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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  • Simon is a delightful, friendly and very passionate celebrant. I value his warmth, care and enthusiasm for a professional and loving celebration – I am very happy to recommend his services. Wendy Haynes, Celebrant and Author, Coffs Harbour

    Wendy Haynes, Celebrant and Author

  • We would just like to THANK YOU for such a perfect and personal ceremony. Our guests thought you were a friend we had known for years (we didn’t tell them any different). There were so many positive comments about the work you did. We loved that you kept the ceremony about us, that you talked about our story and you were so professional. Great suggestion about the music playing throughout. We would highly recommend you to all of our friends and family (even strangers). I also believe that you made such an impact, our guests would be recommending you to their people.

    Your work was very much appreciated!! We can not thank you enough, Simon!!

    Pav & Jacob

  • My husband and I are very grateful for the beautiful ceremony Simon put together. It was so important to us – and Simon respected and fulfilled our every need. He was so patient and understanding throughout the whole process.We cannot thank Simon enough for being apart of such an important part of our special day.

    Kane & Rohie

  • There is no possible way to thank you for the effort that you went to, to make our ceremony as personal and perfect as it was.  Almost two months on people are still talking about how wonderful you and our ceremony was.  Thank you so much Simon from the bottom of our hearts.  You made our day perfect.

    Jason and Shantelle

  • 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

  • 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