Every wedding ceremony is unique, reflecting each couple’s personality and priorities. But no matter how you slice it, your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. In just 20 to 30 minutes you’ll go from engaged to officially married. Without it, you’re not legally wed… oops!
There’s a lot packed into that short time, so we asked local experts to walk us through a typical non-religious ceremony from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect from the processional to the confetti toss.
In a hurry? Skip to a section:
Housekeeping | Processional | Intro & Welcome | Storytime | Legal Bits | Signing | Party Time! | Congrats & Wrap Up | Final Thoughts
Your ceremony starts before you even arrive. Once guests are seated, your celebrant will do a little “housekeeping”: outlining how the ceremony will run, where guests should go afterward (group photos, canapés, reception area), and pointing out practical things like bathrooms or venue highlights.
They’ll encourage guests to fill empty seats, keep your VIP spots clear, and often add a touch of humour to help everyone relax.
Photo by Victoria Baker
This is the iconic “walking down the aisle” moment, but there is no one way to do it. We love seeing couples get creative (we have even written a post about 8 Ways to Mix Up Your Processional).
Hot tip: Pick two songs. As your wedding party’s track fades out, yours can swell in. This is the moment when your partner and guests see you for the first time and it is guaranteed to be emotional.
Photo by Taj Kempe
Phew, you’ve both made it to the front, hand in hand and moments from saying “I do.” Your celebrant will introduce themselves, acknowledge Country, and include any other elements you’ve chosen together. Sometimes they will even include an icebreaker to set the tone.
Hot tip: Seat your parents or VIPs diagonally opposite where you’ll stand so they can see your faces during the ceremony.
Photo by Tyler Brown
In the lead-up to your big day, your celebrant will likely have you complete some “homework.” They’ll weave your answers into a personalised love story, giving your guests a moment to hear your journey in your own words.
This is also a great time to add personal touches such as readings, cultural traditions or rituals. The more custom elements you include, the longer this part will take.
Photo by Taj Kempe
This is the official part and it is brief. The Monitum is the legal statement your celebrant must read. You and your partner will make your legal vows and exchange rings, often alongside personal vows or creative touches such as your fur-baby acting as ring bearer.
After the “I do” and first kiss, you’re officially married and your guests will cheer and clap. But the ceremony is not over just yet.
Hot tip: If you’d prefer to keep personal vows private, read them to each other later during your portraits.
Photo by Tyler Brown
While you and your witnesses sign the legal documents nearby, your celebrant will let guests chat, hand out confetti, and build anticipation for the finale.
Hot tip: This is a tiny, magical window to take a breath together and soak it all in. If you moved your engagement ring to your other hand, now’s the time to reunite it with your wedding band. Choose a couple of background songs for this moment.
Photo by Greta Wolzak
The energy is electric now, with everyone smiling and ready to celebrate. Your celebrant will give any final directions, such as where to gather for a group photo, then announce you as you’d like to be introduced.
You’ll walk back up the aisle with confetti flying.
Hot tip: Coordinate with your photographer so you can pause mid-aisle for another kiss in the confetti cloud.
Photo by Greta Wolzak
While you’re hugging guests and soaking up congratulations, your celebrant will begin packing away and finalising their part of the day. Afterward, they’ll lodge your paperwork so your marriage is officially registered and you can start the name-change process if that’s your plan.
Photo by Greta Wolzak
It might be over in a flash, but your ceremony is the most meaningful part of your wedding day. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll feel and the clearer the memories you’ll carry forever.
Photo by Victoria Baker
Planning your bar menu is one thing, finding the right team to bring it to life is another.
Our South West beverage service and supply vendors are ready to create a drinks experience your guests will love.
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Packed with the latest inspo from your favourite vendors, our boards are the perfect starting point for your wedding styling, all our pins are from local vendors, so you can take your inspiration and go right to the source!
Happy planning! Love, From This Day
