Real Wedding: Hayley & Sam’s My Celebrant Buddy Experience
How Sam’s older brother married he and his partner, Hayley.
The deets
Couple: Hayley and Sam
Location: 28 March 2026
Celebrant Buddy: Sam’s older brother, Alexander
Location: Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Why Sam and Hayley chose a My Celebrant Buddy
Sam and Hayley came to me with the idea of having his older brother, Alexander, act as the Celebrant on the day of their wedding in beautiful Kangaroo Valley.
Sam didn’t have the time to get his brother through the celebrant course, but he also didn’t want to have to complete the marriage legalities at the registry beforehand and take away from the ceremony experience.
For them, the Co-Pilot option was ideal. His older brother could nail the ceremony, lead all the meaningful and personal moments, and then, once the ceremony was finished, the legal paperwork could be taken care of while everyone else headed off to enjoy canapés.
Here’s how it all went down, along with Sam’s reflections on the day and what it was like having his own brother lead the ceremony on their big day.
I asked Sam what it was really like…
Me: Why did you choose your older brother to lead your ceremony?
Sam: "We wanted to have an intimate wedding with only the people we knew and loved supporting the day where possible. We also wanted that person running the ceremony to truly know us and speak from the heart when leading the ceremony."
What was it like having someone you knew and trusted up there?
"It was perfect, exactly what we wanted from my brother in the role. It made us far more comfortable than someone we didn't know well."
Were you nervous about how he'd go? If so, what helped?
"Somewhat, but he is a natural speaker and great at running events, but your guidelines and lessons made it all the more perfect!"
How did you find the My Celebrant Buddy process and support?
"We found it without fault, honestly. Nothing went awry that wasn't swiftly managed and a solution found. It was smooth, efficient and professional at all times."
What did your guests think?
"Many guests who are yet to get married actually asked who we used to manage it for us, and we gave them your contact details, so hopefully you hear from our mates in the future!"
Looking back, would you recommend My Celebrant Buddy to other couples?
"100% and for every reason above! Professional and efficient with 0 issues throughout."
Want a friend to lead your ceremony?
STEP ONE - Choose exactly who you want as your Celebrant. Like Sam and Hayley, it could be your big brother. Or it could be your Aunty, your Nan, or anyone you love.
STEP TWO - I’ll get them up to speed on everything they need to know with fun, easy-to-follow lessons. I’m also a 10-year Celebrant, so they can reach out to me anytime… except when Melbourne is playing in the AFL. That’s my time.
STEP THREE - All the legal requirements will be taken care of by me, or - in Sam’s case - one of my highly trusted Celebrants from across Australia.
How much does a My Celebrant Buddy ceremony cost?
The below includes all the lessons and legal requirements for your ceremony.
NOTE - Victoria prices differs slightly.
OPTION A) - Legal paperwork is completed the week prior to your ceremony (meaning you are legally married before your wedding day).
$890 (plus $89 GST)
OPTION B) - Legal paperwork is completed either before or after your ceremony so you are officially married on your wedding day.
$990 (plus $99 GST)
OPTION C) - Legal paperwork is completed during your ceremony.
$1190 (plus $119 GST)
