The location Byron Bay conjures up so many images of beautiful blue sea, brilliant surf, rocky headlands, bushland, sunshine, warm days and nights and friendliness. The wedding above was held at New Brighton, a brilliant beach that never seems too busy just north of Byron Bay township. In this case the bride had special powers and wanted the three of us to stand within the circle of special black pebbles. A hand fasting ritual made use of a very special white cord decorated by the bride with significant beads and sequins, which when pulled away from the wrists of Mark and Ann formed an infinity knot and a keepsake. As you may be able to see, it was a hot summer morning. But don't you love the casual clothes all could wear in a favourite part of their world?
Other significant ceremonies I recall in the Byron Bay Area included an elopement ceremony at Tyagarah Beach at 8:30am in the morning. The bride had originally wanted the ceremony to take place at dawn; but rain fell early and only let up a little before the later agreed time. That was fortunate as the spot chosen was a little way along the beach to the north. A search for a feather to be held by the bride's witness, Mele, was successful before she made the Calling of Directions. I include the last part of her reading after calling for the union to be blessed with gifts from the East, North, West and South.
"Blessed be this union with gifts from above, below and within. May your internal flames burn bright and true on their own but shine even brighter together. May your journey be blessed by Great Spirit. Blessed be this couple." It was a moving experience to listen to such powerful words, while the wind howled, the skies threatened and the ocean crashed.
I recall a complete contrast to these beach based weddings was a standard ceremony held at a unit overlooking Byron Beach, because the weather forecast was for rain. Emma and Matt decided to have their ceremony on a balcony with their children; and later had photos were taken on the beach. Everyone who chooses Byron Bay is drawn to the sand the water. Tallow Beach and Suffolk Park Beach are also favourites for engaged couples as a wedding location. Again, because they are such long beautiful beaches, there is never competition for space. And I've noticed that most people are very polite. If you are having a marriage ceremony, it's unlikely passers by will stop and watch. Rather they will smile in greeting and signal good luck as they pass.
There are plenty of places to stay in Byron, both upmarket and simple. Bed and breakfast locations abound, so guests who aren't local are spoiled for choice. Given distances to cover in the area are extensive, however, they will need a car after flying in to Coolangatta or Ballina. Besides surfing and other water sports, whale watching is a favourite activity while visiting the area, as well as various animal and bird sanctuaries, the Regional Art Gallery at Murwillumbah, Crystal Castle and so much more.
My advice to any couple wishing to marry on a beach is to choose a day and time when fewer people are around. For example a week day is great for a wedding. If you wish to marry in the summer, it's best to avoid the heat in the middle of the day. Late afternoon works well. Alternatively if you wish to marry during the Winter, late morning to mid-afternoon will avoid wind chill. The most wonderful advantage of having a civil celebrant service your wedding is that you are spoiled for choices with respect to how your wedding can be conducted. While there are some words / statements that are mandatory i.e. required to ensure your ceremony is legal, you can add in so many options that depend on your preferences. Besides casual clothing or formal wear, you can choose a ritual to suit or readings (poem, prose, song lyrics) by a friend or relative, live or recorded music and singing are also options. Finally, please be aware that you will always need a wet weather contingency plan? Most couples don't need one, as it turns out; but it's my honest belief that if you don't have a backup plan, it's like tempting fate....if you know what I mean?
Other significant ceremonies I recall in the Byron Bay Area included an elopement ceremony at Tyagarah Beach at 8:30am in the morning. The bride had originally wanted the ceremony to take place at dawn; but rain fell early and only let up a little before the later agreed time. That was fortunate as the spot chosen was a little way along the beach to the north. A search for a feather to be held by the bride's witness, Mele, was successful before she made the Calling of Directions. I include the last part of her reading after calling for the union to be blessed with gifts from the East, North, West and South.
"Blessed be this union with gifts from above, below and within. May your internal flames burn bright and true on their own but shine even brighter together. May your journey be blessed by Great Spirit. Blessed be this couple." It was a moving experience to listen to such powerful words, while the wind howled, the skies threatened and the ocean crashed.
I recall a complete contrast to these beach based weddings was a standard ceremony held at a unit overlooking Byron Beach, because the weather forecast was for rain. Emma and Matt decided to have their ceremony on a balcony with their children; and later had photos were taken on the beach. Everyone who chooses Byron Bay is drawn to the sand the water. Tallow Beach and Suffolk Park Beach are also favourites for engaged couples as a wedding location. Again, because they are such long beautiful beaches, there is never competition for space. And I've noticed that most people are very polite. If you are having a marriage ceremony, it's unlikely passers by will stop and watch. Rather they will smile in greeting and signal good luck as they pass.
There are plenty of places to stay in Byron, both upmarket and simple. Bed and breakfast locations abound, so guests who aren't local are spoiled for choice. Given distances to cover in the area are extensive, however, they will need a car after flying in to Coolangatta or Ballina. Besides surfing and other water sports, whale watching is a favourite activity while visiting the area, as well as various animal and bird sanctuaries, the Regional Art Gallery at Murwillumbah, Crystal Castle and so much more.
My advice to any couple wishing to marry on a beach is to choose a day and time when fewer people are around. For example a week day is great for a wedding. If you wish to marry in the summer, it's best to avoid the heat in the middle of the day. Late afternoon works well. Alternatively if you wish to marry during the Winter, late morning to mid-afternoon will avoid wind chill. The most wonderful advantage of having a civil celebrant service your wedding is that you are spoiled for choices with respect to how your wedding can be conducted. While there are some words / statements that are mandatory i.e. required to ensure your ceremony is legal, you can add in so many options that depend on your preferences. Besides casual clothing or formal wear, you can choose a ritual to suit or readings (poem, prose, song lyrics) by a friend or relative, live or recorded music and singing are also options. Finally, please be aware that you will always need a wet weather contingency plan? Most couples don't need one, as it turns out; but it's my honest belief that if you don't have a backup plan, it's like tempting fate....if you know what I mean?
