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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  • We would like to thank you for the great job you did at our beach wedding. You were so professional and caring about everything and everyone. You had all the equipment set up on the beach and everyone was able to hear you clearly. You made our day so special and stress free. We have been to a lot of weddings and the celebrants don’t come anywhere near your presentation. At the end of the ceremony everyone was commenting on how personal the ceremony was and how modern you presented yourself at the ceremony. We highly recommend having Simon for your wedding. As a celebrant you would not find a more professional, caring, honest, young and touching one like him. Thanks Simon.

    Angela and Lucas

  • We would like to thank you Simon for making our wedding day truly memorable. You were very warm and welcoming. We appreciate the time you took to get to know us and our story to make our day special! Your attention to detail was excellent! We never felt rushed or uncomfortable, you were very professional and we would gladly recommend you to any of our friends or family who are getting married!

    Matt and Kate

  • Simon redefines the way a ceremony should be.  Words can’t describe how happy we were with everything he did.  Thank you again!

    Scott and Tameka

  • Simon made us feel at ease from our first contact through to the conclusion of the ceremony. Simon’s confident, professional and positive approach made the preparation and ceremony a breeze! We sincerely thank him for his contribution to our wedding.

    Louise and Mark

  • Thank you for the amazing job you did at our wedding.  Everyone loved the ceremony and commented on how good you were.  We were so happy and had a beautiful day.  Thanks again.

    Sherrene and Karl

  • Thank you Simon, for your overwhelming enthusiasm for our wedding with a difference. We couldn’t believe how dedicated and supportive you were in making it something we will never forget. To see you walking down the aisle as Lord Darth Vader was an image that will remain with us forever. Your kind words, your sense of humour and your willingness to do whatever it took to make our day just the way we imagined. Your personal service and professional commitment was unwavering and it was our honour to have you preside over our marriage… We would most highly recommend you to anyone. May the force be with you! And that’s no word of a lie!!!

    Mick and Kirrily