The lockdown wedding
Queensland went into lockdown on the morning of Jessica’s wedding. Ben called first, with a solution already worked out.
Gold Coast Wedding Celebrant · Ben Cooper
Let’s make your ceremony the best part of the day.
Relaxed, personal and properly fun wedding ceremonies, written around the two of you. All the legal paperwork handled for you.
One simple fee: $790, with PA system and Gold Coast travel included.
- Authorised Marriage Celebrant
- AFCC member
- BOSE PA system included
- Proud LGBTQIA+ ally
- Paperwork lodged next business day
Why couples pick Ben
Your guests will stop checking the time.
Your ceremony is the first chance you get to really enjoy each other’s company as a married couple. It should feel like you, with your people, having a great time.
Fun, without the cringe
Laughter is welcome here. I keep things warm and light so the whole room relaxes, and the big moments land even harder.
Written about you, not from a template
We get to know each other first, then I write a ceremony that sounds like the two of you. I’ll help you add one thing that’s completely yours, big or small.
Calm when things go sideways
An air show roaring overhead. A snap lockdown on the morning of the wedding. I’ve handled both, and those couples still got their perfect day.
Everyone hears every word
My BOSE PA system comes to every ceremony at no extra cost, so Nan in the back row hears your vows too.
It truly felt like we had a friend standing at the altar with us on our special day.
Jessica Young, married 31 July 2021
Real days, real curveballs
The air show wedding
The Gold Coast air show tried to steal Kathryn’s ceremony. Ben rolled with it, and it became the most memorable part of the day.
The “disorganised” wedding
Mark’s words, not ours. Ben went with the flow and they had an amazing ceremony anyway.
Recent ceremonies
Beaches, hinterland, backyards and everything in between.
How it works
From first hello to “I do” in four easy steps.
Say hi
Send me your date and venue. I’ll confirm I’m free and we’ll set up a relaxed chat over coffee or video. No obligation.
Lock in your date
A 50% deposit secures me. We complete your Notice of Intended Marriage, which must be lodged at least one month before the wedding.
Build your ceremony
We meet, swap ideas and I write it. Unlimited calls, texts and emails along the way, plus an optional rehearsal.
Say “I do”
I bring the PA, run the show and sign the paperwork. Your marriage is lodged with Queensland BDM the next business day.
Fees
One fee. Everything you need.
No packages to decode and no surprise extras. Just a great ceremony and a legal marriage.
Wedding ceremony
$790AUD
- Notice of Intended Marriage organised for you
- Private consultations at a place that suits you
- Unlimited phone, text and email contact
- A ceremony written around your story
- Travel to your venue across the Gold Coast
- Officiating on the day
- High-quality BOSE PA system, if needed
- All legal documents and marriage certificates
- Lodgement the next business day
Ceremony rehearsalHandy for big bridal parties$110
Travel outside the Gold CoastBrisbane, Scenic Rim and beyondQuoted
A 50% deposit secures your date. The balance is due one month before your ceremony.
Hi, I’m Ben!
About your celebrant
A professional on paper. A good laugh in person.
I’m a Broncos-supporting, scuba-diving, video-gaming, stage-performing nerd who likes everything from gangsta rap to musical theatre. My wife says I’m an enigma. I tend to agree.
Every wedding I perform is special to me. My very first was a same-sex ceremony, and I’m a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Everyone is welcome here.
I want you both to love getting married to each other, and I’ll do whatever I can to make the day reflect who you are.
- Team: Broncos
- Top film: The Dark Knight
- Top show: Breaking Bad
- Dogs: Maisie & Seymour, cavoodles
- Off duty: scuba diving
Reviews
Don’t take my word for it.
Without a doubt in the world I am proud to say that Ben is truly the best out there!
Lauren McGowanBen was the first person to contact me to advise of what was happening and already had a solution worked out for us… You exceeded every expectation I could have even dreamed of for a celebrant. 5 stars isn’t even enough!
Jessica YoungWe had some unexpected distractions with the Gold Coast air show but he handled it professionally and with humour and it ended up being a very fun and memorable ceremony.
Kathryn HayBen was thoughtful, encouraging and relaxed… His naturally easy-going style carried our ceremony perfectly from start to finish.
Hannah ThomasBen is a huge supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and made sure that my now wife and I were confident and comfortable every step of the way! He is well organised and professional whilst still bringing a bit of fun!
Lauren McGowanSuch a great guy and easy to talk to and listens to what you want for your special day. The day was perfect and Ben was a big part of that.
Adam RobinsonWe can’t thank you enough Ben for the personal ceremony! Everything we wanted and more!!
Megan & Kyra GeogheganBen was awesome from the start. On the day he went with our disorganised selves and we had an amazing ceremony. Can’t speak better of him.
Mark WilliamsWhere I marry people
Wherever you like. Here’s where you’ll often find me.
From the rolling hills of Tamborine Mountain to waterfront ceremonies in Broadbeach and backyard celebrations in Pimpama, Oxenford and Coomera.
Good questions
Things couples usually ask.
How far ahead should we book?
Popular Saturdays in spring and autumn go early, so 6 to 12 months ahead is ideal. Legally, your Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged at least one month before the wedding, and it stays valid for 18 months.
What do we need for the legal paperwork?
Each of you needs proof of birth (a birth certificate or passport) and photo ID. If either of you has been married before, you’ll also need a divorce or death certificate. I’ll walk you through it all.
Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely. There are a few legal words that have to be said during the ceremony, and I’ll help you weave them in so it still sounds like you.
Do you travel outside the Gold Coast?
Yes. Travel anywhere on the Gold Coast is included in the fee. For Brisbane, the Scenic Rim and further afield, I’ll give you a quote based on your venue.
Do we need a rehearsal?
It’s optional. A rehearsal ($110) is great for bigger bridal parties or anyone who wants to walk through the day beforehand.
Do you do small weddings and elopements?
All weddings! Two of you and two witnesses, or two hundred guests. Get in touch and tell me what you have in mind.
Let’s chat
Is your date free? Let’s find out.
Tell me a little about your plans and I’ll get back to you to confirm availability and set up a no-obligation chat.