Can we write our own vows?

Absolutely. I provide a tip sheet with a tried and true structure, individual coaching (so you keep your vows a surprise from your partner) and guidance so that writing your vows feels meaningful and manageable, not stressful.

Do you also provide MC/Emcee services?

Yes. For couples who book me as their celebrant, I can also provide Emcee services for the reception, creating a smooth, connected flow from ceremony through to celebration. I provide you a quote upfront based on a discussion of your needs.

Can family and friends be involved in the ceremony?

Definitely. Readings, rituals, or special roles can be included in ways that feel natural and meaningful. I have tonnes of ideas and examples that we can discuss.

Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford - Marriage Celebrants

OVERVIEW

Your wedding ceremony should feel like you.

I'm Jacqui Retford, a Canberra-based marriage celebrant who believes your ceremony should include everything you want and nothing that you don't. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, I'll help you create a ceremony that feels genuine, meaningful and comfortable from start to finish.

Many couples tell me they know what they don't want in a ceremony, but aren't quite sure what they do want. That's where I can help. I'll guide you through the legal requirements, ask the right questions, and help you create a ceremony that reflects your personalities, relationship and values without feeling forced or overly formal.

From our first chat through to your wedding day, you'll have clear guidance, practical support and a calm presence in your corner. I only book one wedding each day, so you can be confident that my focus is entirely on you and your celebration.

Here's what one couple had to say about their experience:

"Jacqui was such a pleasure to work with for our wedding. She is such a delightfully warm, calm and kind person, and that was apparent throughout the whole process. She provided excellent guidance in figuring out what we actually wanted our wedding ceremony to be, and was very open to our collaboration. The ceremony that Jacqui created was so special and personal to us, with a perfect smattering of humour. It was exactly what we wanted, and made our wedding day so very special." – S and M

What you can expect when we work together:

Personalised ceremonies that reflect who you are as a couple
Guidance through all legal requirements and ceremony planning
A relaxed, collaborative and stress-free process
I only perform one wedding per day for dedicated attention and care
Warm, professional delivery with a touch of fun!

Photography credit

Magnificent professional photographs and images used in this site graciously provided by:

@acaciaandgrace_photography

@collectionsfromhim

@everartphotography.com

@j.e_imagery

@joshmctackett

@kalirebeccaphotography

@msouthamphoto

@skylerlanephotography

@tracyleephotography

@whoshoots.com

About

I'm a mum to two amazing adult daughters, a Nanni to a gorgeous grandbub, and wife to my wonderfully supportive husband of more than 35 years. After a career spanning over 30 years in professional development, becoming a celebrant felt like a natural next step. I love that it combines the things I enjoy most: working with people, hearing their stories, and helping them create a wedding ceremony that feels genuinely like them.

Jacqui Retford

Owner/Celebrant

Photos

groom crying while saying personal vows with celebrant Jacqui holding the Mike photo by @skylerlanephotography

Groom and bride looking at each other while Jacqui reads their personal story in black and white photo by @corinnaanddylan

Celebrant Jacqui holding microphone for her bride daughter while she reads her vows phot by @acaciandgrace_photography

bride and groom kiss with children looking on as celebrant Jacqui walks towards them in black and white photo by collectionsfromhim

Celebrant Jacqui looks at the groom while reading the personal story photo by@joshmctackett

Celebrant Jacqui leans between the couple with the microphone to capture them saying "we do" but it looks like their doing karaoke phot by @j.e_imagery

‹ › ×

Easy Weddings Special Offer

Winter Wedding Discount for a Completely Customised Celebration Package

Easy Weddings couples who book their wedding for the Winter months of June, July or August in 2026 or 2027 will receive a 10% discount off the currently advertised fee for the Completely Customised Celebration package on my website!

Enquire to claim offer Enquire to claim offer

Packages

Exclusive Offer

Completely Customised Celebration

The “we want a customised, creative, celebratory ceremony with loads of family, friends and maybe our pets” type of wedding

For just $1500, I will make preparing for your ceremony stress free and exactly right for you by:

Meeting with you virtually or face to face to discuss your plans and help you work out what you want for your ceremony
Creating a personal ceremony including everything you want and nothing that you don’t (except those legal bits!).
Providing you with a draft ceremony script with unlimited opportunities for feedback, changes and agreement.
Supporting and advising both of you with writing personal vows.
Responding to your phone calls or emails within 24 hours
Facilitating one wedding rehearsal (if you like) at an agreed time and place before the wedding.
Travelling to your wedding location (within 50km of Canberra CBD- additional fee may apply for further distances)
Providing a professional PA system including microphone and to play music through for your ceremony if you choose.
Bringing a professional, fun and friendly vibe to your wedding ceremony with a focus on you.
Preparing all the legal documents and providing you with a confirmation text or email once your marriage documents have been lodged

Package Inclusions

Exclusive Offer

Intimate I Do's

The “we want a personal, intimate ceremony- maybe with some family and friends” type of wedding

(Note that this package is generally not available for Saturday weddings).

For only $1100, I will work with you to create a ceremony or elopement that is all about you by:

Meeting with you virtually or face to face to discuss what you want for your personal and intimate ceremony or elopement.
Creating a short but personal ceremony for you, your witnesses and up to 15 guests
Providing you with a draft ceremony outline with an opportunity for feedback, changes and agreement
Supporting and advising both of you with writing personal vows
Responding to your phone calls or emails within 24 hours
Travelling to your wedding location (within 50km of Canberra CBD- additional fee may apply for further distances)
Providing a professional PA system including microphone and to play music through for your ceremony if you choose.
Bringing a professional, fun and friendly vibe to your wedding ceremony
Preparing all the legal documents and providing you with a confirmation text or email once your marriage documents have been lodged.

Package Inclusions

Exclusive Offer

Marriage Express

The “we just want to be legally married” type of wedding

In the ACT there is no such thing as a ‘registry wedding’ so for my fee of $600 you can get legally married in gardens, parkland or even your own kitchen or backyard with no fuss. This ceremony might also be suitable for you if you are planning to have a destination ‘wedding’ overseas or a cultural wedding event at another time and place.

Note this package will generally only be available weekdays with very limited availability on Saturdays and Sundays.

I will solemnise your marriage by:

Meeting with you virtually or face to face to sight identification documents and complete some forms at least one month before your wedding date (legally required)
Conducting the very short ceremony, which will include the 124 legally required words and signing the documents in front of your two witnesses (pretty much anybody over 18).
Lodging the legal documents with the registering authority.

Package Inclusions

Exclusive Offer

Emcee Maestro

The “we want someone else to take care of the public speaking and announcements” type of reception

If you don’t want to put the pressure on one of your guests, or risk them having ‘one too many’ and embarrassing you during the reception, contact me to discuss an hourly rate as an addition to the Completely customised celebration or the Intimate I Do’s wedding ceremony packages.

I will bring my extensive facilitation, organisation and public speaking experience through to your reception after the ceremony by:

Making sure your guests are where they need to be at the special moments you need them
Announcing speeches, cake cutting and any other activities you have decided on for your reception
Bringing a professional, fun and friendly vibe to your wedding reception
Ensuring everything is going smoothly and according to your time plans during the reception

Package Inclusions

FAQ

What makes Canberra Civil Ceremonies different?

I focus on connection, calm guidance, and genuinely getting to know you. I only book one wedding per day, so you and your ceremony has my full attention.

How far in advance should we book?

As soon as your date and venue are confirmed. Many couples book 9–12 months or even more ahead, but it’s always worth checking. Saturdays tend to book out first, but there's no reason why you can't have your wedding on another day of the week (you might find venues and other vendors offer discounted rates too!) I have much more availability in off season months (that is between April to August and December to February.

Do you travel outside Canberra?

Yes. I’m Canberra-region-based (so that is normally within 50kms from Canberra centre). I am often happy to travel to surrounding NSW regions beyond that, and can quote you an additional travel fee up front where applicable.

What if something changes on the day?

I plan ahead and adapt calmly. If something shifts, wherever possible I handle it quietly so you can relax and enjoy your moment. If I happen to get sick on the day, I have a network of experienced, professional celebrants in our community who will be able to fill in for me. If you get sick, we will reschedule. Hopefully nobody gets sick!!!

Do you offer registry style marriages?

Yes. in the ACT we don’t have a “registry” as such. The beauty of this is that you can have the benefit of a “legals only” style wedding almost anywhere! Your backyard, a public park, a café. I can provide you with suggestions and will come to your location- much better than a stuffy office!

Reviews

5 out of 5.0

8 reviews

Write a review

5 Stars

100%

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

April 2026

Show moreShow less

From our first meeting at the Canberra Wedding Expo, in all of the small meetings and touch points, right through to the big day itself, Jacqui was a consummate professional. We got married 10 Jan 26 and we were so lucky to have found Jacqui. She helped us create the perfect ceremony tailored to the two of us, was patient with us and explained everything to ensure we were all ready for the big day. Her knowledge, experience and the way she tailored her advice for each of us showed how much effort she put in to making it an unforgettable experience. She was just the right level of outgoing but not overly to outshine the two of us. We asked Jacqui to stay on as our MC for the evening, having the continuity from the ceremony through the reception really tied the day together nicely. She tied in perfectly with the guests, venue staff, and other vendors to make the evening go off without a hitch, even keeping us to timings! We can't thank Jacqui enough for make our day so special. For those looking for a celebrant in Canberra you really can't do any better, do yourself a favour!

Jack H.

Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford

Thanks for your very kind words. Your story, your vows, your ceremony and your reception were all so very beautiful! I absolutely loved being part of it and having the opportunity to MC the reception and see you both shine and enjoy your celebrations with your favourite people was incredibly special.

March 2026

Show moreShow less

From the moment we met Jacqui at a wedding fair, we knew she was someone special. She is kind, genuine, and completely on the ball, which are exactly the qualities you want in a celebrant. Throughout the entire planning process, her communication was incredible; her emails were so professional and reassuring that they constantly reminded us we had made the right choice. On the day itself, Jacqui absolutely crushed it. She brought a sense of calm and authenticity to the ceremony that left us feeling completely full of love. She struck the perfect balance of professionalism, softness, and fun—our guests haven't stopped raving about how warm she was and how well she managed the crowd. We especially loved the little comments she threw in to hype everyone up and the way she made sure the focus stayed on us, even jumping out of the frame at the perfect moments for our photos. We will cherish the love story Jacqui wrote for us forever. We are still in awe of how she captured our relationship so perfectly in writing despite only knowing us for a short time. Her advice and reassurance regarding our vows also took so much pressure off us. From her attention to detail (like making sure she always had eyes on the rings!) to her beautiful delivery, she was an influential part of making our day what it was. We cannot thank Jacqui enough and won't hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a celebrant with a huge heart and total professionalism. We love you Jacqui!

Tash

Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford

Oh wow, I love you both too- what a delightful couple you are! I have genuinely loved getting to know you both as we spent many months preparing for what turned out to be a most glorious day. Your kind words mean so much to me as does the feedback that you will cherish your love story forever. Thank you so much, I know I will see you again. Xx

February 2026

Show moreShow less

We had the privilege of Jacqui officiating our wedding on the 21.2.26. We met Jacqui at the wedding expo in February last year, and instantly knew she was the celebrant for us. She provided genuine warmth, love and excitement for our wedding day. From helping us write our vows, to creating our story and to calming our nerves on the day, Jacqui truly is the best. Our ceremony was perfect and we couldn't be more grateful. Thank you SO much Jacqui! Xxx

Taylah H.

Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford

I knew you were my couple instantly too! It was such a joy to work alongside you both building your ceremony and then seeing how much you loved every moment of it. Xx

April 2026

Show moreShow less

Jacqui was fantastic to work with. She was very professional, knew what she was doing, and was friendly. We felt that between the meetings and the questionnaire, she really took the time to get to know us and this showed even in the very early draft scripts. She encouraged us to keep to timelines for completing things like script revisions and also for our vows – this helped my husband and I ensure we were fully satisfied with her script, and also with our own vows. We wrote the vows ourself, but Jacqui was more than happy to provide advice based on her experiences with couples when I sought it. Jacqui even asked for our dress code and discussed what she intended to wear with us, to ensure she properly fit in with our day. On the day, Jacqui was again wonderful. She worked with our photographer to ensure she was clear of important photos such as the first kiss and exit down the aisle. She had prepared us with options in the event we were unable to read our vows, or if there were going to be tears. Jacqui was just absolutely wonderful – professional, friendly, and caring. You will be happy picking her for your big day! 😊

Emily M.

Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford

It was genuinely so great to have the opportunity to share in not one but two significant events for you both! Thank you for your lovely words, your celebrations were just gorgeous!

March 2026

Show moreShow less

From the first meeting with Jacqui, we knew she was going to be the one! She guided us through the ceremony process so well and made sure we were both happy and comfortable with everything. She brought alot of fun and calmness to our day and had all our guests laughing and getting involved. Would highly recommend Jacqui if you are looking for someone calm and fun.

Sarah K.

Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford

Thank you Sarah, I was so happy when the sun came out and you were able to have the beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony you had planned. It was so fun to see you and your guests enjoying your story!

Expert Advice

As a wedding professional, Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.

Get Expert Advice