John Beck, Marriage Celebrant | Melbourne | Yarra Valley
“the ceremony was my favourite part of the whole day, and I enjoyed myself immensely”- Andrea
What are you looking for in a Melbourne Celebrant?
Maybe you’d like someone who feels like one of your mates.
Well, I’m a high school dropout who somehow ended up with the power to marry people. I’m bald, wear glasses, and know how to keep things relaxed, fun, and meaningful. I’m friendly, house-trained, reliable, organised, and don’t take myself too seriously.
Before becoming a celebrant in 2016, I spent 25 years as a wedding DJ — so I know how to run a good show and keep things flowing without the cringe.
We’ll probably get along just fine if you value real. I’m the celebrant who won’t bore you with fluff or make you feel like you’re in a job interview.
What kind of ceremony do you want?
Most couples I work with want the same thing:
Something light-hearted, memorable, and meaningful — with a few laughs, maybe a few tears — and definitely not boring.
They want a ceremony that reflects them — relaxed, respectful, heartfelt, and fun to share with their favourite people.
If you want to enjoy your ceremony (and not just get through it), we should have a chat.
Hi, I’m John Beck
Melbourne Marriage and Wedding Celebrant.
This website will tell you everything you need to know — or just get in touch and we’ll go from there.
My Vows to you!
- Celebrate only one ceremony per day, yours! To give you the personal attention you deserve.
- Bring enthusiasm and creativity to your ceremony making certain that your guests are engaged.
- Devote years of experience, knowledge and training to ensure your marriage ceremony is uniquely yours.
- Not to interrupt your celebration so I can take a selfie with you unless you want one with me.
- Listen intently to your ideas while offering expert advice to produce your desired outcome.
- Get to know you as individuals and as a couple, to ensure your ceremony is a reflection of who you are.
- Meet with you many times for planning and consultation to create a stress-free marriage ceremony.
- Focus my attention on you and not be taking pictures at your ceremony to promote my business.
About John Beck
High school drop out look at me now!
I’m friendly, house-trained, like a pair of nice-fitting slacks, and rarely bite.
Before I became a celebrant, I was a DJ/MC at over 500 weddings. That’s where I learned the art of storytelling — how to engage people, hold their attention, and keep the vibe just right. It gave me confidence, ease, and a real feel for reading the room. All those skills now serve me perfectly as a celebrant.
I don’t MC anymore — because I found what I truly love. Being a celebrant lights me up. When I’m at a ceremony, I feel connected to something genuinely special. Helping you create a moment that’s joyful, meaningful, and you — that’s what I’m here for.
We’ll work together to create a ceremony that reflects your relationship, your story, and your style. And we’ll have a laugh along the way, too.
I’ve been married for over 25 years and live with four fur-children — Darcy the Labrador and three cats (Stanley, Reggie, and Poppy). They rule the house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
5 minute interview with John
First full-time job was at 3KZ (now Gold FM) as an office and production assistant while studying to be a radio DJ. My on-air career never made it to fruition, and with two friends I started a mobile DJ business in the mid-80s.
I enjoyed being the MC more than playing music, and after 25 years and 800 weddings as a DJ, it was time to grow up and I hung up the headphones.
After observing so many Celebrants and at the age of 45, I realised that being a marriage Celebrant is what I was designed to do.
In the colour personality test, I’m blue. Apparently blue is the colour associated with perfectionists. People who score a blue are loyal, committed, and creative workers who can get the job done, even in stressful situations. I’d have to agree, I’m also calm most of the time but driven, well-mannered, quirky with a dry sense of humour and easily excitable.
Ice Hockey, Cricket, good coffee, motor racing, spending time with the fur babies and reading Dolly Parton’s Online Diary.
I haven’t travelled much I have been to America 4 times, so It’s got to be Melbourne!
Donuts, Pizza and BBQ in that order.
I think it was Bros(When Will I Be Famous) or Billy Joel. (Showing my age BTW it’s 52.)
As a DJ I used to buy a lot of 7” singles so can’t remember the first album at a guess was Prince – Controversy (still have it)
If you value your ceremony and want a celebration>>>
My Approach is to make sure you and your guests enjoy the Ceremony.
My method is about helping you find the style of ceremony you want. It’s about asking you many questions and giving you unique options to find out your likes and dislikes.
To me, what I do is so much more than just a celebrant. If I had to nail my job description down I would describe it like this. I direct, inform and guide, Preside over your ceremony, I’m your spokesperson, I make announcements, tell stories, your music programmer, and sound person.
I’ve listed some fundamentals that might give you a little insight into how I help you.
Sometimes couples don’t exactly know what they want for their ceremony, or they might know but struggle to explain it. I listen to your ideas on a deep level to assess your needs and determine your vision.
Most couples what a marriage ceremony that is not too long, with a few laughs and memorable. But still thoughtful and respectful without making it boring for the guests.
If you are open to exploring the possibility’s, want to know how I can help you, and the creative process behind making your ceremony one that your guests will talk about happily, for years to come, then we should get together for a chat.
Once we know what we are doing and when we are doing it, we need to work out how we are doing it. The ceremony rehearsal we go over the ceremony site together to discuss layout and sound support issues. Planning where, when, and how you will move about during ceremony highlights. Normally it’s done 7 to 10 days before the ceremony. Attention to staging is vital to ensure smooth running and flow of all elements of the ceremony.
Music creates reactions! Music defines everything personally!
While guests are being seated, consider playing some music that has been selected by the groom while he waits at the altar. I had one groom who selected six tracks all written by The Beatles. Of course, all his family knew he was a fan so it came as no surprise to hear his favorite music, whilst they waited for the bride to arrive. Songs made an instant connection with those present and took on a completely new meaning as part of a wedding ceremony.
Oh, and of course I will also be the one to marry you and guide you through the marriage act 1961. I will fill in the “Notice of Intended Marriage” with you and do all the work. You will not have to worry about a thing, I will be by your side to provide constant peace of mind.
Most couples are unsure of what costs to expect when searching for the ideal celebrant in Melbourne for their wedding day. So keep reading I’ll give you a quick rundown.
The fee for professional services will depend on several factors, including but not limited to:
- Level of personalisation
- Level of Service
- Experience
- Talent
- Skill
- Venue Location
Fees for a personalised wedding ceremony in Melbourne traditionally range from $750 to $1500. However, a celebrant can be found for as little as $530 to as much as $2000.
So, how do you know who is best for you?
Choosing a Celebrant
No two Marriage celebrants in Melbourne will be the same; we all offer different levels of service, experience, skill, talent, creativity and enthusiasm.
When determining who will work with you to help craft your perfect wedding, it is important to look for a celebrant you feel comfortable with and who is also a true professional.
Ideally, a celebrant can offer you the time, care, and expertise to guide you and let your ideas unfold seamlessly, whether you want your marriage ceremony to be traditional, laid-back, or unique.
My Fee?
You probably have many questions, and I would welcome the opportunity to explain the full process and the costs of my services when we meet.
For the record, my fee for a wedding ceremony varies depending on many factors, but it’s typically between $800 and $1600 for ceremonies within Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.
Get in touch with me by contacting me here john@marriagecelebrantspecialist.com.au or calling on 0408 753 376.
Please note: A meeting does not constitute a booking.
Your ceremony, delivered with flair, happiness and excitement!
Stress Free Wedding Ceremony
It’s not what a marriage celebrant does; it’s how they do it that makes the difference.
Do you want to be able to look at your Celebrant on your wedding day and know that they have everything under control, so you can relax and enjoy the ceremony?
Your marriage ceremony will be one of the happiest and most emotional events of your life, not to mention the most organised; you’ll want everything to run smoothly, without a second thought from you on the day. You’re going to need to appoint a celebrant who cannot only marry you but coordinate, and be responsible for the entire wedding ceremony.
Also, you want to have some connection with the Celebrant so they can look at you and be able to make you feel as calm as possible on the day.
Contact John
If you are reading this you have seen, read or heard something about me you like.
The next step is to fill in the details below, I will then contact you to arrange a time for the three of us to get together, and we can discuss your ideas and vision for your ceremony. Please note a meeting does not constitute a booking.
Servicing Melbourne /Yarra Valley / Dandenong Ranges / Mornington Peninsula
| E: john@marriagecelebrantspecialist.com.au
Melbourne | Yarra Valley | Dandenong Ranges | Mornington Peninsula