Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford
OVERVIEW
What you will love about working with Jacqui from Canberra Civil Ceremonies for your wedding in and around Canberra:
"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 provided 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
Canberra Civil Ceremonies provides personalised wedding ceremonies that feel meaningful, warm, and genuine. As a Canberra-based marriage celebrant, Jacqui works closely with couples to create ceremonies that reflect their love, their story, and the moment they are celebrating.
From intimate vow exchanges to beautifully crafted ceremonies shared with family and friends, every detail is shaped with care and intention. With a friendly and professional approach, Jacqui at Canberra Civil Ceremonies provides wedding celebrant services for couples seeking a ceremony that feels authentic and memorable.
Highlights of working with Jacqui from Canberra Civil Ceremonies:
"It was lovely to feel completely confident that Jacqui would take care of everything for our ceremony. She learned so much about us so she could make the ceremony personal and sweet, with a good sprinkling of humour. She made a big effort to understand the vibe we wanted for our day, and we got compliments from family and friends about how great our celebrant was!" - E and B
Magnificent professional photographs and images used in this site graciously provided by:
@acaciaandgrace_photography
@collectionsfromhim
@everartphotography.com
@j.e_imagery
@joshmctackett
@tracyleephotography
@whoshoots.com
About
I am a mum to two amazing adult daughters, a Nanni to a gorgeous little grandbub and a wife to my ever supportive husband of over 35 years. I became a celebrant to bring together all the things I’ve loved doing for over 30 years as a professional development consultant. With my degree in Communications and experience in business, management, and training, I’m equipped to handle any challenge that comes from planning and preparing for your wedding ceremony.
Jacqui Retford
Business Owner
Wedding Brochure
Canberra Civil Ceremonies, by Jacqui Retford Brochure
View all of our features and complete package inclusions in our PDF wedding brochure.
View BrochureEasy 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 offerPackages
Exclusive Offer
The “we want a customised, creative, celebratory ceremony with loads of family, friends and maybe our pets” type of wedding
I will make preparing for your ceremony stress free and exactly right for you by:
Exclusive Offer
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).
I will work with you to create a ceremony or elopement that is all about you by:
Exclusive Offer
The “we just want to be legally married” type of wedding
In the ACT there is no such thing as a ‘registry wedding’ so 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:
Exclusive Offer
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:
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Reviews
February 2026
February 2026
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.
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