If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s romantic, intimate, and budget-friendly, a registry office wedding could be the perfect choice. While it might not have the grandeur of a large-scale celebration, it offers simplicity, elegance, and a stress-free way to say “I do.”
The great news? A registry office wedding is one of the most affordable ways to tie the knot in Australia. While costs can still add up, there are plenty of ways to keep your celebration beautiful without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to save money on a registry office wedding while still creating a meaningful and memorable day with your closest family and friends.
Is it cheaper to get married at a registry office?
Getting married at a registry office is one of the cheapest ways to get married. The cost of a civil ceremony in Australia usually starts with a basic fee for the ceremony itself, which can range from $250 to $600, This may not exactly sound cheap, but it is considering the overall average cost of a wedding in Australia at $37,000.
The cost of a registry office wedding in Australia can vary based on a few factors, including the state, the time and date of your ceremony, and any extra services you opt for. Each state sets its own fees, so the costs may differ depending on whether you’re tying the knot in New South Wales, Victoria, or another part of the country.
In addition to the ceremony fee, your overall expenses will depend on personal choices like your attire, transport, rings, and whether you decide to host a small reception afterwards.
That said, a registry office wedding is still one of the most budget-friendly ways to say “I do,” making it an excellent option for couples who want to keep things affordable but still celebrate their love in a meaningful way.
Can you save even more money on a registry office wedding?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to save even more money when getting married at a registry office, which means you don’t have to pay even close to the Australian average. In fact, if you’re particularly budget-conscious, you could have a registry office wedding for as little as $250, depending on the state and the specific fees set by your local council. If you’re happy to keep things simple and forgo some of the more expensive wedding extras, it can be a wonderfully affordable way to say “I do.”
That said, getting married is a special milestone, and you might want to invest a little more to make the day feel extra special. The good news? There are plenty of ways to do that without stretching your budget too far.
12 ways to save money on a registry office wedding
A registry office wedding is already one of the most budget-friendly ways to get married, but there are ways to make further savings. Below are 12 tips and tricks to help you save money on a registry office wedding. You can also check out our guide on how to save money on your wedding for more information.
1. Choose the right registry office
If you live a similar distance from more than one registry office, contact each of them to check how much a ceremony costs. This is especially important if they’re in different states, as this can affect the price. Of course, you’ll have to bear in mind travel times and costs: choosing the cheapest option might not always be the most cost-effective in the long run.
Another point to consider is whether you’ll have the option to have the ceremony in the registry office or a specific ceremony room, which is often slightly larger and can accommodate more guests. These rooms can cost an extra $300 or so, so if you don’t need the space for guests then it might be an unnecessary expense.
2. Choose the right season, date and time
As we pointed out earlier, the season, date and time of your wedding will affect the cost. If you choose to get married during peak times, for example during the early afternoon on a Saturday in the summer, then it will be more expensive than if you were to get married on a weekday in the winter. If you can, consider getting married midweek to keep the costs down. This will also help you save costs when it comes to other vendors.
3. Keep things intimate
Registry offices are often small and private, which is why they’re perfect for intimate weddings. It might be tempting to invite dozens of people, but if you do that you’ll have no choice other than to pay for a larger space.
Be brave and keep your guestlist to only your closest family and friends. This might upset a few aunts and uncles, but you can invite them to join you afterwards for a nice meal, or to the evening reception if you choose to have one.
4. Forgo additional decor
A registry office isn’t a grand and elaborately decorated venue, so it can be tempting to want to decorate it so it fits your style and taste. However, this will bump up the cost. Why not embrace simplicity and go for a minimalist style? That way you’ll have more budget to dedicate to other parts of your day.
If you’re keen to add a splash of your personality to your registry office wedding, check out our guide our DIY wedding decoration ideas.
5. Buy off-the-rack outfits for the wedding party
Because registry office weddings are more intimate than large celebrations, you can save a significant amount by opting for off-the-rack outfits. And just because you’re buying off-the-rack doesn’t mean you won’t look amazing – you’ll simply avoid spending a small fortune. Many online retailers and Australian stores offer stylish and elegant wedding outfits for both brides and grooms at a fraction of the cost of high-end options. While the quality and service may not match a bespoke experience, if keeping costs low is your priority, this is a fantastic and budget-friendly choice.
6. Keep flowers to a minimum
You may want bouquets, boutonnières, corsages and floral accents, but if you’re trying to save money, try to keep the number of flower arrangements you have to a minimum. Wedding flowers are justifiably very expensive, so the costs can very quickly add up.
To save money, choose arrangements which include in-season flowers and a lot of green foliage. For something a little more unique (and long-lasting), you could even have paper craft flowers or a dried bouquet.
7. Keep the reception small and simple
It probably doesn’t seem right to head straight home after your wedding, does it? Instead, you’ll more than likely want to have a reception so you and your family can celebrate your marriage into the night.
Try to keep things small and intimate. One option is to enjoy a cosy meal at a local restaurant, then head to a nearby bar for a few drinks afterward. If you’d prefer a more private setting, consider booking a bar or lounge with a function space, which you can often rent for around $700 – though prices can be higher during peak times.
To keep costs in check, resist the urge to offer an open bar, as covering drinks for all your guests can quickly add up to hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, depending on your group size. Instead, think about opting for a cash bar or providing a limited number of drink tickets per guest to balance hospitality with affordability.
8. Remember to DIY where you can
If you’re on a tight budget, and are prioritising cheap and affordable over bespoke and luxury, do things yourself in lieu of enlisting the services of a quality but also costly professional. This includes your invitations, decor and favours, which aren’t the most expensive things you’ll have to pay for but will still bump up the overall cost of your big day.
The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to experiment and use your creativity. Check out YouTube and other social media for inspiration and tutorials.
Do note, however, that aside from the DIY approach not matching the quality of professional wedding services, you will need to factor in the added time and extra responsibility to source all these materials yourself and put everything together. One of the great joys of outsourcing to a professional is peace of mind – the knowledge that you’ll have what you want on your big day exactly when you want it, without having to worry about all the moving parts that go into making gorgeous custom creations.
9. Hire a photographer using an hourly rate
Even though you’re not planning an extravagant wedding, you’ll probably still want photographs to help you remember it forever. While photographers usually offer set packages, they’re often open to hearing if you have specific requests. So, why not ask them if they’ll shoot your wedding for an hourly rate, instead? That way, they can take pictures at your ceremony but it won’t cost nearly as much as a set package.
10. Beg, borrow, rent
There’s nothing to say you have to outright buy everything you use for your wedding day. If there’s something you need but can’t afford brand new, why not ask a close friend or family member if you can borrow it instead? This includes anything from table linen to a veil.
Another option is rental, which is a fantastic alternative to buying something. For example, you can rent a suit for as little as $100 a day, which can be more than a third of the price of buying one. Just be mindful of return policies so you’re not fined for returning it late.
11. Keep your cake small but sweet
A wedding cake can be another chunky expense – understandably so, as it’s edible art – so keep costs down by choosing a smaller cake with a simple design. One great option is to choose a wedding cake from a supermarket, such as Woolworths, Coles, or Costco, which offer a range of affordable and beautifully made cakes. Many grocery stores and bakeries across Australia have elegant, ready-made cakes that can be customised with simple decorations to suit your wedding theme — all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding cake.
12. Ask friends and family to chip in
A great way to save money, and give your loved ones a role to play in your special day, is by assigning everyone something to do. This could include:
- Transport – Why not ask someone you know to be your chauffeur for the day to help you get to and from the registry office?
- Music – We all know someone who has a huge music collection or is skilled in the guitar, so consider having them play or perform at your wedding.
- Beauty – You could ask a talented friend, or one of your bridesmaids, to do your hair and makeup before the ceremony (though this isn’t without its risks – read our post on bridal beauty costs to learn more)
- Videography – Most people have a smartphone, so you could ask someone you trust to record the ceremony for you (again this isn’t without its drawbacks, and is unlikely to match a professionally-shot and edited film)
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
For more money-saving tips, check out our comprehensive guide to saving money on your wedding. Also, check out our registry office ceremony guide, where we cover everything you need to know about planning an affordable yet meaningful ceremony.
Browse other similar articles…
- The Ultimate Australian Wedding Budget Breakdown
- How to Save Money on Your Wedding? The Ultimate Cost-Cutting Guide
- Registry Office Ceremony Guide
- Wedding Etiquette: Who (Traditionally) Pays For What?
Happy Planning!
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