Can I get legally married on the beach?

Absolutely! Whether it’s a rugged cliffside on the Surf Coast, a local gin bar, or even your own backyard, we can make it happen. I’m based in Point Lonsdale and know all the best 'hidden' spots for a ceremony for two.

How much notice do we need to elope in Geelong?

By law, you must lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding date. I’ll help you navigate this paperwork to make sure everything is submitted correctly and on time.

Do we need witnesses for an elopement?

Yes, you need two witnesses over the age of 18 to make it officially, official. If you’re keeping your elopement a total secret, don't stress—I can often help arrange witnesses for you.

What documents do we need to provide?

To get you hitched, I’ll need to see evidence of your date and place of birth (like a Birth Certificate or Passport) and some photo identification (Passport or Driver’s Licence).

Is an elopement ceremony just 'legal words'?

Only if you want it to be! Even for a 'Mini-Epic,' I draft a very personal script that tells your story perfectly without any of the fluff. We can make it as short or as heartfelt as you like.

What happens after the ceremony?

Once you’ve said the magic words and we've signed the forms, you are officially married!. I then complete all the paperwork and send it off to Births, Deaths, and Marriages within two weeks.

Geelong & Bellarine Celebrant | The Love Folk

DANI BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY

JO NICHOLSON CELEBRANT GEELONG VIC

Hello lovers!

I am Jo, and I am a lover of an epic love story.

Splash some colour in the sky, crank up the tunes, hand me a G&T, and make me laugh, and I’m all yours.

As a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant based on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, I bring over 20 years of event and communications experience to make your day uniquely yours.

If you’re searching for a relaxed, modern, and down-to-earth wedding celebrant in Geelong, the Surf Coast, or along the Great Ocean Road, I am your person. I also regularly travel back home for ceremonies on the Murray River where I grew up! I’m all about kindness, inclusion, keeping things calm, and—most importantly—bringing the FUN!

Get In Touch

As featured in

Ways I can help with your wedding

ODD SOCKS SOCIETY

Marriage Celebrant

Let's make your wedding ceremony undeniably, magically, and wonderfully you. I’ll have your guests in fits of laughter one minute and sobbing the next.

View Packages

CAITLYN SARAH PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding MC

Bit scared to let your drunk uncle loose with the mic? As your MC I'll set the mood, bring the fun, and keep things moving smoothly.

On the Day Coordinator

I'll handle the chaos and manage vendors so you can sit back, drink the champagne and dance baby dance!

Recent Geelong & Bellarine Weddings

Real couples, genuine laughs, and relaxed vibes across our favorite local venues.

Jo Nicholson marrying a couple at The Warehouse 1915 industrial wedding venue in Geelong

Waterfront wedding

Miranda & Justin

Fairhaven SLSC, Anglesea

Surfcoast views, gorgeous flowers, epic couple with the most gorgeous love story. Thanks @weddings.with.alexshore

Geelong Winery

Vikki & Shannon

Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong

Beautiful venue, beautiful couple. I adored these two so much ♥️

Waterfront wedding ceremony at Geelong Victoria

Surf Coast / Bellarine

Tess & Mitch

Surfcoast

Beach backdrop, fun & personal ceremony, puppies, overwhelming happiness

Geelong Wedding

Hannah & Jason

Batesford Hotel

Winter weddings- it’s a big yes from me. Give me them cold crisp days and moody sky photos.

How it works

The Meet & Greet

We grab a coffee (or a G&T) and see if we vibe. I want to hear your story and what makes your love unique.

The Paperwork

I handle all the legal "boring stuff." We’ll lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage and get the foundations set.

The Scripting

I draft a ceremony that is 100% you. No templates, no clichés—just your story, your way.

The Big Day

I arrive early, calm the nerves, wrangle the guests, and get you two officially hitched!

"Jo managed to capture everything about us—heartfelt moments with a dash of humour exactly when we wanted it. We’ve had so many guests compliment us on how personal and how 'us' our ceremony was."

— LIAM & RACHEL

Ceremonies across Geelong, Bellarine & Beyond

Whether you are dreaming of a sun-drenched beach wedding, an industrial-chic warehouse bash, or a weekend celebration tucked away in a rolling vineyard, I regularly travel to the absolute best pockets of Victoria. From local backyard elopements to epic venue takeovers, I've got you covered.

Geelong & Surf Coast

Industrial spaces, urban venues, and iconic coastlines from Torquay down to Lorne. Perfect for modern romantics.

The Bellarine Peninsula

Stunning coastal vineyard settings like Terindah Estate and Jack Rabbit, or relaxed beachfront vows in Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove.

The Murray River

Heading back to my roots! Riverside weddings, rustic country properties, and sweeping natural bush backdrops.

Frequently asked questions

How early should we book our wedding celebrant?

Popular peak dates—especially spring and autumn weekends across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula—often book out 12 to 18 months in advance. From a legal standpoint, we need to officially lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one full calendar month before your ceremony date.

What is a 'Legals Only' registry-style wedding?

If you prefer to completely skip the big formal ceremony production and just focus on making it official, a Legals Only signing is perfect. It covers the bare minimum legal wording, full paperwork lodgement, and simply requires the two of you alongside two adult witnesses. It’s fast, intimate, and effortlessly simple.

Do you charge a travel fee for weddings outside Geelong?

All travel within the regular footprints of Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Surf Coast is entirely included in my packages. If you are planning a destination wedding down the Great Ocean Road or up toward the Murray River, I am always incredibly thrilled to travel! Any minor travel fees required for further distances will be tailored and transparently agreed upon upfront.

"We wanted our ceremony to be light-hearted with some laughs, but also meaningful and heartfelt, and Jo absolutely delivered... We had so many guests compliment us on how personal and how 'us' our ceremony was."

— TESS & MITCH

Geelong wedding celebrant, teller of epic stories