Why I'm an "in the middle" kind of celebrant, not off to the side

Let’s talk about why I stand in the middle of your wedding ceremony, right between you and your partner, rather than off to the side.

Here’s the quick answer: Your senses demand it.

Weddings aren’t just experienced through words; they’re felt through sight, sound, touch, even the atmosphere around you. And your wedding deserves to engage all of those senses fully. That’s why I position myself in the center, to be part of the magic, but without overshadowing the moment.

Sight: Creating Visual Balance

When you look at your wedding photos or video, you’ll want to see a story—your story—told beautifully. Imagine standing across from your partner, exchanging vows, and I’m awkwardly off to the side. It breaks the visual flow and makes it look like I’m crashing your moment. By standing in the middle, I’m in the narrative without taking it over. Everything feels balanced, just like your relationship.

Sound: Ensuring Perfect Acoustics

Sound is all about balance. In a concert, speakers are evenly placed to make sure the audience hears everything clearly, and a wedding ceremony works the same way. With me in the middle, my voice is equally directed to both of you. It’s not just about legality—it's making sure those words that bind you together reach both your hearts equally. Plus, being central helps me project my voice so everyone can hear clearly, creating that perfect sound environment for your guests.

Feel: Enhancing the Emotional Connection

Weddings are an emotional journey, and I’m there as your guide through the laughter, the tears, and the big emotions in between. By standing between you, I’m able to stay connected to both of you emotionally. I’m not just the person delivering a script; I’m right there in the moment, helping the ceremony feel like a collaboration between the three of us, creating something meaningful together.

Atmosphere: Setting the Scene

Even if you aren’t smelling or tasting much during the ceremony (unless we’re near a blooming garden or the sea breeze), the atmosphere still matters. Having the celebrant in the middle helps everything feel more connected and cohesive. I’m not a bystander or a distant commentator; I’m right there with you, making sure the ceremony flows beautifully, from the energy to the little details.

Every single part of your wedding experience is intentional, from where we place the speakers to where I stand during the ceremony. It’s all designed to make your ceremony a true reflection of your love and life together.

When you exchange vows, I’ll move out of frame, stepping to the side so that the spotlight is fully on you. After you exchange rings and I pronounce you married, I’ll subtly step aside again, so your first kiss takes center stage.

Your ceremony is all about balance, connection, and making every moment count.

💍 Josh Withers is an Australian wedding celebrant based in Hobart who travels the world every week creating meaningful, fun, and honest marriage ceremonies for adventurous couples just like you.

📱 Follow Josh on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Mastodon, Micro.Blog, or in a Qantas airport lounge somewhere.