Georgina Black is providing budget friendly wedding options with Get Married in Bowen

As weddings balloon to costing couples up to $80,000, one celebrant found a way to make them short, sweet, and 100 times cheaper — with a beautiful venue.

Grand View Hotel in Bowen, where scenes of Baz Lurhmann’s Australia were shot and you can get married for $750. Picture: Waymark Hotels

When marriage celebrant Georgina Black moved to Bowen in 2023 she quickly noticed a gap in the market for budget friendly weddings in the region, so she got to work filling it.

Now her $750 pop up ceremonies provide a beautiful venue and a legal wedding, without the huge price tag.

Having spent the first part of her career in Brisbane, the owner and founder of Get Married in Bowen said what couples want in the Whitsundays is pretty different to the city. Rather than big expensive ceremonies with all the inclusions, they were after something a little more short and sweet.

The average wedding is costing Australian couples in 2024 between $36,000 to $51,000 — but sometimes upwards of $80,000 for those who want the sit-down experience for 100 guests or more.

The Grand View Hotel boasts waterfront views. Picture: Waymark Hotels

Ms Black said around Bowen and the Whitsundays, ceremony locations alone can cost thousands of dollars.

While couples in Bowen can choose to get married in the courthouse, Ms Black said she wanted to provide an option that was a bit more personal.

“I have my personally written registry type ceremony which still allows for couples to write and read their own vows,” she said of her pop up ceremonies.

“It’s definitely more than the legal wording.

“It’s short and sweet but still cute and heartfelt.”

Georgina Black is the owner and founder of Get Married in Bowen. Photo: Contributed

Up to six couples will get married at the pop up at Grand View Hotel in Bowen in their beautifully styled waterfall garden.

There will be seating for up to twenty guests with couples able to customise their music, vows, and how they walk down the aisle.

Grand View Hotel in Bowen. Picture: Waymark Hotels

Ms Black said the only difference couples may notice is the strict timing, with each couple having 45 minutes before the space is reset for the next ceremony.

“Couples will still feel like it’s a full ceremony with all the love and feels,” she said.

The hotel features plenty of shade from the North Queensland sun. Picture: Waymark Hotels

These ceremonies are for everyone said Ms Black, starting at just $750 it is a far more budget friendly option that doesn’t take away any of the sentiment or memories.

“In the current environment, I get that things are tight, budget wise,” she said.

“So this is a perfect opportunity for people to still get married but do it more cost effective.”

Once the ceremony is complete couples and their loved ones can choose how they celebrate, said Ms Black. Maybe they will book a table at the local pub, or plan a BBQ in the park, or drinks and nibbles back at their own place, the ideas are endless.

To book, couples can head to www.getmarriedinbowen.com.au.

Once booking fees have been paid, Ms Black will organise a time to meet with the couple to work through the steps to create the perfect ceremony.

Originally published as Georgina Black is providing budget friendly wedding options with Get Married in Bowen