Ceremonies with heart, humour and Chris Pinto
For Sydney-based marriage celebrant Chris Pinto, becoming a celebrant wasn’t just a career move: it was about creating space for something real. After years of attending weddings that felt more like ticking boxes than celebrating love, he knew there had to be a better way.
So he started his own business with one clear intention: to make ceremonies feel personal, joyful, and completely true to the couple at the heart of it.
Meet Chris Pinto. Celebrant. Storyteller. All-round top bloke.
“I wanted to create meaningful, joy-filled moments for couples on one of the most important days of their lives,” he says. “A ceremony should never feel like a formality: it should feel like you.”
That ethos flows through everything he does. Whether it’s crafting a light-hearted script that has everyone laughing or pausing for a beat of heartfelt emotion, Chris brings his signature warmth and sense of ease to the experience. In fact, it’s this presence that even made its way onto national TV when he officiated a ceremony on Season 10 of Married at First Sight.
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A front-row seat to the magic
Ask any seasoned celebrant their favourite part of a wedding, and you’ll likely get a thoughtful pause. For Chris, it’s that quiet, powerful moment right before it all begins.
“There’s this stillness just before the ceremony: when nerves, excitement, and emotion all mix together,” he explains. “Then someone looks up and sees their person at the end of the aisle, and everything shifts. That moment never gets old. It’s raw, it’s beautiful, and I feel so lucky to witness it time and time again.”
His instinct for reading the room and holding space for emotion is a big part of why couples trust him.
Down-to-earth energy; made-for-you moments
Couples often describe working with Chris Pinto as relaxed, easy, and most of all fun. He takes the time to really get to know each couple, their story, and their style, so the ceremony doesn’t just sound like them; it feels like them.
“Some people want light-hearted and playful, others want deep and emotional, and most want a bit of both. I love crafting something that strikes that perfect balance.”
And while he’s great with words, he also knows when to step back and let the moment speak for itself. That instinct, paired with a calm presence and a great sense of humour, makes him a favourite among couples and guests alike.
Weddings that stick with you
Over the years, Chris Pinto has seen his fair share of heartfelt gestures. But one in particular stands out.
“A groom once surprised his bride by learning and performing a song she loved: live, in front of everyone,” he says. “He was nervous and a little off-key, but he was completely in it. That’s what made it so moving. Everyone was crying, including me.”
It’s moments like these that remind him what it’s all about. A wedding shouldn’t focus on perfection or performance: it should be about love and expressed honestly.
His go-to wedding advice? Do it your way
Every couple has a different story, and Chris believes every wedding should reflect that sentiment.
“My biggest advice? Make the day feel like you,” he says. “Don’t worry about what’s traditional or expected. Whether that means walking down the aisle together, skipping certain formalities, or letting your dog be the ring bearer… go with what feels right.”
This philosophy has struck a chord with couples who want their ceremony to be more than just a box ticked. It’s about creating a moment that’s truly theirs.
And, when the formalities are over and it’s time to party, there’s one track that Chris swears by: September by Earth, Wind & Fire.
“As soon as that first note hits, the energy shifts. Everyone’s up: the uncles, the bridesmaids, even Grandma. It’s timeless and feel-good, and it never fails to get people moving.”
Ready to make it official with Chris?
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a big celebration, Chris Pinto brings heart, humour, and experience to every ceremony he leads. Based in Sydney and happy to travel, Chris offers flexible, down-to-earth service Australia-wide. (A small travel fee applies for locations more than 50km from Sydney.)
