FAQS

Do We Have a Meeting Before Booking Benjamin Carlyle as Our Celebrant?

Yes — If You’d Like One, Let’s Chat!

So you’ve explored the site, loved the vibe, and sent through an enquiry — YES! If I’m available for your date, I’ll email back with my fees, inclusions, and next steps.

From there, you’ve got two options:

1. Confident and Ready to Lock Me In?

Some couples already know I’m their guy. If that’s you — awesome! I’ll send through your invoice, and once the $500 booking fee is paid, you’re officially locked in.

Let’s get this love party started – booking Benjamin Carlyle is seamless and stress-free.

2. Want to Meet First? No Problem.

If you’d like to make sure it feels like the right fit (which I totally get), we’ll line up a complimentary meeting — either in person or via video call (perfect for interstate couples or busy schedules). It totally makes sense to connect before booking Benjamin Carlyle as your Celebrant.

What Happens During Our Intro Chat?

This first meeting is super relaxed and pressure-free. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Swap stories and get to know each other
• I’ll take notes on your love story — the quirks, the laughs, the connection
• We’ll talk about your venue, ceremony style, and overall vision
• I’ll guide you through the next steps of crafting a personal, calm, and joyful wedding ceremony

If it all feels right (and usually it does!), I’ll send through the invoice and booking info so we can lock it in.

We can also complete the NOIM Form if you’re ready to kick this Legal Goal!

Booking Your Wedding Celebrant Should Feel Easy and Exciting

As Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, my goal is to make the whole process feel natural, relaxed, and real — from the very first message to the moment you say I do.

How Do We Book Benjamin Carlyle as Our Marriage Celebrant?

Locking in Your Wedding Ceremony is Simple

To book Benjamin Carlyle, securing your wedding ceremony date and time, a $500 non-refundable Booking Fee is required. This guarantees your spot in my calendar and kicks off the planning process.

💳 Payment Details:

• Booking Fee: $500 (non-refundable, secures your date)

• Remaining Balance: Due 2 months before your wedding day

• Total Wedding Ceremony Fee: $1,550 incl. GST

Planning a Smaller Celebration?

If you’re organising a mid-week elopement or intimate ceremony, be sure to check out my Elopements Package — perfect for relaxed, smaller-scale weddings with all the same heart and personal touch. To book Benjamin Carlyle for an intimate ceremony, the same process applies as above.

Ready to Lock It In? Let’s Do This

Once you’re ready, I’ll send through an invoice and agreement — and we’ll officially begin co-creating a ceremony that’s relaxed, real, and uniquely you.

Do You Offer a Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal?

Yes — Rehearsals Are Available (Depending on Location & Availability)

If you’d like to walk through the ceremony at your venue before the big day, I absolutely offer wedding ceremony rehearsals, provided your venue is within a reasonable distance from my home base in Pottsville on the Tweed Coast.

Whether we meet in person or connect via video call, a rehearsal is a great way to run through the ceremony’s flow, movement, and key logistics.

How Rehearsals Work

Wedding ceremony rehearsals are subject to:

• Location proximity (usually within my working zone: Byron Bay, Tweed Coast, Gold Coast, etc.)
• Our mutual availability
• Venue access and permissions (not all venues or planners include rehearsal time)

If everything lines up, I’m more than happy to meet onsite and walk through the wedding ceremony rehearsal together.

Why Do a Rehearsal?

A ceremony rehearsal isn’t always essential — but it can be really helpful, especially if:

• You or your wedding party are feeling nervous
• You’re unsure about the order of events or who stands where
• You want to feel calm, prepared, and confident
• You have a more complex ceremony setup or unique elements

I bring a calm, reassuring energy and plenty of helpful tips to ease pre-wedding nerves.

Not Local? No Problem — Let’s have a Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal via Video

For couples who are travelling in, or whose venue isn’t accessible in advance, we can do a virtual ceremony run-through via video chat. We’ll cover everything you need to know so you feel fully ready and supported.

Rehearsals with Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant

Whether in-person or online, a wedding ceremony rehearsal gives you a chance to settle the nerves and make sure everyone is on the same page — including your venue, planner, and bridal party.

Let’s make sure your wedding ceremony feels smooth, clear, and beautifully you — from start to finish.

Do You Supply a PA System or Should We Hire One?

Yes, Benjamin Carlyle Celebrant supplies a Professional PA System

No need to hire a separate PA system for your marriage ceremony — I’ve got you covered. As part of your wedding ceremony package, I supply a PA system that is high-quality, wireless sound system to ensure everything sounds crystal clear on the day.

Here’s what I bring:

• Bose S1 Pro PA System – compact, powerful, and perfect for weddings
• Battery-powered – no need for power access at outdoor or remote locations
• Sennheiser wireless microphone – clear, reliable, and hands-free
• Bluetooth connection – we can stream your ceremony music directly from a phone or device
• Benjamin will supply a PA that’s perfect for audiences of up to 150 guests

Everyone will be able to hear your Vows, the Key Moments, and — just as importantly — your carefully chosen Ceremony Songs.

I’m super happy to be your Ceremony DJ as well, this takes the pressure off any guests and allows your Wedding Planning Team to focus on their chosen rolls.

Ceremony Sound, Handled by Your Celebrant

With Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, you’re not just getting an engaging ceremony — you’re also getting professional sound support as part of the service.

Your guests will hear every word. Your music will sound amazing. And you won’t need to coordinate extra suppliers.

What Time Do You Arrive on the Wedding Day?

I Arrive 1 Hour Before Your Ceremony Starts

A common question in the lead up to your Big Day is ” Ben what time do you arrive ” As your wedding celebrant, I aim to arrive at least one hour before your ceremony begins. This allows plenty of time to set up, connect with everyone involved, and ensure the vibe is relaxed and everything’s flowing smoothly.

Here’s What I Do When I Arrive:

• Connect with the bride (if she’s getting ready onsite) — a calm hello before the excitement builds
• Touch base with your planner, stylist, and musicians to confirm timing and cues
• Set up and sound-check my PA system — “Mic check… is this thing on?”
• Capture a quick video selfie of your ceremony space (a little behind-the-scenes magic)
• Welcome the groom and bridal party when they arrive
• Greet guests, meet family, and quietly brief anyone with special roles in the ceremony

I Value Being Early, Calm & Ready to Go

Weddings have a flow — and it’s important to be on time so everything runs to plan. By arriving early, I’m fully prepared to support your vendors, settle nerves, and help create a ceremony space that feels calm, connected, and ready for love.

With Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, You’re in Good Hands from the Moment I Arrive

From setup to ceremony, I’m there to support the flow, welcome your people, and set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. So what time do you arrive to your Wedding Ceremony, let’s chat!!

What Areas Do You Travel To for Weddings?

I’m Based on the Beautiful Tweed Coast

I’m proudly based in Pottsville — right on the Tweed Coast, perfectly positioned between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Some folks call it God’s Country — and for weddings, this region is overflowing with stunning venues and outdoor ceremony locations. So Ben what areas do you travel to?

Areas I Regularly Travel To

As Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, I perform ceremonies all across the Northern Rivers, South East Queensland, and beyond. Here’s a snapshot of the areas I commonly cover:

• Byron Bay – the heart of destination weddings
• Tweed Coast – including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Cabarita, and Pottsville
• Gold Coast – from Currumbin to Surfers Paradise and surrounding hinterland venues
• Ballina & Lennox Head – laid-back beach weddings and scenic spots
• Brisbane – stylish inner-city or garden ceremonies
• Scenic Rim – for breathtaking mountain and country venues
• Yamba – relaxed coastal weddings further south

Do You Travel Further? Absolutely.

Got your heart set on a ceremony somewhere outside these regions? Just ask! I’m always open to new adventures and love discovering fresh wedding locations.

Travel Fee Info:

For weddings beyond my usual zones, I simply charge a travel fee to cover time and fuel costs. This is quoted up front so there are no surprises.

Let’s Make It Happen — Wherever You’re Saying “I Do”

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Byron Bay, the Tweed Coast, Gold Coast, or beyond — I’m ready to bring the ceremony magic.

Do You Offer Wedding Reception MC Services?

Yes — I Can Be Your Wedding Reception MC Too

Alongside creating unforgettable wedding ceremonies, I also offer professional wedding reception MC services to help guide your evening celebration with ease and style.

As your wedding reception MC, I bring confidence, calm, and great energy to your event — keeping things flowing while allowing you to relax and enjoy the night with your guests.

Wedding MC Services Package – $850 (Inc. GST)

Here’s what’s included in my Wedding Receptions MC services package:

During the Reception:

• Coordinating and prepping guests for the Bridal Party entrance
• Managing the flow of formalities and dinner service
• Introducing and timing speeches
• Coordinating the cake cutting
• Setting the mood and announcing the first dance

Before the Event:

• Pre-event communication with you or your planner
• Assistance with run sheet review and timeline coordination
• Support with any logistics or vendor flow to ensure smooth transitions

Why Book Me as Your Wedding Reception MC?

With 15+ years of experience hosting weddings and working the mic, I bring a relaxed, clear, and professional presence to the reception. Whether it’s keeping things on schedule or adding a touch of personality to announcements, I’ve got it covered.

I’ll help ensure your celebration feels seamless, joyful, and true to your vibe.

Add MC Services to Your Byron Bay Wedding Package

If you’re already working with Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, adding MC services to your package means you get a trusted, familiar face guiding your day from start to finish — no awkward handoffs or last-minute stress.

Can Our Friend Conduct the Ceremony in our Wedding?

Yes — I’m All for Involving Your Loved Ones

Absolutely! I love when couples invite a close friend or family member to be part of the ceremony. It’s a beautiful way to personalise your wedding and bring even more meaning to the moment. So how does our friend conduct the ceremony?

How It Works with a Legal Celebrant + Friend Hybrid Ceremony

Over the years, I’ve facilitated many hybrid ceremonies where a friend delivers the storytelling part of the celebration, and I take care of the legal components as your authorised celebrant.

This setup ensures:

• Your ceremony has a personal touch from someone who knows you well
• All legal requirements are properly met under Australian law
• The entire ceremony still flows professionally and seamlessly

What You Need to Know About These Ceremonies

While they can be wonderful, these kinds of ceremonies require more time and preparation on my end than a standard ceremony. Here’s why:

• I provide guidance and coaching to your chosen friend so they’re confident and ready
• There are usually more emails and coordination to get everything aligned
• I still bring my PA system, help engage the crowd, and make sure everything runs to plan

You’re not just booking me for 20 minutes of paperwork — you’re booking someone who will support your vision and bring 15+ years of experience to ensure it lands beautifully.

What About Registry-Style Ceremonies at Weddings?

Some couples ask if I can perform a registry-style legal ceremony during their celebration, while a friend leads the rest. But here’s the thing:

Registry ceremonies are reserved for weekday, no-fuss setups — think: no dresses, no guests, no suits, no venues.

They’re simple, legal-only events. What you’re asking for is actually a fully personalised ceremony that blends heart and legality — and I’m 100% here to help make that happen.

Celebrant + Friend Ceremony Support — with Benjamin Carlyle

If you’d love to have a friend conduct the ceremony, we can make that happen — the right way. I’ll be there to handle the legal side, coach your chosen speaker, and help shape a ceremony that truly reflects you.

Let’s co-create a ceremony that’s relaxed, real, and exactly what you’re dreaming of.

Yes — I’ve Got Your Back with Writing Wedding Vows

Writing wedding vows can feel like a huge task — how do you sum up everything you feel for your partner in just a few minutes? The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

As part of your ceremony journey with Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, I provide a fantastic Writing Wedding Vows Guide to help you craft vows that are honest, heartfelt, and unmistakably you.

Where Do I Even Start?!

If you’re thinking, “Ben, I’m freaking out!” — you’re not alone. Most couples feel overwhelmed when it’s time to write their vows. But don’t worry — this is your chance to speak from the heart and say exactly why you’ve chosen this person to spend your life with.

The truth? Most cringey vows you’ve heard came from outdated templates or one-size-fits-all scripts. We’re not about that.

Writing Wedding Vows in Your Own Voice

Your vows don’t need to sound poetic or polished — they just need to sound like you. The best vows are:

• Honest
• Personal
• Playful or romantic (or both!)
• Real

Whether you write a heartfelt love letter, add a little humour, list your promises (sweet or silly), or even write a short poem — there’s no “correct” format. The golden rule? Keep it real.

How I Help You With Writing Wedding Vows

Every couple I work with receives a vow support document full of ideas, examples, and helpful prompts to get you started. Once you’ve drafted your vows, you’re welcome to email them to me separately for:

• Feedback on length, tone, and clarity
• Suggestions to align your vows as a couple
• Creative advice if you’re stuck or need inspiration

I’ll help make sure your vows land with impact — and stay true to your story.

Writing Wedding Vows with Benjamin Carlyle, Byron Bay Celebrant

Helping you write vows that feel authentic, confident, and emotionally resonant is one of my favourite parts of the job. As your Byron Bay wedding celebrant, I’m here to guide you through every part of the ceremony — including the words that matter most.

Let’s make your vows unforgettable — for all the right reasons.

Awesome Image from Elly & Nick’s Beach Byron Restaurant Wedding. Pic by Brendan Back.

How Long Is A Wedding Ceremony?

Most Wedding Ceremonies Run for Around 20–30 Minutes

As a general guide, most wedding venues and planners allocate about 30 minutes for your wedding ceremony. And don’t worry — it won’t feel long or boring. With Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, the vibe is always engaging, heartfelt, and completely personalised. When we’re in the pocket you won’t have a guest questions “How long is a wedding ceremony?”

Whether you want something short and sweet or a more detailed, story-rich celebration, we’ll tailor it to your pace.

What Happens During the Ceremony?

A typical ceremony with me runs for 20–30 minutes, depending on the elements you include. Here’s a breakdown of what usually fits into that time:

• Processional (Bridal Party & Partner entrances)
• Your personalised love story and ceremony script
• The required legal statements and declarations
• The iconic “I Do” moment
• Reading of your personal vows
• Ring exchange
• The big moment: You’re married! (cue the kiss 💋)
• Signing of legal paperwork (takes approx. 4 minutes)
• Recessional — you walk back down the aisle to cheers and hugs from your VIPs

Want a Shorter or Longer Ceremony? Totally Possible.

Some couples request a Short & Sweet ceremony — just the legal essentials with a touch of heart. No problem, we can make that happen.

Others choose to add readings, rituals, or cultural elements that make the ceremony run a bit longer. That’s the beauty of a custom celebrant-led wedding — we make it all about you.

Ceremonies That Feel Just Right — With Benjamin Carlyle

No matter the length, your ceremony should feel true to who you are. As your Byron Bay marriage celebrant, I craft ceremonies that are natural, flowing, and filled with meaning — not drawn out or disconnected.

We’ll find the sweet spot in timing so it’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Absolutely — Intimate Elopement & Micro Weddings Are My Specialty

Yes, I do! As Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, I’ve helped countless couples create heartfelt, intimate wedding ceremonies. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small gathering of close friends and family, elopements & micro weddings have become a powerful alternative to traditional weddings.

No stress. Just connection, beauty, and love — in a location that takes your breath away.

Hitched in Paradise: Stress-Free Elopements, Beautifully Done

Together with my wife Tarnie, I founded Hitched in Paradise to make elopement planning simple, joyful, and completely personalised. We offer all-inclusive elopement & micro weddings packages in Byron Bay and surrounding regions.

Our packages include:

• Council permits and stunning location scouting
• Celebrant services by Benjamin Carlyle
• Professional photography and videography
• Flowers, beauty services, styling, and transport
• Full ceremony planning backed by over a decade of experience
• Local surf-forecasting expertise (yep, I’m that local surfer too 🏄‍♂️)

Why Choose an Elopement?

As a long-time Byron Bay elopement celebrant, I’ve witnessed how freeing and deeply personal these small-scale weddings can be. You’re not following a template — you’re choosing each element based on what matters most to you as a couple. Roll with a Luxe Elope Byron experience, absolutely divine.

Whether it’s a private beach ceremony or a quiet hinterland gathering, elopements offer an unforgettable and meaningful way to say “I do.”

What’s the Planning Process Like?

Planning an elopement or micro weddings doesn’t have to take years. With Hitched in Paradise, the whole process often takes just a few months — and you’ll have a dedicated, experienced team guiding you every step of the way.

You’ll receive:

• A personalised ceremony script crafted with care
• Full legal support to ensure everything’s official
• Access to trusted local vendors for styling, photography, florals, and more
• Expert ceremony coordination so you can relax and enjoy your day

Ready to Elope in Byron Bay with Benjamin Carlyle?

If you’re dreaming of a stress-free, meaningful elopement & micro weddings in Byron Bay, I’d be honoured to be your celebrant. At Benjamin Carlyle Marriage Celebrant, we’re all about creating a wedding experience that feels natural, joyful, and completely yours.

Let’s create something unforgettable — and get you hitched in paradise.