nine after reminiscing about the perfect ceremony you created. It was everything we always dreamt of and is something that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

    We can’t thank you enough for all your support and guidance throughout the whole experience, especially your commitment to travel all the way to the Hunter Valley for our wedding. Thank you also for keeping Tim calm whilst he was waiting for me at the alter! I instantly felt more relaxed when I saw you waiting outside the chapel for us.

    The day wouldn’t have been so perfect without you. I’ll send you through some photos of the ceremony when we get them back. If you are ever in Newcastle please don’t be a stranger!

    Tim & Aimee

  • We just want to thank you Simon for really helping Lincoln and I along the way.  You really helped in every way possible and made us feel so comfortable.  Our guests are still telling us how good of a celebrant you were, so don’t be surprised if you get some calls!  Couldn’t be happier with the service you provided.  Best celebrant (insert smiley face!).

    Melina and Lincoln

  • Thank you for everything you did leading up to and during our ceremony.  Your friendly and confident approach made us feel very comfortable and at ease on the big day and you played a big part in that we just wanted to say thank you very much.

    Rohan and Simone

  • Thank you for playing such a wonderful important role in our special day and starting our marriage.  We can not repay you enough for joining us in union but we will feel forever blessed that such an amazing, humourous and loving man helped us in our very beginnings.

    Libby & Mark