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 officiating our wedding ceremony.  We had an amazing day and loved how relaxed and genuine the ceremony was – just perfect thank you!

    Danielle and Nick

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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