What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Married in Australia in 2026?
If you’re planning a wedding in Australia and wondering how to get married without spending a fortune, you’re not alone. With the average wedding cost around $38,000 across Australia, most couples are choosing smarter, simpler ways to tie the knot.³Easy Weddings
The cheapest legally recognised way to get married in Australia is with a simple wedding ceremony — using a budget celebrant and photographer in a free or low‑cost location like a park, beach, backyard, community garden, or national reserve. Here’s how to make your big day both beautiful and budget‑friendly in 2026.
Photo by Fred and Hannah
Average Wedding Costs in Australia vs Smart Budget Options
Traditional weddings in Australia commonly cost tens of thousands of dollars, with most couples spending about $38,000 overall.³Easy Weddings
Meanwhile, the legal costs of getting married are actually a small fraction of that figure — if you choose the cheapest options available.
👉 Government registry office weddings cost a few hundred dollars (e.g., about $397 on weekdays in Brisbane).²Queensland Government – but have limited availability and are often booked months in advance
👉 Many celebrants offer legal‑only or clothes‑optional packages from around $400–$500 depending on the city.⁹Wedlockers I Do Drive Thru has Celebrant packages form just $400
But if you want more personal experience and memories — without breaking the bank — there’s an even better way…
Cheapest Legal Marriage in Australia: DIY Elopement With a Budget Celebrant
The cheapest legal wedding option that still feels like a real ceremony is to have an authorised marriage celebrant officiate your marriage at a beautiful public location.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Photo by Jacinta Louise
Choose a Free or Low‑Cost Location
These are all legal places to get married in Australia, and they won’t cost hundreds or thousands in venue hire:
Local park or community garden (Places like Carlton Gardens can be reserved for free for up to 50 guests!)
Scenic beach or riverside
Your own backyard or holiday rental
A favourite walking trail, reserve or lookout
In Australia, anywhere can be a legal wedding location — as long as your celebrant and two witnesses are present and meet legal requirements.³Attorney-General's Department
Hire a Budget Celebrant
Our $400 celebrant package gives you:
All legal wording and lodgement of paperwork
Assistance with your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
A simple, heartfelt ceremony normally 10–15 minutes long
A legally recognised marriage registered with the state
This is far cheaper than many traditional celebrants (who can cost $1,000+).⁷Hitched By Heidi
Add a $400 Photographer
Photography is the only souvenir you really can’t get back once it’s done. Our $400 photographer package captures the moment beautifully without the photographer costing more than your entire registry office ceremony fee. We focus on the best photos in a smaller package – you seriously do not need 200 photos of your elopement!
Legally Married, Stress‑Free
In Australia, to be legally married you must:
Be married by an authorised marriage celebrant
Have two witnesses aged over 18 (they can be friends)
Say the legally required words
Submit your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before the ceremony
Lodge the paperwork with your state registry after the ceremony³Attorney-General's Department this is your Celebrants job
There’s no requirement to host a big reception, book an expensive venue, exchange rings or follow any traditional checklist — meaning you can celebrate your love without the traditional price tag.
Photo by Leo Farrell
Why This Is the Best Cheap Wedding Option
Commonwealth Registry Office ceremonies (e.g., Pyrmont or NSW government office weddings) cost around $480+ while still requiring two witnesses and an appointment.⁵Service NSW
But when you choose a decidedly personal elopement with your own celebrant and photographer:
✨ You control the location
✨ You keep more of your budget
✨ You get photos that matter
✨ You get a meaningful experience outside a courthouse
Plus, you often avoid long waiting lists and crowded registry schedules.¹⁶Wedding Sounds
👰♀️ Example Budget Breakdown (2026)
Budget Celebrant $400
Budget Photographer $400
Venue (free park/beach etc.) $0
Total ~$800+
That’s a tiny fraction of the national average while still being fully legal and personalised – SAY IT FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK – BIG WEDDINGS DO NOT MAKE YOU ANY MORE MARRIED!
Photo by Tanya Challice
Summary: Cheapest Way to Get Married in Australia
Skip the big wedding — focus on what matters: your commitment.
Book a budget celebrant package from $400.
Choose a free outdoor location like a beach or backyard.
Add a budget photographer package from $400.
Bring 2 witnesses.
Celebrate your day without stress or huge cost.
This is the real cheapest way to get married in Australia while still having a memorable, legal ceremony.