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.
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 10 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!
Why couples are loving legals-only ceremonies 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.
Here’s why couples are saying “yes” to the short-and-sweet approach:
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 keep it low-key and intimate at my home office in Buderim (perfect for private signings) or choose a beautiful local backdrop that means something special to you both, like Buderim Falls, Cotton Tree Park, Mooloolaba Beach, or a leafy nook in the Hinterland (too many to list here!).
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 simple, 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 or my office (with my two border collies watching on), I’ll make sure it’s relaxed, personal and perfectly suited to your vibe.
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 besties as witnesses.
Go out for a long lunch or sunset drinks after signing.
Or surprise everyone later by saying, “Guess what, we’re married!”
There’s no rulebook here, it’s your day, your way.
Let’s make it official!
If you’re ready to skip the big show and keep it simple, relaxed and real, let’s chat about a 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.