OVERVIEW

Since being appointed in 2009, Michael Elwood has become one of the most sought-after wedding Celebrants in Adelaide. From his first-hand experience officiating at ceremonies in backyards and an intimate marriage in a shack on a far off coastline, to a lavish gathering of more than 200 loved ones, Michael has seen it all and knows no two ceremonies are ever the same. His uncanny ability to gauge the crowd pair with his welcoming humour to ensure your ceremony flows effortlessly.

"Michael was amazing, after our first catch up we knew Michael was the right choice. He gave us so many ideas for the ceremony, and he was great at calming Dan's nerves." Melissa & Dan.

About Marriage Celebrant Michael Elwood

Michael's working life involved managing several major arts organisations. Following his experience in the media and public eye, Michael knew sitting around during his retirement was never going to keep him occupied. Considering his confidence in speaking in front of an audience, combined with his charisma, creativity and his love for romance, it was a natural decision for Michael to become a Marriage Celebrant and to assist couples in making their wedding day a beautiful one that reflects their individuality.

What you can expect when you book Michael Elwood for your wedding:

An experienced celebrant. Michael Elwood was first appointed a Celebrant in 2009. Since then, he has officiated at more than 300 ceremonies, from large events with hundreds of guests to intimate ceremonies with just a handful of family and closest friends.
A personable confidant. A natural people person, Michael finds working with couples to be an exhilarating experience. With such a brilliant personality, it's effortless for him to converse with anyone and everyone.
Creative input. Having been a Celebrant at 300 ceremonies, spanning a wide range of cultural requirements, styles and guest list sizes, Michael is excellent at suggesting what will work well for your unique ceremony.
Confidence & composure. With a career over thirty-five years as Chief Executive of various arts, charity and disability organisations under his belt, Michael is experienced at talking in front of large audiences. A clear, confident speaker with calm composure, Michael can deftly handle any surprises that are thrown his way.

"Michael was very professional, helpful and thorough. He made everything flow easily and really took control during the ceremony. He got to know us as a couple and delivered our story beautifully." Hannah P.

Highlights of working with Marriage Celebrant Michael Elwood:

Ceremony rehearsal is included. As a ceremony rehearsal is included in the planning process (subject to availability of the venue), Michael always recommends a short rehearsal just before your wedding - usually a day or two before. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your wedding party to practise how the ceremony will happen on your actual wedding day.
Crystal-clear explanation of the legal aspects of your marriage
Completion and lodgement of all required forms
Unlimited consultation by telephone and email
A high-quality PA system as required
Wedding rehearsal at the venue, subject to the venue's availability
Printed Marriage Certificate
Michael can meet with couples or talk on the phone as many times as needed before their ceremony

An easy 5-step approach to planning your ceremony:

Michael likes to have a chat over a cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer!), an obligation-free informal meeting so you can find out more about each other and help you see if he is the right person for your wedding.
Michael will spend some time with you both, so he can get to know you on a more personal level. He will use this time to figure out your style if there's a particular theme you'd like to work within, a colour scheme you had in mind, your likes and dislikes as well as your stance on a traditional and formal ceremony compared to a more relaxed, informal affair. He will have many suggestions at hand if you're unsure. He will then provide an electronic copy of sample wedding and ring vows; readings, possible rituals and traditions for you to mull over.
After considering the materials that he has sent across, you'll let Michael know of any suggestions you would like to include. He will then draft a ceremony around your requirements and send across the first draft of for you to review. With unlimited consultation by telephone and email, he will keep making alterations until you are completely satisfied. A tip from Michael: If time permits, I encourage them to put the draft away for a few weeks or months, and then come back to it with 'fresh eyes', and see if they still feel happy with what they have.
Michael will finalise the ceremony script, having it all complete at least three weeks before your wedding day. Michael always recommends a short rehearsal just before the wedding - usually a day or two before, ensuring you and members of the wedding party are fully prepared and confident on an actual day.
Showtime! Your ceremony will be performed without a hitch, followed by the completion of all the necessary paperwork, which Michael will then lodge with the Registrar, so you needn't worry about a thing.

"Michael was amazing!! We knew he was the right fit for us as soon as we had our first meeting. He took the time to get to know us and our story and what ceremony we wanted and nailed it down to a T. Always very fast with communication and willing to help any way he can. We highly recommend Michael for your wedding!" Kimberly G.

About

I have had a wonderful working life, firstly as CEO of several major arts and music organisations, and then in the Charity sector. Having been very active in business, retirement needed to be somehow helping people and giving back. I feel a great sense of responsibility but also reward in being a celebrant. Whilst I have a great sense of humour, I also bring an appropriate level of seriousness and care to the role of helping people prepare for the most important day of their lives.

Mr Michael Elwood

Business Owner

Photos

Marriage Celebrant-Michael Elwood - Celebrant

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3 reviews 5 Write a Review

September 2020

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Of all of our wedding vendors Michael is far and away the stand out. With our initial planning he was organised, helpful, professional and kind. When our wedding was derailed by covid he was supportive, understanding and again helpful. We ended up having a 10 person ceremony, and having him there we very much felt we had another friend present. We can not recommend him highly enough. With thanks, Soph and John.

John L.

Michael Elwood - Celebrant

Dear John and Sophie, Thank you for your kind words. You were truly a joy to work with, especially when we started our communications from your London base. I have enormous admiration for the two of you, for, when faced with the postponement of your big celebration, you realised that the most important thing was to be a married couple and therefore proceeded with your intimate ceremony. You can now look forward to your Renewal of Vows celebration in 2021 with a new level of assurance. And of course, I am honoured and delighted to assisting in that great event.

September 2020

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Michael is simply fantastic. We had to postpone our big wedding we had planned for May until 2021, but proceeded to get married with the enforced 5 person limit. Michael did not treat it any less special, he adjusted the ceremony accordingly but did not 'dim it down' in any kind of way. He bought the fun loving, funny and easy going celebrant that we love to the table. He was always prompt with his communication and his paperwork. The legal side and ceremony was all such an easy process and Michael guided us through it the entire way. Highly highly HIGHLY recommend We can't wait to have him again for our vow renewal, when COVID eventually clears up

Katie P.

Michael Elwood - Celebrant

Dear Katie and Matt, Thank you for your lovely words. It has been such a great experience getting to know you both over the planning time, and you were such a lovely couple to work with. I can't wait until your renewal of vows next year - I know that it will be a great celebration with all your friends who wee not able to join you this year. Lots of love, Michael

September 2020

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Michael was amazing!! We knew he was the right fit for us as soon as we had our first meeting. He took the time to get to know us and our story and what ceremony we wanted and nailed it down to a T. Always very fast with communication and willing to help anyway he can. We highly recommend Michael for your wedding!

Kimberly G.

Michael Elwood - Celebrant

Dear Kim and James, You are very generous in your words. I loved the quiet, understated way that you went about your preparations, and you triumphed on the day. I am sure that you are settling into married life, despite the challenges that COVID has presented. I Look forward to catching up with you both in the near future. With kindest regards, Michael

Expert Advice

As a wedding professional, Michael Elwood - Celebrant offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.

Get Expert Advice

How does one handle someone bringing a baby to a kids-free wedding?

I didn't know what category to put this in, but my partner and I opted for a totally child-free wedding however we have a guest who has simply decided her grandchild ( a 23week baby) will be coming along - without asking anyone! The parents are invited to the wedding but only one set of grandparents. I know the other set is available to babysit (and would be delighted to) but the guest is simply insisting that the baby will just come along (and note - it's not the mother insisting, it's the grandmother). How do I have a conversation with her or at least my M-I-L (it's her cousin) to let her know that it is our wish NOT to have children attend - and there are other couples that are respecting these wishes! I think it's rude both to us and those guests that have respected our wish to simply assume that this is ok.

Michael Elwood - Celebrant

Hi Tam, I feel that you must talk to the parents of the baby - surely they can appeal to the grandmother that the baby will NOT be going - if the parents are genuinely NOT insisting, then it is also going to cause them embarrassment. They are the parents after all. Who is actually going to be looking after the child during the event. Is it a case of breastfeeding? My guess is that the grandmother wants to show-off her grandchild. Either way, it seems very inconsiderate on her part.

Tam B

Are there any affordable celebrants out there for a simple ceremony?

Hi, I'm looking for a celebrant to perform a simple (yet still professional) wedding ceremony. I don't want all the usual song and dance or long storytelling - just a simple, sweet and short ceremony. And a streamlined process in the lead up with whatever legalities are required; no coaching, or coffee catch ups as I'm just not that kind of bride. Are there any celebrants out there that do this and are affordable? (Needs to be under $500) Thanks for your suggestions :)

Michael Elwood - Celebrant

Yes, I can provide that form of simple ceremony - I do like to meet the Bride and Groom at least once, just to get to know them a bit and in that way, ensure that I can create a simple ceremony that meets their needs. But certainly no fussy demands - simple words, not flowery etc. And can do that ceremony with great quality and sincerity for $500. (no gst payable)

Alessia T