Marriage Celebrant and Professional Master of Ceremonies (MC)
on the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Sydney and beyond
Offering weddings, commitment and vow renewal ceremonies, baby namings, graduation parties and more!
Photo credit: Coast Wedding Photography
CELEBRATION SERVICES
Photo credit: Coast Wedding Photography
Helena has many strings to her bow
as she isn’t only a wedding celebrant. Offering other services including the role of Master of Ceremonies (MC), commitment ceremonies, vow renewals, baby namings, graduation parties and birthdays – in fact, most celebrations and events! Helena loves to play a part in those special occasions, ensuring they run smoothly and bringing smiles to her clients’ faces, along with sweet memories.
Wedding Packages
Photo credit: Coast Wedding Photography
Legals Only – “Simply Married”
$600
For couples who want to keep things beautifully simple — a relaxed, no-fuss way to make it official, while still feeling supported, confident, and cared for.
This is your “just us” moment — effortless, meaningful, and completely stress-free.
Includes:
- Clear guidance on all legal requirements for marriage in NSW
- Preparation, completion, and lodgement of all official paperwork
- One pre-ceremony meeting (30 minutes) (via Zoom or in person) to complete documents and answer any questions
- A ceremony of up to 20 minutes
- All required legal wording delivered professionally and clearly
- The option to include personal vows (up to 500 words each)
- Use of a professional PA system for the ceremony only
- Ongoing communication and support throughout the process
- Travel included within a 35km radius of Hamlyn Terrace
Ideal for:
Elopements or couples who simply want a simple, seamless, and meaningful way to be legally married.
Important Notes:
Public holiday and New Year’s Eve bookings incur a surcharge. OPTIONAL OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE: at cost ($70 as of 1/7/2026)
Photo credit: TBC
Intermediate – “Beautifully Said”
$900
A warm, personal ceremony that feels polished, relaxed, and genuinely you — thoughtfully crafted to reflect your story without feeling overly complicated.
This package creates a ceremony that is engaging, memorable, and full of heart.
Includes:
- A custom-written, personalised ceremony script
- A ceremony of up to 30 minutes
- A couple story summary woven naturally into the ceremony
- Your choice of tone — relaxed, romantic, modern, or a little playful
- Inclusion of one reading or simple ritual
- Vow guidance, including prompts and suggestions
- A digital copy of your final ceremony script
Planning & support:
- One pre-ceremony meeting (up to 60 minutes) (via Zoom or in person)
- A guided online questionnaire to capture your story, personalities, and preferences
- Ongoing communication and support throughout the process
Legal & logistics:
- Clear guidance on all legal requirements for marriage in NSW
- Preparation, completion, and lodgement of all official paperwork
- All required legal wording delivered professionally and clearly
- Use of a professional PA system (including up to 30 minutes of pre-ceremony music played from your device)
- Travel included within a 35km radius of Hamlyn Terrace
Ideal for:
Couples who want a ceremony that feels genuinely personal, well-structured, and engaging — with the right balance of guidance and ease.
Important Notes:
Public holiday and New Year’s Eve bookings incur a surcharge. OPTIONAL OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE: at cost ($70 as of 1/7/2026)
Photo credit: Thierry Boudan Photography
Deluxe – “Forever & Always”
$1,200
A fully guided, deeply personal ceremony experience — designed to reflect your story, your personalities, and the atmosphere you want to create on the day.
This is a collaborative journey where every detail is thoughtfully shaped, so you can feel confident, relaxed, and completely yourselves when you stand up there.
Includes:
- A richly personalised, custom-written ceremony script with depth, storytelling, and emotional flow
- A ceremony of up to 40 minutes
- Hands-on vow coaching, including editing, feedback, and confidence tips for delivery
- Thoughtful design of ceremony structure and flow
- Inclusion and guidance for up to two readings and/or rituals
- A digital copy of your final ceremony script
Planning & support:
- One pre-ceremony meeting (up to 90 minutes) (via Zoom or in person)
- A guided online questionnaire capturing your story, values, and relationship
- A calm, supportive on-the-day presence
- Collaboration with your photographer, planner, and venue
- Priority communication and ongoing support throughout your entire journey
Legal & logistics:
- Clear guidance on all legal requirements for marriage in NSW
- Preparation, completion, and lodgement of all official paperwork
- All required legal wording delivered professionally and clearly
- Use of a professional PA system (including up to 30 minutes of pre-ceremony music played from your device)
- Travel included within a 35km radius of Hamlyn Terrace
Ideal for:
Couples who want a deeply personal, fully supported experience — with a ceremony that becomes one of the most meaningful and memorable parts of their day.
Important Notes:
Public holiday and New Year’s Eve bookings incur a surcharge. OPTIONAL OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE: at cost ($70 as of 1/7/2026)
Photo credit: Thierry Boudan Photography
Professional MC Services – From $600
Let go, be present, and actually enjoy your reception — I’ve got everything else covered.
I’ll keep your night flowing smoothly with the perfect mix of organisation, warmth, and a little cheeky fun. From guiding your guests through the big moments to keeping everything on time, I become your behind-the-scenes support and your on-the-mic host.
Includes:
- Pre-wedding meeting to plan your reception flow and vibe
- A fully tailored runsheet and MC script
- Confident, engaging hosting of your reception
- Coordination with your venue and vendors on the day
- Seamless facilitation of key moments (entrances, speeches, cake cutting, first dance and more)
- A calm, professional presence that keeps everything running effortlessly
Notes:
-
Pricing applies to weddings only. For corporate events, please enquire for a custom quote.
-
Public holiday and New Year’s Eve bookings incur a surcharge.
Photo credit: TBC
Take It to the Next Level with Extras
Available with Intermediate and Deluxe packages only
Want to add a little extra magic (or a lot of fun) to your day? These optional extras are designed to elevate your celebration, keep your guests engaged, and make everything feel seamless from start to finish.
- Virtual Ceremony Rehearsal – $100
A relaxed, guided virtual run-through to walk through your ceremony, timing, and positioning — helping everyone feel confident, comfortable, and ready for the real thing - Extended PA Coverage – $100
Continued use of my professional PA system for up to 60 minutes post-ceremony, ideal for background music, announcements, or keeping the atmosphere flowing while guests mingle - Lawn Games – $100
Enjoy unlimited use for up to 60 minutes, creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere where guests can mingle, connect, and enjoy a little friendly competition - Quoits
- Giant Connect 4
- Oversized Dominoes
- Giant Jenga
- Celebration Bundle – $700
The ultimate all-in-one upgrade to keep your day flowing from ceremony through to reception - Professional MC services
- Lawn games (60 minutes, unlimited use)
- Extended PA coverage (60 minutes post-ceremony)
- Travel Beyond Local Radius
Travel is included within a 35km radius of Hamlyn Terrace.
For locations a little further afield, travel is charged at $1 per kilometre (one way), up to 150km each way.
For extended travel beyond this, additional costs may apply to cover accommodation, meals, and extra travel time — I’ll always discuss this with you upfront so there are no surprises.
If there’s something special you have in mind that isn’t listed here, just ask — I’m always happy to tailor something to suit your day.
Why Celebrate With Helena?
100% Wedding Focus
With only one wedding ceremony performed per week, you’ll have 100% of Helena’s focus to make your day special.
LGBTQI + Friendly Ceremonies
Helena welcomes people from all walks of life including diverse couples. Helena loves people and loves ‘love’.
Pets Welcome
Bring your furry friends along on your wedding day too – after all, they are also a part of your family.
Service Areas
Helena’s professional celebrancy and MC services are offered on the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Sydney and further afield. Helena is happy to travel anywhere in Australia to help make your day special. Travel costs will apply if outside 35km of Hamlyn Terrace on the Central Coast.
About Helena
Helena is a passionate, fun and vibrant marriage celebrant who loves to be a part of people’s happiest occasions. This is one of the main reasons that Helena chose to become a marriage celebrant. To facilitate ceremonies and make them fun and memorable for those special times in people’s lives.
With Helena’s love of life, happy disposition and great sense of humour, she will help bring your wedding ceremony to life. Filling your day with happy memories by engaging your guests, calming those with nerves, and adding wit to your special day for a few smiles and laughs.
A people-person who is also an animal lover – lover of all things, including anything to do with Marvel, Star Wars and yes, she will even admit to being a total Buffy lover. If you are too, she will happily add in a few quips and off-the cuff commentaries that will certainly liven up your ceremony!
If you prefer a more traditional and formal ceremony, Helena’s your first choice. With experience delivering on various styles and ceremony requests, you can rest assured you’ll have the best wedding ceremony.
It’s your day and Helena goes above and beyond to make everyone’s experience, a day they will always remember.
Qualified Celebrant
Helena is a registered member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (AFCC). Qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Management (major in Marketing) with a Distinction average
- Master of Business (Distinction average)
- Certificate IV Celebrancy (Competent)
- Certificate IV Training and Assessment (Competent)
Testimonials
Lucy and Jesse (Married on 24/08/2024)
Peter and Kirsty (Married on 23/08/2024)
“The wedding went so smoothly with Helena as our celebrant. She managed to put us at ease and make us feel comfortable during what I would say was a very stressful time. The ceremony was exactly as we imagined it would be. She managed to incorporate our little stories about how we first met and our first holidays into the script which made it even more special. She was able to match the vibe that we wanted and was open to any changes we requested. Her communication with us was great and was very flexible around our meetups. Could not have done it without her!! Amazing!”
Emily and Chay (Married on 26/10/2023)
“Helena’s communication was amazing – we had two meetings with her and she was super flexible with us. We met at a local cafe for our initial meeting and again for a rehearsal and read through our ceremony – everything was so easy and she was very inviting. Helena felt like a friend we’ve known forever. She has similar interests to us and was happy to incorporate Star Wars into our ceremony as my husband loves Star Wars. She assisted in our vows and asked us questions about how we met and about our lives, to incorporate into vows for us. She sent us a draft and made changes we requested. She was amazing!”
Jasmine and Jake (Married on 01/10/2022)
“Helena is a bubbly, enthusiastic, happy and uplifting energy, the perfect missing piece for our ceremony. She was down to earth and made everything easy and possible for us and made our day run so smoothly without worrying about anything. Her energy made us feel so comfortable and happy to have her with us on our special day. She made it extra special for us as we both have a Polish background that was added into our ceremony which was such a beautiful touch. Would definitely recommend her, thank you Helena!”
Hayley and Hayden (Married on 01/04/2022)
Want to Celebrate With Helena?
Get in touch using the form, or contact Helena through the avenues listed below.
Helena Duckworth is located in Hamlyn Terrace on the Central Coast, NSW.
Celebrate With Helena
ABN: 50 586 939 668
Phone
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do we have to pay you?
A: Upon signing of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) which is the first legal document giving a minimum of one month’s notice, you will pay a 50% deposit of the total fee. This locks myself and the date of the wedding in. After this, final payment is due, at latest, one month prior to the wedding.
Q: When and how much do you charge for travel?
A: I charge for travel when you are outside a 35km radius of the Central Coast suburb of Hamlyn Terrace. You will need to contact me for an exact quote, so lodge an enquiry today, and I will get back to you asap!
Q: How many weddings per day do you do?
A: I only take on one wedding per date. The couple must have the booking fee paid and once it is booked, I will no longer take enquiries for that date. It ensures that on your big day I am focused and at my best for you as a couple. It also ensures that if there are any delays for any reason, I will still be able to get you married and not rush off to another wedding. If I am already booked for your date, I can definitely help you find another available celebrant who will be just as awesome as I am!
Q: What equipment do you provide on the day of the wedding?
A: I have a Bose S1 Pro PA system, which I use to conduct my ceremonies – providing the weather is appropriate. Venues often provide a table and chairs for signing of the legal documents during the ceremony, so this is not something I provide. If you are having your ceremony in a public place such as a beach or a park, you will need to source a signing table and chairs for the day.
Q: Can we use that equipment for the canapes after the ceremony?
A: Yes, my PA system can be used after the ceremony (and before the reception). I will charge a small fee of $50 for this.
Q: Can you write our vows?
A: It is more personalised if you write your own vows as a couple. Remember, you are going to spend the rest of your life with this person – tell them how you feel. I will happily provide you with some guidance on what to put in there, even some vows written by other couples or myself to help inspire you. Vows do not have to be very long, so we have you covered on this one!
Q: What are your qualifications to be a celebrant?
A: I have obtained the nationally recognised qualification of a Certificate IV in Celebrancy and I am registered with the Attorney-General’s Department to practice as a celebrant. You can check my registration at any time on their website!
I also have the following very helpful qualifications:
- Bachelor Of Management (Marketing Major) with Distinction average
- Master of Business with Distinction
- Certificate IV Training and Assessment