I Do With Darren: Ceremonies That Feel Personal, Grounded and Quietly Moving

Calm, thoughtful and deeply people-focused, I Do With Darren offers ceremonies that feel personal, grounded and quietly moving. Darren approaches each wedding with warmth, inclusivity and an intuitive sense of storytelling, creating space for couples to be fully present rather than performative. We spoke with him about connection, trust and crafting ceremonies that feel unmistakably true to the people at the centre of them.

THEODORE Mag: For couples who haven’t yet met you, how would you describe who you are as a celebrant and the kind of experience you aim to create on the wedding day?

Darren: I see myself as the calm, steady presence in the midst of a very meaningful milestone in life. My role is to bring warmth, clarity and a sense of ease, while telling a story that feels deeply personal and unmistakably them. The experience I aim to create is one where couples feel held, understood and genuinely present, not performing a ceremony but living it. Thoughtful, relaxed, and quietly confident, with just enough humour to keep things human.

THEODORE Mag: Your celebrant style feels warm, inclusive and full of heart. What first drew you into celebrancy, and how did your journey begin?

Darren: I was drawn to celebrancy through a love of people and storytelling, but also through lived experience. My best friend asked me to officiate her wedding in India a few years ago, and I was hooked! Also, being part of the Marriage Equality movement deeply shaped how I see this role. Celebrancy felt like a natural extension of that belief, creating space for couples to be fully seen and celebrated exactly as they are.

​THEODORE Mag: Storytelling is obviously central to the way you craft ceremonies. How do you get to know couples in a way that allows you to tell their love story authentically?

Darren: It starts with time and trust. I spend a lot of time listening, asking thoughtful questions, and creating space for couples to share what makes them tick - not just the highlights, but the quiet, meaningful details too. I love hearing the way they speak about each other, what they laugh about, and what steadies them. From there, I create something that feels honest and generous, like it could only belong to them.

​THEODORE Mag: You offer everything from bespoke ceremonies to micro weddings and elopements. How do you approach making each of these feel unique and personal to every couple?

Darren: The scale might change, but the intention never does. Whether it’s a large bespoke ceremony or an intimate elopement, I approach each ceremony with the same care and curiosity. I focus on what matters to the couple and build the ceremony around that, stripping away anything that doesn’t serve their story. Intimate doesn’t mean simple, and grand doesn’t mean impersonal.

THEODORE Mag: Many couples mention how comfortable they feel with you from the first meeting. What do you do to build that sense of trust and ease in the lead-up to the big day?

Darren: I show up consistently, calmly and with genuine care. I’m organised, wear my heart on my sleeve, clear in my communication, and always human in my approach. I want couples to feel like they can exhale once they’ve booked me, knowing their ceremony is in safe hands.

​THEODORE Mag: Inclusivity is clearly important to you, especially in celebrating love in all its forms. How does that value shape the way you approach ceremonies?

Darren: Inclusivity isn’t an add-on for me, it’s foundational and non-negotiable. It shapes the language I use, the questions I ask, and the assumptions I never make. Every couple deserves a ceremony that reflects who they are without needing to explain or justify it. My job is to create a space where love is celebrated freely, respectfully and with intention.

​THEODORE Mag: You also offer MC services and help keep celebrations flowing. How do you balance the celebrant role with that fun, energetic side of weddings?

Darren: They actually complement each other beautifully. As a celebrant, I’m already deeply connected to the couple and the room. When I step into an MC role, I bring that same awareness, along with warmth, timing and a sense of rhythm. It’s about reading the energy, keeping things moving, and making sure the celebration feels effortless rather than over-produced.

THEODORE Mag: Looking ahead, what do you hope couples remember most about their ceremony with you, long after the day itself?

Darren: I always remind my couples to take in the ceremony slowly, to look around and at each other and to stay present in that moment. I hope they remember how that moment felt. The calm before they walked down the aisle, the laughter that surprised them and the moment they felt truly seen. If years later they say, “our wedding ceremony felt like us,” then I’ve done my job.

Visit idowithdarren.com.au

Instagram @ido_with_darren

DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com

Main Image By: LJM Photography

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