26/04/2026
At 5:30am on Sunday morning 26/4/2026, I arrived as promised for a sunrise wedding ceremony at The Pass, Byron Bay. I'll admit that because I'd never performed a marriage at this spot, I was a little nervous about the added complication of road closures for the Byron Bay Triathlon that same day. It was still quite dark, but there was plenty of parking. To be honest, I was amazed at how busy the spot was, with boats being launched into the bay and lots of surfers arriving by car, on foot or bike.
I walked down to the beach to find nobody there ... but obviously someone was setting up for the wedding as indicated by chairs, a table, a bower to be decorated. Fortunately the groom appeared carrying more gear to set up. I did offer assistance, but he proved to be an organised man. My torch helped as he covered chairs with midnight blue drapes and tied them into place with blue flower dotted cords. Then he artistically attached mixed pastel hued flower arrangements. The signing table was draped with a matching blue cloth .. and then the rain started while the wind swirled wildly.
I took a photo of the artistic bower, just moments before it crashed to the ground. As the groom and his two helpers had just left the beach, with the aid of a concerned surfer who rushed forward, we lifted the bower upright. To the groom he suggested, as the wind was notorious here, it would be wiser to move the structure further up the beach for protection. They did just that, weighted the base down and then the groom raced back to the carpark to get changed into his navy suit for the ceremony. Fortunately, I had also offered my big spare umbrella to the groom because rain had started to fall in earnest. I thought it might stop ... but it wasn't to be. Suddenly, the bride appeared walking with her Dad, preceded by her matron of honour, and protected by my umbrella. Robert took hold of the umbrella and was able to keep his wife to be out of the rain. So, picture this ... there were 4 guests sitting on the covered chairs, the backs of which were soaking wet. They didn't have umbrellas so had to sit there in the swirling rain. But, we were committed, so the "show had to go on".
All I can say is I am glad I've had previous experience with rain at a wedding. As insurance, the printed script was placed in a plastic sleeve booklet. The vow statements to be read by the bride and groom were also placed in separate plastic sleeves, to avoid any chance of ink running. Just as well they were - for that's when the rain was heaviest. Fortunately it eased a little during the hand-fasting ritual and by the time I was able to pronounce the couple husband and wife, we were down to a slight sprinkle. The signing table cover was totally drenched, but with the chairs wiped off, we managed to keep the official paperwork dry. Then when the couple returned to stand before their close family and friends, and the newlyweds were introduced in their chosen style, the sun suddenly pierced the cloud bank; and then, a rainbow self-announced! Though we were all wet and rather cold, these two signs of good fortune put even more smiles on our faces.
By 8:45am that same morning I had sent the bride and groom confirmation of their marriage registration with the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages.
With the benefit of my extensive experience, if you too would like to ensure your ceremony is presented in your chosen style, why don't you check my website https://www.northernriverscelebrant.com.au
and read some 5 star Google review comments by my happy couples? If you like what you see, why don't you choose the Contact icon on my website to get in touch? Or send me a message? I'd be delighted to have a chat with you and hear about your plans. But don't leave it too long! I've already taken several bookings for 2027.
