About Me

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Congratulations!! Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about my celebrant services which include weddings, naming days and funerals. You can find more information on my Services page.

My name is Mel Lindsay and I am a registered marriage celebrant. I am a Brisbane girl, born & bred, who opted for a ‘tree change’ about 20 years ago. I now love living in a laidback, friendly town in the beautiful Northern Tablelands region of Northern NSW with the love of my life, my now 16 year old son, Benjamin.

I fell in love with weddings when I started as a freelance professional Make-up Artist, Make-up by Mel, and have been blessed to share many fun & happy times with brides & their bridal parties over the past 12 years.

I have a big heart and an open mind believing we all have the right to be happy, loved, respected and accepted. I believe in love and taking the next step to become not only a bridal make-up artist, but also a marriage celebrant, was a natural way to express my faith in the power of love, commitment and family. The one thing we all have in common is LOVE – love for one another, love for life, love for … LOVE. What could be more exciting than uniting couples and families in love?

I offer hand crafted weddings that are fun, creative, meaningful and one of a kind. I am proud to partner with you to listen to your love story to create a ceremony that reflects your personalities and expresses the uniqueness of the relationship you have. Personally, I like to ask a lot of questions to get to know you better and be aware of your ideas and wishes. Your ceremony can include words, ideas and rituals in many forms from family and friends – reading, poetry, unity candles, music and dance etc – and can be traditional or modern, formal or relaxed, romantic or funny, small & intimate or a huge event – it’s your choice. Whatever your heart desires, I have extensive resources to help guide you and, together, we will create a ceremony that is sincere, personal and unique that leaves you and your guests with lasting memories of your special day. As your celebrant, I will walk alongside you and your family at every stage of the process. You always have full editorial control over what is said and done, so there won’t be any ‘surprises’ so you can relax, and be there fully with those you love, on the day.

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Renada & Graham 2016. Photo by Rachel Sherman Photography

”Thanks Mel!! I honestly love our ceremony, you have done an amazing job… I haven’t been to a wedding where I recall the celebrant retelling the couples love story!! It’s just beautiful!! Thanks Mel for everything so far… You are an angel and have turned into a good friend. We both felt so comfortable from the moment we met and it’s made this whole journey an absolute pleasure!! Whenever someone asks us about our wedding, I always say how wonderful our celebrant is :)

I love performing outdoor ceremonies ie in your backyard, your favourite park, on the farm as well as indoor ceremonies ie private homes, restaurants, historic buildings. I have been lucky enough to travel widely having been bitten by the travel bug many years ago and would be honoured to travel to your special event.

What can I offer you? I think the following words best describe ‘about me’ …

Friendly, kind, patient, hardworking, fun loving, genuine and professional. I would consider myself very much to be a ‘people person’.

Hi Mel, Just wanting to thank you once again for being our celebrant at our wedding.  It was a special day which was made even for wonderful with you being apart of it.  To create such a personal and elegant ceremony, takes a special person. We are so lucky that you worked so hard to help make the day so great. People are still commenting on how it was one of the best ceremonies they had been to. Thank you, Blake & Mallory Cook

Hi Mel, Just wanting to thank you once again for being our celebrant at our wedding. It was a special day which was made even for wonderful with you being apart of it. To create such a personal and elegant ceremony, takes a special person. We are so lucky that you worked so hard to help make the day so great. People are still commenting on how it was one of the best ceremonies they had been to.
Thank you, Blake & Mallory Cook

Being professional is a value I hold in high esteem. In whatever industry I have worked in over the years, from the travel industry to owning my ow20160902_230129-1n retail store, I’ve always aimed to give my best for the sake of my clients. I was so excited & extremely blessed to receive the Best New Business Award at our Glen Innes Business Awards. I am a lifelong learner by nature and I love to read so I am constantly improving myself and developing my skills so that you and your family get the ceremony of your dreams.

My promises to you as your celebrant …

  • I offer an obligation free meeting for a cuppa and a chat so we can get to know each other a little better and to see if you think we are a good ‘fit’
  • You can trust that I have full knowledge of the legal requirements and will guide you step by step through the necessary paperwork
  • I offer meetings, emails, phone calls in order to prepare the ceremony
  • I supply a complimentary Ceremony Resources Kit full of ideas, suggestions, vows, rituals, sample ceremonies, readings/poem and tips & hints etc to make your day ‘one of a kind’
  • I will create and deliver a ceremony that you, the couple, want
  • I will be punctual to every appointment, every time. I will arrive at the agreed time for the rehearsal and ceremony. I will not book weddings or ceremonies so close together that I arrive later than the agreed time.
  • I will always be friendly & helpful … and look & sound professional.
  • I have a professional PA system so ALL your guests can hear and enjoy the ceremony. It’s battery operated (up to a huge 8 hours of use) and portable so can be used anywhere. All your favourite music can be downloaded on my ipod and then I’ll run it through my PA system. Plus I have both a cord free microphone on hand.

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Funeral Services

About 8 years ago, I started helping families say goodbye to their loved ones and now work with Funeral Directors around the region to lead unique, tailormade funeral services for families. Losing a loved one is never easy, and saying goodbye is one of life’s most difficult moments. As a funeral celebrant, I am here to support you in creating a heartfelt and meaningful farewell that truly honours the life, values, and personality of your loved one.

Every person is unique, and their farewell should be a reflection of the life they lived. I take the time to listen to your stories, understand their journey, and craft a ceremony that captures their essence—whether that means a traditional service, a contemporary celebration of life, or a simple and intimate gathering.

I believe that funerals should bring comfort, healing, and a sense of connection. My role is to help you create a ceremony that respects your wishes and reflects your loved one’s legacy in a way that feels right for you and your family.

What I Offer:

  • Bespoke Ceremony Writing – Thoughtfully written services tailored to honour your loved one’s life, personality, and beliefs.
  • Eulogies & Tributes – Assistance in crafting and delivering heartfelt eulogies and personal tributes.
  • Inclusion of Rituals & Symbols – Incorporating meaningful elements such as candle lighting, music, poetry, religious or spiritual traditions, or unique family customs.
  • Graveside & Chapel Services – Whether at a funeral home, church, graveside, or a special location, I ensure the ceremony is conducted with warmth and professionalism.
  • Memorial Services & Celebrations of Life – For those who wish to honour their loved one without a formal funeral service.
  • Support & Guidance – Helping families navigate the ceremony process with sensitivity and care.

If you are in need of a compassionate and professional funeral celebrant, please feel free to reach out. I am here to guide you through this important moment with care and understanding. Ph/Text: 0407 492 548

Funeral photo - bannockburn