6 Steps to Planning your wedding
Relaxed. Personal. Effortless.
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With John Middleton, Australia’s most awarded and respected Celebrant & MC, you’ll have expert support every step of the way.
John’s 6-step wedding planning guide offers simple, practical tips to help you create a ceremony that’s personal, stress-free, and truly unforgettable.
From defining your ceremony style and finalising legal documents, to scripting meaningful moments and preparing with a full rehearsal, these steps will help you stay organised and focused on what matters most: celebrating your love story.
Ready to get started? Let’s walk through the 6 essential steps to planning your perfect wedding ceremony.
What a fantastic ceremony! 100% commitment – From our initial chats with John plus organising of all the official documents and advice with our ceremony set up and writing our vows through to meeting us on site the day before for a ceremony run through with the kids and wedding party!
Every detail was thought of and on the day our guests knew just what was expected.
The ceremony was exactly how we wanted it! Intimate, relaxed and fun! John, we had so many comments on how great you were and that you were a breath of fresh air as far as other celebrants people had encountered. This is testimony to your amazing attitude and ability to listen to your client and interpret their vision.
We can’t thank you enough for making our wedding day and amazing experience!
6 Steps to Planning Your Wedding
Relaxed. Personal. Effortless.
John Middleton’s six-step planning system makes your wedding fun, stress-free, and uniquely you.
Step 1 - Get in Touch
Start by reaching out via phone, email, or social media, our team is available 24/7. We’ll set up a meeting at our Henley Beach office or online to learn about your wedding vision and help guide you from the very beginning.
STEP 2 - Let's Meet
We’ll dive into your ideas, style, and ceremony goals. This is your chance to see how John’s relaxed, engaging approach aligns with your needs. You’ll also get planning tools, timelines, and expert advice to help bring everything together.
STEP 3 - The Legals
We’ll handle all the required legal paperwork, including the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and Declaration of No Legal Impediment. On the day, John will present the official Certificate of Marriage for signing, making everything legally and beautifully official.
STEP 4 - We're Ready
In the lead-up to your big day, we’ll hold a rehearsal to fine-tune the ceremony. Together we’ll walk through timing, music cues, and positioning, making sure everyone feels confident and ready. On the day, John arrives early to set up sound, run checks, and keep everything on track from the first moment.
STEP 5 - Your Time to Shine
STEP 6 - Making it Official
After the ceremony, John lodges your marriage paperwork online with Births, Deaths and Marriages. You’ll receive your Certificate of Marriage (Form 15) on the day, and your official registration will follow, usually within 3 weeks, making name changes and next steps easy.
Continue Planning Your Wedding
Planning a wedding should feel exciting, organised and enjoyable, not overwhelming.
These helpful resources are designed to guide you through the planning process while helping create a calm, seamless and unforgettable wedding experience.
• Adelaide Wedding Planner
Professional wedding planning support to help bring your vision to life with clarity, organisation and experience.
• Wedding Experience
Discover how one voice, one flow and seamless coordination can help create a polished and stress free wedding day.
• Wedding Ceremony Timings
A helpful guide to understanding ceremony length, timing, guest arrival and how a wedding ceremony typically flows.
• Behind the Scenes of a Seamless Wedding
Explore the preparation, planning and experience that help create calm and beautifully organised wedding celebrations.