Love is in the air: Margaret River's newest wedding venue

For lovebirds who want to tie the knot without all the fuss, the Margaret River Marriage Office located at 1 Lovers Lane (or 7 Waverly Road) in Cowaramup has officially opened its ornate arched copper and gold-leafed doors.

Founder and wedding celebrant Anita Revel is ready to welcome couples with her trademark beaming smile.

You won’t find a solemn white-walled office with a desk and notary waiting to officiate your documents.

Think glitter, chandeliers, velvet chairs and the artistic space to wed in any style.

With 16 years of experience marrying couples in the southwest and numerous accolades, including Western Australia’s Best Female Celebrant, Anita has become a beloved figure in the local community.

She is well-known for her creative and spontaneous ceremonies, which unite couples in matrimony in magical locations, including the boughs of the Gloucester Tree in Pemberton.

Her genuine warmth and connection with couples lasts long after their special day.

“It’s an occupational hazard going to the supermarket,” she laughs.

“I bump into people, and we’re all in trackies. The last time I saw them, we were all gorgeously glammed up. So there are plenty of laughs and moments of thinking… “Is that you?'”

“And watering the garden in the morning is always a joy, as many couples I’ve married walk past with their dogs and wave and say hi with such personal warmth. It’s so beautiful.”

This natural ability to connect with people emerged through a diverse career path that shaped her journey to becoming a celebrant.

From marketing and public speaking to entertaining listeners on ABC radio, each experience made her realise she had a genuine interest and passion in people and their life’s tales.

“I’m just naturally interested in and love listening to people’s stories. In my primary job as a celebrant, I get to weave those stories through the ceremony and make it really personal,” she said.

“I work very closely with couples on their wedding journey. We discuss their ceremony goals in-depth, and my goal… is to achieve them in the best and most beautiful way that is authentic to them.”

Anita’s own wedding story inspired her unique approach to ceremonies.

“We got married by Elvis in Las Vegas. Back then, all the celebrants were capped-one size fits all.

“Vegas gave us a license just to have fun, and we would do it that way again and again! It made me realise that weddings don’t have to be overly official to have meaning.”

When COVID-19 transformed the wedding landscape, Anita saw an opportunity for innovation.

“Before lockdowns, big weddings were run of the mill, inviting 60-120 people. COVID saw a surge in elopements and micro weddings, making people realise you don’t need a big event to be formally married.”

During this period of change, Anita reinvented herself, retraining as a draftsperson.

Her first design? The mobile pop-up “Big Love, Tiny Chapel,” a charming solution that brings ceremonies to wherever love is called from sun-drenched vineyards to dramatic cliff-sides and enchanting forests.

However, the region’s unpredictable weather presents ongoing challenges.

“Eloping down here can be tricky,” Anita explained.

“The weather in the south is erratic, and no real wet weather elopement options exist. Everything’s on the beach or in the bush, and if you go to a winery, you have to share the space with other people – which isn’t ideal.”

Recognising this gap in the market, Anita created the Margaret River Marriage Office, a dedicated space for couples seeking an intimate celebration. The space offers year-round comfort without the environmental challenges often plaguing outdoor ceremonies.

You won’t be battling flies, wind, rain, or scorching heat melting carefully applied makeup. And each ceremony is tailored to the couple’s wishes, from simple legal proceedings to deeply personalised celebrations.

“Some people still want to wear ‘The Dress’ and a tailored spunky suit. They want all the makeup, hair and flowers but not all the people,” Anita said.

“I can do the bare bones, just the legal, and they get married and are on their way to happiness with all the trimmings in just a few minutes.

“Or we can jump outside the box and get creative with a wedding that tells your love story… your way.”

She found many people “just don’t like the spotlight”, and the Marriage Office allows them to do the deed before the party.

“Yesterday’s couple was married in 30 seconds. They spent 40 minutes taking photos and then had a celebratory lunch with family later.

“Those 30 seconds have just as much meaning as a one-hour ceremony. It’s more amazing and meaningful because you’re not diluting the action of getting married with unnecessary stuff.”

Anita’s creative touch shines and sparkles throughout the “Office”.

It has been a true labour of love in the making, seeing her handcraft three of the four exquisite chandeliers from scratch, personally leafing the stunning entrance doors in gold and copper, and creating meaningful digital art inspired by her own family.

A stylish ensuite bathroom offers the perfect retreat for pre-wedding preparations and those essential pre-jitter bathroom breaks. The intimate office setting comfortably accommodates up to six guests.

Understanding that every couple is unique, Anita offers comprehensive photography packages.

“I have a pool of incredible photographers to draw from, depending on the couple’s style and energy,” she said.

The versatile space is also available for hire, welcoming photo shoots and live podcast recordings.

Believing that “every pot has its lid,” Anita has created an inclusive space that welcomes all styles of ceremonies and celebrants.

“Anyone can hire this space and bring their own celebrant. I adore love and don’t want to limit it to just my services.

“Years ago, you would go to the church, and whichever priest was on duty would marry you.

“Now, there are all these fresh, vibrant celebrants available. People are intentionally choosing their celebrants to match their vibe. Which is fantastic!”

The space isn’t just for weddings; it’s also a special place for vow renewals, which carry unexpected significance for Anita.

“I didn’t really understand vow renewals until recently,” she admitted, “but I’ve done quite a few now, and it’s struck me how meaningful and powerful it is that after 20 years, they’re stepping up and consciously choosing each other again and stating that!”

For those seeking something a little out of the ordinary, Anita loves a good ol’ themed celebration, sharing that a past Halloween wedding was still one of her favourite gigs.

And yes, Elvis is on standby, ready to rock your vows in blue suede shoes for those dreaming of a Vegas-style marriage in Margs.

The Marriage Office has already hosted three weddings in just one week since opening.

One particularly moving moment came from one of these first couples, whose parents were visiting from England.

“They just booked thinking it was a registry office,” Anita recalled. “They walked in and were blown away, expecting grey walls, a chair, and a desk.”

“I was marrying this couple and wishing them all the best as a stranger in this special personal moment, and I saw the tears of joy in their eyes. I felt humbled and honoured, and it made me realise I was on the right path!”

If you’re curious to explore the new space, the Margaret River Marriage Office invites you to a community open day on January 25 from 10am to 12pm.

For more information about wedding packages and services, visit www.yesidoweddings.com