Dean Bonnor

The Celebrant Behind Married by a Mate

Hey there, my name is Dean

I’ve been a celebrant since 2011. Since then I’ve performed hundreds of ceremonies, got married myself, had two kids, and I still love being a celebrant.

The idea for ‘Married by a Mate’ came somewhat organically after a few couples reached out asking if their friend could do their ceremony, while I do the legals.

I loved the idea. Why not have someone you are close to, who knows your story, who’s been part of your story, do your ceremony?

All sounded easy enough, so I charged for a legals-only wedding and was fairly hands off. I quickly learnt that hands off was a recipe for disaster!

Dean Bonnor Celebrant
Dean Bonnor at a wedding ceremony

How the service was born

It’s a lot to ask someone who’s never done a wedding before to step in without a pretty solid amount of guidance from someone who has ‘been there, done that’.

So, even if I wasn’t going to do the ceremony, I need to put just as much work into making sure the person who is doing it is as ready as possible.

So Married by a Mate was born!

A service that allows you to have someone who means something to you perform your ceremony, without them having to spend a year and $2,000+ getting certified. A service that gives them and you confidence that everything will run smoothly. A service that delivers a truly unique and personal experience that only a good friend can deliver.

Want a full service celebrant instead?

Visit marriedbydean.com

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