Canberra Civil Ceremonies

Canberra Civil Ceremonies is the celebrancy service of Jacqui Retford, a marriage celebrant who helps couples create personal, meaningful wedding ceremonies in Canberra. Her approach is centred on making each ceremony reflect the couple: including what matters to them and leaving out anything that does not. Jacqui explains the legal requirements, then guides partners through the choices involved in shaping a ceremony that feels right for them, rather than being driven by tradition or others’ expectations.

Her service includes an obligation-free initial conversation, practical guidance and a collaborative planning process. Couples can draw on ceremony resources, templates, scripts and ideas, with Jacqui helping them make decisions and develop a ceremony together. She aims to reduce planning stress and save time by making complex choices feel manageable. With more than 30 years of learning and development experience, alongside extensive coaching, presenting and public-speaking experience, she brings a structured and reassuring approach to the process.