Doriana Coppola named South Australia’s best wedding celebrant 2025

It’s not even her full-time job – SA’s best celebrant conducts weddings on the side as a hobby. So why does she do it?

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With just 20 weddings under her belt, Doriana Coppola is already turning heads in the wedding industry.

After a friend suggested she should be a celebrant more than 10 years ago, Ms Coppola found herself drawn to the certification when Covid hit.

“It’s my part-time gig, and that’s probably why I love it so much,” Ms Coppola said. “(I) consider it to be more of a hobby.”

The 49-year-old works a corporate day job and said she loves the “feel-good” side of being a celebrant, which she doesn’t always get from her other role.

“I love getting to know couples very quickly, and at their core who they truly are,” Ms Coppola said.

“Listening to their journey and what’s brought them together and what’s made them fall in love … I feel like I’m in a very privileged situation that I learn so much about them, and I become an intrinsic part of their special day.”

Doriana Coppola assisting clients sign the registry. Picture: Supplied

Despite being a new name in the business of love, Ms Coppola has been voted South Australia’s best celebrant for 2025.

“I am so honoured and humbled by this – it’s truly amazing,” she said when The Advertiser rang with the news.

The western suburbs woman said the secret to running a great ceremony is ensuring the couple “all is taken care of”, including the tedious paperwork Ms Coppola completes for her clients behind the scenes.

Doriana Coppola with clients Leisa and Jen. Picture: Supplied

“Everything is tailored individually, nothing is replicated,” Ms Coppola said.

“I’ll give them a draft copy (of the ceremony) so there’s no surprises on the day … and then we always do a rehearsal before the wedding.”

With Ms Coppola’s celebrant work stemming from word-of-mouth referrals and wedding season in full swing, there is no doubt that her new accolade will see her weekends booked out in no time.

TOP 5 CELEBRANTS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

1. Doriana Coppola

2. John Middleton

3. Kristy Wood Marriage Celebrant

4. Kate Spain

5. Gay Northcott

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