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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  • 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

  • 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

  • It was lovely working along side you again at Sarah & Jon’s beautiful wedding, you were superb! I hope you don’t mind but I have put a link to your page on my website – you really are worth recommending!

    Louise Blake Photography

  • We couldn’t have ask for a more intimate and loving ceremony. Simon’s kind words, readings and professionalism were greatly appreciated. All went to plan, better than we imagined! He was very helpful and considerate when it came to our request. Thank you once again Simon.

    Michael and Maria

  • Thank you so much for performing your duties so brilliantly on our wedding day.  You really were an integral part of things going so well and we can’t stress enough how at ease you made us feel in front of everybody.  You have received many compliments from our guests and will certainly be recommending you to all of our family and friends.  You really did help to make our special day as great as it was.

    Kath and Ross

  • Having known Simon on a personal level, I was more than happy to ask him to be the celebrant for our wedding. I loved that he put a personal touch to our ceremony and found he put us at ease throughout the wedding organisation. I highly recommend Simon for his professionalism and wonderful personality.

    Tanya and Brett