The No-Boring-Bits Guide to Getting Married in Brisbane & The Gold Coast

So, you’re engaged. First of all—huge congratulations! Now comes the part where you stare at a blank spreadsheet and wonder, "How do we do this without it becoming a stressful, boring drag?"

You’re in the right place.

I’m Glenn Ritchie, and my entire philosophy is built around one simple rule: No. Boring. Bits.

Whether you are planning a massive party in Brisbane, a beachside vibe on the Gold Coast, or something intimate in the Hinterland, this guide is your roadmap to a wedding that actually feels like you.

1. The Legal Stuff (It’s easier than you think)

Let’s get the dry stuff out of the way first. A lot of couples stress about the paperwork, but honestly? That’s my job. I take the stress away so you can focus on the fun.

To get married in Australia, we need to tick a few specific boxes:

  • The NOIM: We need to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before your big day. We can do this over a coffee or a drink.
  • The Monitum: This is the legal definition of marriage that I must say during the ceremony.
  • The Vows: You need to say the legal vows (I’ll guide you), but the rest? That’s where we get creative.
  • The Signatures: We sign the papers with two witnesses, and you’re hitched.

The Bottom Line: Don’t worry about the red tape. I handle the lodging and registration with Births, Deaths, and Marriages. You just bring your ID and your partner.

2. The Ceremony: Your Story, Not a History Lesson

If you’ve ever sat through a ceremony checking your watch, you know exactly what I don’t do.

A "No Boring Bits" ceremony is about engagement. It’s about telling your story in a way that makes your guests laugh, cheer, and maybe shed a happy tear (but mostly cheer).

  • Keep it Real: We talk about how you met, the quirks you love about each other, and the funny stuff.
  • Short & Sweet: We keep the flow moving. No 40-minute lectures on the meaning of love—your guests know you love each other, that’s why they’re there!
  • The Vibe: Whether it’s at a golf club in Indooroopilly or a homestead in the Scenic Rim, the energy should be high from the moment the music starts.

3. The Party: DJ & MC (Reading the Room)

Once the ceremony is done, the vibe needs to shift from "We just got married!" to "Let’s party!" This is where having your Celebrant also act as your MC and DJ is a game-changer.

The MC Role
As your MC, I’m the 'Captain of the Ship' for the reception. I’m not just reading off a run-sheet; I’m managing the energy. I make sure the speeches run on time, the cake gets cut, and the guests know what’s happening—all without it feeling like a school assembly.

The DJ Sets
When the lights go down, the music matters.

  • No Cookie-Cutter Playlists: I play what you and your crowd want.
  • Reading the Crowd: I watch the floor. If the 80s bangers are working, we ride that wave. If we need some modern pop to get the younger crowd moving, we switch it up.
  • Requests: I love getting guests involved (I even have QR codes for requests to make it seamless).

4. Capturing the Memories: The Husband & Wife Team

You’ve got the voice, the music, and the vibe sorted. Now you need someone to capture it.

This is where my better half comes in. Jennifer (Just Jen Marie Photography) and I often work as a "Husband and Wife Team."

Why book a husband and wife team?

  • Telepathy: Okay, not really, but after years of working together, we know each other's cues perfectly. I know where she needs to be to get the shot, and she knows exactly when I’m about to drop a key moment.
  • Seamless Vibe: You get a consistent, relaxed energy across your whole team.
  • Less Admin: You’re dealing with one household for your major vendors. It keeps things simple.

Jen captures those candid, unposed moments that match the "No Boring Bits" energy perfectly.

5. Locations We Love

Whether you are local or planning a destination wedding, we cover a massive patch of beautiful country:

  • Brisbane & Surrounds: From industrial warehouses in the city to lush golf courses.
  • The Gold Coast: Beaches, hotels, and the hinterland.
  • Toowoomba & Scenic Rim: Perfect for rustic, country charm.
  • Northern NSW & Mid North Coast: We regularly travel to Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, and Port Macquarie.

Ready to ditch the boring bits?

Your wedding should be the best party you’ve ever thrown. If you want a Celebrant, MC, and DJ who makes it easy—and maybe want to snag an awesome photographer too—let’s chat.

Email me at: glennritchiecelebrant@gmail.com