Sydney Wedding Checklist for Brides (2026)
A calm, step-by-step plan from your marriage celebrant
Weddings
A practical Sydney wedding checklist for brides — from early bookings and legal paperwork to the wedding-day run sheet — written by marriage celebrant Janet Lomax so planning feels joyful, not overwhelming.

Plan your Sydney wedding without the overwhelm
Planning a wedding in Sydney is exciting — and with so many venues, suppliers and timelines, it can feel busy fast. This checklist breaks the journey into clear stages so you can stay organised, protect what matters most, and still enjoy being engaged.
I’m Janet Lomax, your bubbly Sydney marriage celebrant. I’ve walked countless couples through this process. Use what fits your day; skip what doesn’t. There’s no single “perfect” order — only the order that keeps you calm.
12–18 months out (or as soon as you’re ready)
- Set a rough budget and guest-list size together
- Shortlist venues and confirm date availability
- Book your marriage celebrant (popular Saturdays fill early)
- Begin NOIM / legal timing conversations with your celebrant
- Block key suppliers: photographer, catering, celebrant, entertainment
- Note cultural or family rituals you want included in the ceremony
Three months → one month before
- Finalise ceremony structure, readings and vows with your celebrant
- Confirm witness details and legal document checklist
- Lock music cues, processional order and seating needs
- Share the run sheet with photographer and venue coordinator
- Schedule your online rehearsal for the week of the wedding
- Arrange final payments and supplier arrival times
On your wedding day
Eat something. Drink water. Give yourselves a few quiet minutes before guests arrive. I’ll be there early to settle nerves, check sound, and keep the ceremony flow clear so you can be present with each other.
After the ceremony I’ll guide the signing, look after the legal paperwork, and make sure the celebration can begin on time.
Want this checklist tailored to your venue and ceremony style? Let’s talk.