Got a question?

FAQs

  • Who is Married By Leah?

    I'm Leah, a marriage celebrant and MC based in Sydney. I perform wedding ceremonies, elopements, legal-only ceremonies and MC services for couples across Sydney and surrounding regions. I've been a celebrant for 9 years and have performed almost 200 ceremonies. I became a celebrant because I wanted to get over my fear of public speaking. I can now say I have conquered that fear and love what I do!

  • How long does a ceremony take?

    Usually takes about 20-30 minutes, including signing the papers but it does depend on the type of ceremony you choose.

  • Do you perform legal-only wedding ceremonies in NSW?

    Yes. I perform legal-only wedding ceremonies for couples across NSW who want the marriage made official without a full ceremony. These ceremonies can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes. I've performed legal ceremonies in parks, hotel rooms, hotel balconies, Campbell Cove in Darling Harbour and on private property. These can be conducted anywhere in Australia.

  • What is your vibe?

    My personality is naturally warm, bubbly and a tad cheeky, but my vibe is whatever you want it to be! Relaxed and fun! High energy and in party mode! You set the vibe, I set the tone.

  • What happens if you get sick on my wedding day?

    Gosh this is my worst nightmare, but it has happened! Luckily I am in a wonderful network of celebrants and can have a replacement sorted straight away and paperwork transferred.

  • Do you have to have anything religious in the ceremony if we're not religious?

    Most of my ceremonies are non-religious. I create ceremonies that reflect YOUR beliefs and values, whether that's spiritual, secular, or somewhere in between.

  • Can we get married tomorrow?

    Ordinarily no. You are required to notify your celebrant (ME!) at least 1 month before the date of your intended marriage. It is, however, possible to shorten this minimum time if special circumstances set out in the regulations are met. More on this here.

  • How can I change my name after the wedding?

    If you don’t like the idea of wasting newlywed days on hold, researching and filling in forms then consider using a name change kit. Simply check off the companies to notify and Easy Name Change will send you a custom pack of forms. Just attach your marriage certificate and send!

  • Do you charge for travel?

    Only if the venue is outside a 50km radius from my house.

  • How do you write our ceremony?

    I have a questionnaire that captures all the relevant information that I need in order to write a tailored ceremony.

  • Are their additional costs?

    No - I quote for everything. I will include travel costs if required and the BDM registration of your marriage.

  • What areas do you serve as a marriage celebrant?

    I perform ceremonies across Sydney, Port Hacking, Sans Souci, Canberra, the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, South Coast and Southern Highlands, and anywhere else you want me to go.

  • Are you an LGBTIQ+ inclusive marriage celebrant in Sydney?

    Yes, I'm an inclusive celebrant and welcome all couples in Sydney and beyond. My very first couple was two women, and coincidentally my 100th ceremony was also a female same-sex couple, so I have a soft spot for my ladies. Love is love, and I'm here for all of it.

  • Can we include cultural or religious rituals?

    Yes! I love incorporating cultural rituals, family traditions, and meaningful customs into ceremonies. Whether it's a hand fasting, ring warming, breaking of the glass, or something unique to your heritage, let's make it happen.

  • What makes Married By Leah different?

    Couples tell me I feel like I've known them for years by the time their wedding day arrives. I'm a calm presence to be around, both familiar and professional, and several couples have told me that ceremony writing is clearly something I'm gifted at.

  • Can you marry us for an intimate elopement in the Blue Mountains?

    Yes, I travel to the Blue Mountains for intimate elopements, small ceremonies, co-pilot ceremonies and full ceremonies with MC services.

  • Do you travel to the Hunter Valley for wedding ceremonies?

    Yes, I perform wedding ceremonies in the Hunter Valley. I've worked at some beautiful venues, and particularly love Greystone, The Sienna and La Pera. There is a travel fee that starts from 50km outside the radius of my home.

  • Do you offer personalised wedding ceremonies on the South Coast?

    Yes, I write and perform fully personalised ceremonies for couples marrying on the South Coast, in Sydney and anywhere you want your love story told. I tailor the ceremony to be about your specific love story, what is important to the two of you and how you want to celebrate. I send a questionnaire that forms the base of the ceremony.

  • Can you perform a micro wedding ceremony in the Southern Highlands?

    Yes, I perform micro weddings and small ceremonies in the Southern Highlands. I love the Southern Highlands, and micro weddings make it even more special, especially when it's just 40 people. It's so intimate.

  • Do you marry couples in Canberra?

    Yes, I travel to Canberra for wedding ceremonies.

  • How do I book Married By Leah as my wedding celebrant?

    Send an enquiry on my website. I'll check if I'm free and then we organise a call to make sure I'm the right fit for you. Once confirmed, we lock it in with a deposit and contract and head into planning mode.

Married By Leah, Fitzroy Inn
Married By Leah, Dunbar House, Watson's Bay

The Process

Step 1: We Get to Know Each Other

We'll meet (hooray!) whenever suits you best, either as a couple or solo on zoom. I’ll talk you through the process, my service and style and what you’re looking for in a celebrant. Once booked, we’ll meet in person and dive into what makes your love story tick. From ceremony vibes to special memories, I’ll tailor your service to perfection. Flexibility is my middle name, so let's make your dreams come true!

Oh, and heads up: at our first powwow we'll also tackle some essential legal forms, like the Notice of Intended Marriage…so…

Don't forget to bring along:

  • Original Birth Certificates or Passports and Driver Licence

  • Original Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate (if applicable)

  • Translated versions if your documents aren't in English

Step 2: I Write Your Ceremony (And You Get It Early)

I'll craft your ceremony from scratch, no templates, no cookie-cutter scripts. You'll get the outline weeks before your wedding so you can read it, tweak it, and feel confident about what I'm saying.

Step 3: I Practice For a Week

I rehearse your ceremony every single day for a week before your wedding. I'm learning the rhythm, nailing the timing, and making sure every word lands exactly right.

Step 4: On the Day, I Bring It to Life

I'll arrive 1 hour early to set up, touch base with everyone, and ensure smooth sailing. I'll read the room, adjust the energy, and deliver a ceremony that feels effortless. Whether that means landing a joke, pausing for emotion, or improvising when a boat honks in the background.

Step 5: Your Guests Will Rave

Not because of me, but because your ceremony felt so perfectly, authentically YOU.

Step 6: Making It Official

After the ceremony, I'll handle all the paperwork and send it off to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. In a few weeks, your official marriage certificate will arrive in the mail – the key to changing your name and starting your happily ever after.