How long does it take to get married in NSW?

You must lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before your wedding date. The notice is valid for 18 months.

Do we need witnesses to get married in NSW?

Yes, you must have two witnesses over the age of 18 present during the ceremony to sign the marriage documents.

Can we write our own vows?

Yes, as long as the legally required wording is included during the ceremony, you can personalise your vows.

Can we get legally married before our wedding celebration?

Yes, many couples choose to complete the legal marriage privately before holding a larger celebration later.

What is the cheapest way to get married in Hunter Valley?

The cheapest way to get married in Hunter Valley is a simple legal ceremony with a marriage celebrant and two witnesses at a private property or approved public space. Costs can start from around $600 to $1,200 depending on the celebrant and setup.

How much does a micro wedding cost in Hunter Valley?

A micro wedding in Hunter Valley typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on venue hire, styling, and photography hours.

Is Hunter Valley expensive for weddings?

Hunter Valley is known for luxury vineyard weddings, which can exceed $30,000. However, affordable wedding options are available through intimate ceremonies, midweek bookings, and smaller guest lists.

Can you have a budget wedding in Hunter Valley?

Yes. Choosing a midweek ceremony, keeping guest numbers small, and booking a short-format wedding ceremony can significantly reduce costs while still creating a beautiful experience.

Is it cheaper to elope in Hunter Valley?

Yes. Elopements and short legal ceremonies remove venue and catering expenses, making them one of the most affordable ways to get married in Hunter Valley.

Celebrating Your Recessional: Confetti, Bubbles, Sparklers, and More

Mar 20
2 min read

The recessional is your moment to shine as newlyweds! It’s the joyful finale of your ceremony — the first walk together as a married couple, full of smiles, excitement, and celebration. Adding little touches like confetti, bubbles, or sparklers can make it unforgettable.

At Michelle and Dusty Wedding Ceremonies, we love helping couples plan a fun, celebratory recessional that’s safe, photogenic, and completely personalised. Here’s some recessional ideas.

Bride and groom walking through sparklers at wedding recessional — Photo by Hayley Samantha Photography

Confetti

Confetti is a classic, colourful way to celebrate:

Paper or biodegradable confetti – safe for the environment and easy to clean
Petals – romantic and fragrant, perfect for outdoor ceremonies
Guests can throw it as you walk past, creating magical photos

Tip: Assign a few guests to hand it out to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Bubbles

Bubbles add whimsy, sparkle, and are perfect for photos:

Great for kids to blow or guests of all ages
Safe for indoor and outdoor use
Creates a soft, romantic effect without the mess of confetti

Bubbles are particularly lovely in garden ceremonies or at beachside locations.

Sparklers

Sparklers create a magical, festive effect — ideal for evening ceremonies:

Check the venue’s safety rules before using them
Give guests clear instructions on lighting and handling
Perfect for sparkler exits or post-ceremony photos

Tip: Have a bucket of water nearby for safety and to dispose of used sparklers.

Other Fun Celebratory Ideas

Beyond confetti, bubbles, and sparklers, you can get creative:

Ribbon wands or glow sticks for a playful touch
Flower petals or greenery for a natural, romantic feel
Musical send-offs – have a friend play guitar, violin, or even a ukulele as you exit

The goal is fun, memorable, and photogenic — whatever makes you smile as a couple.

How We Help

At Michelle and Dusty Wedding Ceremonies, we guide you in:

Choosing safe and practical celebratory options
Timing the recessional so everyone knows when to participate
Coordinating with your photographer for perfect shots
Making sure your exit feels joyous, smooth, and effortless

Your recessional is your moment — let’s make it magical!

In a Nutshell

The recessional is the celebration moment of your ceremony. Confetti, bubbles, sparklers, or creative alternatives make it unforgettable for you, your guests, and your photos.

At Michelle and Dusty Wedding Ceremonies, we love helping couples plan a joyful, personalised, and safe send-off, so you can walk down the aisle hand-in-hand with smiles, laughter, and love.