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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  • Jordan and I truely didn’t realise how lucky we had scored until the beginning of our ceremony. Simon had ourselves and our guests in tears from laughter and love. He was personal, deep and truely understood how we wanted our ceremony to feel. Our day started at 28 degrees and finished at 45 degrees, however, no matter how hot it became Simon was professional and knew how to make ourselves and our guests feel at ease. Our guests raved about Simon throughout the night and still to this day, we receive compliments on his behalf. He helped to create an atmosphere that will stay with us forever and we cannot thank Simon enough for this. We highly recommend Simon to be a part of your special day.

    Erin & Jordan

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • We can’t thank you enough for making our wedding day so special. We truly appreciate the time you took getting to know us. Almost three months later and our guests still comment on how beautiful the ceremony was. We had such a fun day and you topped it off with your relaxed nature and great sense of humour.

    Sarah & Scott