Jo Pierce Ceremonies

About Jo Pierce Ceremonies

Jo Pierce has called the Bellingen region home for more than three decades and works as a marriage celebrant, funeral celebrant and naming ceremony officiant across Bellingen and the Mid North Coast. She describes her role as being invited into some of life's most sacred and intimate moments, and works closely with each couple to craft a ceremony that reflects their story, aspirations and values, whether that means a traditional service or something contemporary.

Her approach is shaped by a long background in the performing arts. Jo is a flautist, choir director and lead singer, and has also performed in cabaret and burlesque, which she says taught her that ceremonies can be both deeply meaningful and delightfully playful. Couples can add music to their day: she can sing up to three songs, play flute down the aisle, or turn the guests into a pop-up choir.

Every wedding includes the legal paperwork and registration with Births Deaths and Marriages, consultations in person, by phone or by video, an onsite rehearsal the day before, and her professional PA system on the day. She arrives 45 minutes before the ceremony. Her own testimonials mention a pagan handfasting, a fairy themed wedding at a family home and an English and Spanish bilingual ceremony where she learned some Spanish for the couple.

For small weddings, Jo offers nature-immersed elopements and micro-weddings, with favourite spots including a converted church by the Bellinger River, the Never Never River and a hike to the top of Cathedral Rock. She uses her local knowledge to help couples find venues and suppliers, also offers legals-only ceremonies, and works as an MC, plus vow renewals, baby namings and funerals.