The Double-Wedding Revolution: Intimate Ceremony, Big Celebration

As a Newcastle marriage celebrant working across the Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and beyond, I’ve noticed a beautiful trend on the rise: the double-wedding.

What is it? A double-wedding is when couples choose an intimate legal ceremony first, followed later by a larger celebration—or even a multi-day festival of love. It’s the perfect blend of heartfelt connection and joyful extravagance.

The appeal is clear. A small ceremony gives couples the space to be present, calm, and deeply connected. With fewer distractions, vows can be spoken in an intimate setting, sometimes with just a handful of family and friends. It’s about savouring the significance of marriage itself.

Then comes the party! Whether it’s a chic reception a few weeks later, a destination gathering, or a weekend-long celebration in the Hunter Valley, the second stage of the double-wedding gives couples the chance to celebrate freely, without rushing everything into one whirlwind day. Guests enjoy themselves more, and couples get to design a party that truly reflects their personalities.

Another benefit? Less stress. By separating the legal ceremony from the larger celebration, logistics feel lighter, budgets become more flexible, and each event gets the attention it deserves.

At its heart, the double-wedding trend is about freedom. For some couples, it’s an elopement now and a dance floor later. For others, it’s two days of fun, food, and family. However you imagine it, this modern approach proves there’s no one “right” way to wed—only the way that feels authentic to you.

💛 Thinking of a double-wedding in Newcastle, the Hunter Valley or beyond? I’d love to help craft a ceremony that feels warm, genuine, and uniquely yours.