Inside the world of top Canberra celebrant Julie Rattenbury
In the buzzing landscape of Canberra’s wedding scene, Julie Rattenbury is not just a celebrant; she’s the magic maker who turns dreams into reality. With an impressive 15 years under her belt and over 1000 love stories officiated, Julie spills the beans on her world in her own words, devoid of fluff and full of heart.
Ancient traditions meet modern romance
“Love is the cornerstone of my business,” says Julie. Rooted in ancient traditions and adaptable to ever-changing trends, her practice is dedicated to ensuring couples have the unique and personal ceremony they’ve been dreaming of — be it fun and relaxed, romantic and intimate, traditional, themed, adventurous, quirky, or even the quicky!
An inclusive officiant
Since 2007, Julie has stood at the forefront of Canberra’s wedding scene, conducting ceremonies for couples of all ages, genders, religions, and nations. “I am warm, welcoming, and always open to everyone I meet,” she shares, underlining the trust and comfort that couples place in her capable hands. With a Marriage Memory Muscle developed over years of experience, Julie feels entirely at home in her role, earning her the distinction of being one of Canberra’s premier wedding celebrants.
New trends on the horizon
Julie’s favourite part of being in the wedding industry? “Meeting people at such a special moment in their lives,” she says, cherishing the privilege of being involved in the unique energy of weddings and collaborating with others to make dreams come true.
In tune with evolving wedding trends, Julie observes a rise in smaller, distinct celebrations spanning multiple days — what she affectionately calls “Wedstavals.” Weekday weddings are also gaining popularity, allowing couples to secure desired venues and photographers without the hefty price tag.
A career of incredible experiences
Reflecting on her diverse experiences, Julie recounts ceremonies in breathtaking locations — from waterfalls at Namadji National Park to sunrise ceremonies in hot air balloons, caves in Wee Jasper, boats on Lake Burley Griffin, and even a pirate wedding at The Lanyon Homestead. However, it’s not the extravagant settings that linger for Julie; it’s the energy and love that consistently shine through, regardless of the budget.
At EW, we love to hear wedding advice. What did Julie Rattenbury want to share with us?
For couples seeking a celebrant, Julie offers practical advice: “Think about the style of ceremony you want and find someone that fits in with you. Do you want a showman? Or do you want a facilitator and someone to make you shine—I’m the latter.”
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