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.

Your First Wedding Anniversary: Meaning, Symbols & Gift Ideas

Jun 19
2 min read

Your first wedding anniversary is a pretty special milestone. It marks one full year of marriage—your first chapter officially complete, and the beginning of everything still to come.

Traditionally, each anniversary has both old (traditional) and modern (contemporary) symbols, along with gemstones and flowers that represent the year. The first anniversary is especially meaningful because it’s all about building foundations.

1st Wedding Anniversary Meaning

Traditional Symbol: Paper 📄

Paper represents a blank page. After one year of marriage, you're still early in your story—writing it together, learning, growing, and shaping what comes next.

Modern Symbol: Clock or Gold 💛

The modern symbol reflects time and value. A clock represents shared time and life rhythms, while gold represents something strong, precious, and lasting.

Gemstone: Gold Jewellery / Peridot (sometimes used in modern interpretations)

Gold is often used for the first anniversary because it reflects something that is enduring and valuable.

Flower: Carnation 🌸

Carnations symbolise young, passionate love and admiration—perfect for the first year of marriage.

Gift Ideas for Your First Anniversary

The beauty of first anniversary gifts is how flexible they can be—romantic, sentimental, or practical.

Paper-Inspired Gifts (Traditional)

A handwritten love letter or a series of letters to open in future years
A framed copy of your vows or wedding readings
A custom illustration of your wedding day or ceremony
A photo book of your first year together
A “52 reasons I love you” jar or booklet (one note for each week of the year)

Time-Themed Gifts (Modern)

A personalised clock/watch engraved with your wedding date
A framed star map showing the night you were married
A “time capsule” to open on a future anniversary
A custom video montage of your first year together

Gold-Inspired Gifts

Gold jewellery engraved with initials or your wedding date
Gold-accented keepsakes (frames, ornaments, or décor)
A matching set of simple gold bands or bracelets
A keepsake box with gold detailing filled with memories

Experience-Based Ideas 💫

Sometimes the best gift isn’t a thing at all:

Revisit your honeymoon destination or wedding venue
Plan a romantic dinner at home or at your favourite restaurant
Book a weekend getaway
Recreate your wedding day meal or first date

A Beautiful Way to Celebrate

Your first anniversary doesn’t need to be big or complicated. It’s about pausing for a moment to reflect on your first year together—the laughs, the lessons, the everyday moments, and everything in between.

Whether you choose something symbolic, sentimental, or simple, the meaning stays the same: you’re still choosing each other, every day.

Here’s to year one—and everything still to come 💛