10 Questions with Helena Duckworth

Wedding Diaries interviewed one of the most experienced and a highly sought-after marriage celebrant from New South Wales, Helena Duckworth of Celebrate with Helena. Newcastle based Helena is the founder and owner of Celebrate with Helena.

Marriage Celebrants - Helena Duckworth

Business: Celebrate with Helena
Location: Central Coast, NSW
Experience: 5 Years
Profile: Celebrate with Helena
Website: www.celebratewithhelena.com.au

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hello and welcome! I'm Helena Duckworth, the heart and soul behind *Celebrate With Helena*, your go-to marriage celebrant. With a deep passion for weddings and a love for making every couple’s big day memorable, I’m here to help you create a ceremony that truly reflects your unique love story. As a Cancer star sign, I naturally bring warmth, empathy, and a touch of sentimental magic to every celebration.

I love having fun with my couples, ensuring that their ceremony is not only heartfelt but full of laughter and joy. Outside of work, I’m a devoted animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs, and I'm a hopeless romantic at heart – which means I truly understand the importance of making your day as special as the love you share.

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, I'm here to guide you through every step, ensuring your ceremony is as fun, beautiful, and unique as you are. Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable!

2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?

I have been a registered celebrant for 4 years now, and have done 23 weddings to date. I have worked with couples in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. I love that every couple, every wedding is unique. It allows me to get to know the couple well, so I can tailor the ceremony to them. I am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, and find that all my couples are fun loving people. I am someone who takes pride in being organised and instilling calmness to the day, as I know sometimes that is needed for the ceremony! I love kicking on into the night and helping the couple party alongside friends and family.

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

It is recommended that couples secure their celebrant at roughly the same time as their venue. You should chat to your celebrant at least 12 months out, if not longer. In some circumstances we can help if you are within a few months, though it's not recommended to leave it until the last minute as we often book out well ahead of time. I have couples who have booked me years ahead as part of their wedding journey, though I also have many booking me a few months out. I only take on a number of weddings a year, as I work full time also - so book me as early as you can!

4. How would you describe your ceremony style?

I love a fun wedding! You want to do some shots after signing the register, or you want your dog to walk up the aisle with you - let's do it! I am a casual, easygoing celebrant and I try to bring that to my ceremonies. My main aim is that you enjoy the ceremony and the day. I will do everything I can to keep your mind off the small stuff behind the scenes, as I am a very organised person. I highly respect the solemn nature of ceremonies, so there will also be tears - and plenty of them. The ceremony will be a heartfelt tale of your journey as a couple, and keep your guests entertained at the same time. I don't believe in boringly long ceremonies, I mean - where's the party at, right?

5. What are your fees for a wedding?

I have two different packages for a wedding ceremony.

1. Legals Only package:
This is a quick and simple ceremony for couples who want to say not much more than the legal parts in a small ceremony. This ceremony does not include your love story, readings or poems.

It also includes:
- Obligation-free meet up.
- Preparation and lodgment of all legal documents.
- Rehearsal for the ceremony, ceremony itself, lodgment of the marriage registration
- All communications such as emails and phone calls.
- Use of Helena’s professional PA system.
- Travel within 40km of Woongarrah on the Central Coast. Additional travel costs will apply for travel further afield.
- Optional $67 for an official marriage certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriage Register.

Note: Surcharges apply on all quotes for Australian public holidays as well as New Years Eve

2. I Want It All package
A beautiful ceremony script will be written to express your love for each other. This could include readings, poems, rituals or anything you can think of!

It also includes:
- Obligation-free meet up.
- Preparation and lodgment of all legal documents.
- Rehearsal for the ceremony, ceremony itself, lodgment of the marriage registration
- All communications such as emails and phone calls.
- Use of Helena’s professional PA system.
- Travel within 40km of Woongarrah on the Central Coast. Additional travel costs will apply for travel further afield.
- Optional $67 for an official marriage certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriage Register.

Note: Surcharges apply on all quotes for Australian public holidays as well as New Years Eve

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

I like to wear dresses as it is a formal occasion. I do always talk to my bride and groom though to get an idea of colour themes that they may have for the wedding, and if I can match some aspect of my outfit, or at least not stand out too much (it's not my day!) then I say that is a success.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

Minimum of 3 - that includes the initial meeting, the second meeting to sign the first legal document, and then the rehearsal the week before the wedding. If the couple want more, depending upon my schedule and venue etc, I can make it happen. I am available also at any time via phone, text, email or even carrier pigeon haha.

8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?

Yes! It is all about what you want in your ceremony. There are a a few legal parts of the ceremony that need to be done, and I will make suggestions outside of that on what is traditionally in the ceremony. You don't want certain parts? No problems! It is YOUR ceremony, and we can tailor it to match you as a couple. My couples are as varied and interesting as can be, and I try to match the ceremony script accordingly. My one ask is that when it comes to personal vows, I really love it when the couple write those themselves. It is a beautiful moment to watch a bride and groom read out their vows to each other - many tears are shed so bring the tissues!

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

Yes! I live on the northern end of the beautiful Central Coast in a suburb called Woongarrah. I will travel anywhere on the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, and even to Sydney. I am open to getting on a plane, or going further afield in the car - I have been to Goulburn before for one beautiful couple! Within my packages, I include 40km of travel at no extra cost. Additional travel costs will apply for any travel further afield.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

When you book me, there is a $150 booking fee to lock me and your date into my calendar. That is the only part that is non refundable. If you have a change of date or circumstances, I will do everything I can to work with you to find a new date, or a new celebrant if required.