Why a legals only ceremony on the Sunshine Coast might be perfect for you
Short, sweet and stress-free - Why a legals only ceremony on the Sunshine Coast might be perfect for you
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “We just want something simple”, then a legals-only wedding ceremony might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Think minimal fuss, maximum love, the perfect blend for couples who just want to get married without the production, planning or price tag of a big wedding.
This is for couples who value presence over performance, connection over tradition and a wedding day that feels calm, relaxed and quietly special.
It’s a beautiful way to be married without the overwhelm. A legals-only ceremony doesn’t mean rushed or cold, it means everything essential is there and nothing extra is added just for the sake of it.
Your ceremony is intentional and warmly held with the legal wording delivered with care. There’s space to exchange rings if you wish and the moment still feels like a moment because this is your wedding day, even if it looks a little different to the Pinterest boards.
Here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, love doesn’t have to come wrapped in satin and confetti. Sometimes, all you need is each other, two witnesses and a celebrant who knows how to keep it short, sweet and truly you.
Photo Credit: Terri Hanlon Photography
So, what exactly is a legals-only ceremony?
A legals-only ceremony is the simplest (and quickest!) way to get married in Australia. It’s the marriage equivalent of signing the dotted line, with a splash of warmth and meaning.
We cover all the essential legal requirements, the Notice of Intended Marriage form, a short declaration, your legal vows and the signing of your marriage certificates, all in around 5 minutes.
It’s everything you need to make it official. You bring your two witnesses and maybe even pop a bottle of bubbles afterward because even the simplest “I do” deserves a little celebration!
This ceremony feels relaxed, grounded, personal and uncomplicated. You’ll be guided through the legal process with ease, supported without being overwhelmed and married in a way that feels true to you.
What’s included?
• A sweet and intimate legal marriage ceremony of around 5 minutes
• All legal paperwork prepared, explained and lodged on your behalf
• A warm welcome and opening words
• Legal wording delivered with intention
• Personal vows exchange and Ring exchange (optional)
• Signing of your marriage certificates, seamlessly woven into the moment
• Gentle guidance before and after your ceremony
Everything flows, nothing feels rushed and you’re free to simply be present!
Why couples are saying “yes” to the short-and-sweet approach on the Sunshine Coast
I’m seeing more and more couples choosing intimate, legals only weddings on the Sunshine Coast and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Life’s busy, weddings are expensive and sometimes the idea of planning a massive event just doesn’t feel like you.
Less stress, more love and meaning with no guest lists, no seating charts, no timelines. Just the two of you, your two witnesses present in the moment, making it official with an authorised celebrant.
Affordable and effortless. A legals-only marriage ceremony costs a fraction of a traditional wedding but still gives you all the magic of saying we’re married!
Perfect for elopers: Many couples planning Sunshine Coast elopements or destination weddings choose to complete their legal paperwork here in Australia before (or after) their overseas celebration.
Simple doesn’t mean boring: Even though it’s quick and easy, your ceremony can still be warm, meaningful and filled with love. With the right celebrant, it’s short and sweet but still so you.
Photo Credit: Terri Hanlon Photography
Where can you have a legals-only ceremony on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is absolutely bursting with stunning spots that are perfect for a simple legals only elopement ceremony.
You could choose a beautiful local backdrop that means something special to you both, like Buderim Falls, Buderim Village Park, Cotton Tree Park, Mooloolaba Beach or a leafy nook in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Whether you fancy your “I do” with sandy toes, rainforest surrounds or a sweet little picnic in the park, the Sunshine Coast offers the perfect scene for every kind of love story.
Who is a legals-only ceremony ideal for?
This type of ceremony is perfect for:
Couples who want to keep it intimate, quick and meaningful.
Those planning a destination wedding or overseas elopement but need to handle the legal side locally.
Lovers who’ve been together forever and are finally making it official (without the big fuss!).
Anyone who just wants to focus on what really matters, the marriage, not the wedding.
You don’t have to compromise on romance to keep things simple. I’ve seen couples shed happy tears even in a 5-minute ceremony. Love doesn’t need a big audience to make it real.
Whether we meet at a beach park bench, a pretty patch of Hinterland shade, in a cute café, your place or my office (with my two border collies watching on), I’ll make sure it’s relaxed, personal and perfectly suited to you.
Photo Credit: Terri Hanlon Photography
A few fun ideas for your legals only day
Even though it’s small and simple, there are still lovely ways to make your legals only wedding feel special:
Bring a photographer for a quick mini shoot afterward (I have plenty of recommendations).
Wear something fabulous (just because you can!).
Bring your parents or favourite two people as witnesses.
Go out for a long lunch or sunset drinks after signing.
There’s no rulebook here, it’s your day, your way.
Let’s make it official!
I’ve married hundreds of couples since 2007 and I’ve seen the big productions and the quiet moments. I know, deep down, that the most powerful ceremonies are often the simplest ones.
This offering is shaped by experience, by calm confidence and by a genuine love of creating space for moments that matter. You’ll feel supported, at ease and in very capable hands.
This is for you if you want to be married, but not manage an event. You value warmth, professionalism and calm energy and want your ceremony to feel special, even if it’s simple because you know meaning doesn’t come from size, but from intention.
If you’re ready to skip the big show and keep it simple, relaxed and real, I’d love to hold this moment for you.
Reach out and let’s chat about your short and sweet Legals Only Ceremony on the Sunshine Coast.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how big your wedding is, it’s about the love between you and that deserves to be celebrated in any way that feels right for you.