The Beauty of Intimate Ceremonies with Sydney Celebrant Oliver Thomson

Sydney marriage celebrant Oliver Thomson is redefining what it means to say “I do,” crafting deeply personal ceremonies that resonate with authenticity and heart. In this conversation, he shares his philosophy on creating intimate, meaningful wedding moments, offering couples inspiration on how to make their ceremony truly their own. From unique locations to heartfelt rituals, Oliver’s approach proves that the most unforgettable weddings aren’t about size—they’re about soul.

“Intimate weddings strip everything back to what really matters: the connection between two people and the love they share with those closest to them...”

What inspired you to become a celebrant, and how has your journey shaped your approach to weddings?

I’ve been to my fair share of weddings over the years, and while some were beautiful, others just didn’t hit the mark. They weren’t personal. The words were nice, but they could’ve been said about any couple. It was clear there was a formula being followed rather than a true reflection of the people standing there, making such a huge commitment.

That’s what led me to mix things up. I wanted to create ceremonies that felt real, where couples could see themselves in the words being spoken and genuinely connect with the moment. Since then, I’ve been so encouraged by hundreds of couples who are looking for less drab and more wow—ceremonies that feel alive, engaging, and full of personality.

At the heart of it, I believe every couple deserves a ceremony that reflects them, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background. Love is universal, and every love story deserves to be told in a way that is meaningful and true.

How would you describe your style as a celebrant, and what do you hope couples take away from their ceremony with you?

My style is warm, engaging, and full of personality. I bring a mix of heartfelt storytelling, humour, and spontaneity, making sure every ceremony is not just memorable but meaningful.

I thrive on creating an experience where couples and their guests feel completely present in the moment—whether that’s through laughter, happy tears, or those quiet, powerful pauses that say more than words ever could. I don’t just stand up and read from a script; I bring the energy, adapt to the vibe, and make sure the ceremony feels right.

More than anything, I want couples to walk away from their ceremony feeling like it was theirs—not just another wedding, but a truly unique and personal experience that set the tone for the rest of their day.

Intimate weddings have become increasingly popular—what do you think makes them so special?

Intimate weddings strip everything back to what really matters: the connection between two people and the love they share with those closest to them.

Without the pressure of a big crowd or the expectations that often come with a traditional wedding, couples can truly be themselves. There’s more time to be present, to soak in every word and every emotion. The atmosphere feels different—more personal, more intentional, and often, more emotional in the best possible way.

What are some creative ways couples can make their ceremony feel more personal and meaningful, even with a small guest list?

Small weddings allow for some of the most creative and deeply personal touches. Here are a few ways couples can make their ceremony uniquely theirs:

Incorporate loved ones: Have close friends or family members share a reading, sing a song, or even stand in a circle around the couple during their vows for a more intimate feel.

Choose a unique location: A place that means something to them, whether it’s a scenic clifftop, a quiet beach, or even their own backyard.

Personal vows: With a smaller group, there’s more space for raw, heartfelt emotions without feeling self-conscious.

Meaningful rituals: There are thousands of creative ways to incorporate meaningful rituals. The most important thing to me is finding out what the couple are like, what they’re into and what makes sense to include to create something that makes sense.

Interactive elements: Guests can offer words of wisdom or blessings, making them feel more involved in the moment.

With a small wedding, couples have the flexibility to craft a ceremony that’s uniquely theirs, without worrying about how it will play out in front of a huge crowd.

Have you seen couples embrace the idea of a private ceremony followed by a big celebration later? How can this approach enhance the wedding experience?

Absolutely! More and more couples are choosing to have an intimate ceremony first, then throwing a big party afterward. It’s the best of both worlds—you get the deeply personal experience of a private wedding and the energy of a big celebration.

It also takes a lot of pressure off. The ceremony becomes purely about the commitment, without the distractions of logistics and guest management. Later, at the celebration, they can fully enjoy themselves, knowing the formalities are already taken care of.

It’s a great option for couples who want to keep the actual vows private but still celebrate with everyone they love.

What are some unexpected benefits of an intimate ceremony that couples might not consider?

Less stress, more presence: Without a large audience, couples can truly focus on each other and the emotions of the moment.

More flexibility: They can get married anywhere, at any time, without worrying about venue restrictions.

More meaningful interactions: With fewer guests, they can connect with every single person, making the day feel even more special.

A more relaxed timeline: No need to rush through the day to accommodate a big crowd or tight schedule.

Cost savings: They can reallocate their budget to things that matter most to them—whether that’s a dream honeymoon, an incredible meal, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A smaller wedding doesn’t mean less significance. If anything, it often enhances the emotional weight of the day.

Can you share a memorable intimate wedding you’ve officiated that really stood out to you?

So many come to mind, but a few truly unforgettable ones include:

A sunrise elopement on the cliffs of Sydney’s south coast – Just the couple, their two best friends, and their dog as the ring bearer. As they exchanged vows, mist rolled in, creating a cinematic, dreamlike atmosphere. No microphones, no formalities—just pure, raw emotion. Afterward, they celebrated with a champagne picnic, proving that a wedding doesn’t need a grand stage to be extraordinary.

A scuba diving ceremony – A small group, deep underwater, surrounded by grey nurse sharks. The weightlessness, the silence, the incredible feeling of being at one with nature—it was a truly surreal experience.

A hot air balloon wedding over the Hunter Valley – Floating at sunrise, just the couple, their two witnesses, and me. It was quiet, breathtaking, and had an almost magical stillness to it. And of course, we toasted with champagne in the sky.

These weddings stand out because they were completely them. No pressure, no expectations—just love in its purest form, celebrated in a way that felt truly authentic.

For couples torn between an intimate wedding and a larger one, what advice would you give them to help make the right choice?

Think about what truly matters to you.

Do you want a day focused solely on your connection, free of distractions?

Do you love the idea of sharing personal vows in an intimate setting?

Would a big crowd make you nervous or take away from the moment?

If yes, an intimate wedding might be the way to go.

On the other hand:

Do you love the energy of a big gathering?

Do you want to celebrate with everyone who’s played a role in your journey?

Does the idea of a big, festive atmosphere excite you?

If so, a larger wedding could be the perfect fit.

And remember—you don’t have to choose just one. Many couples opt for a private ceremony first, then celebrate later with a bigger group. No matter what, your wedding should feel right for you. Forget the “shoulds” and the expectations—do what feels like the most you.

Find Oliver Thomson Celebrancy online by CLICKING HERE or follow on Instagram at @oliverthomsoncelebrancy

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