Zena Lythgo
GEELONG CELEBRANT
Photo by Kyra Boyer
Looking for a ceremony that actually feels like you — not one filled with the same old clichés or cringey, over-performed moments?
You’re in the right place.
I’m Zena — a celebrant who helps couples create fun, meaningful ceremonies that are warm, real, and a little cheeky (when it suits!). Ceremonies that feel true to you, flow effortlessly, and land deeply with the people who know and love you best.
You want a ceremony that feels like a genuine reflection of your relationship and who you are day-to-day — not something stiff and formal, not a stand-up routine that’s trying too hard, and definitely not a cookie-cutter script.
Genuine, conversational, and grounded in what matters most? Yes please.
You also want to feel genuinely supported — by someone who listens closely, brings calm energy, and helps you shape a ceremony that feels just right, all while keeping things clear, easy, and completely stress-free (because your plate’s already full enough!).
After 10 years and hundreds of weddings, I can promise you this:
A great ceremony doesn’t force the laughs. It doesn’t hinge on the “perfect” aisle moment. And it definitely doesn’t pressure your guests into anything awkward.
It simply honours who you are, celebrates your story, and sets the tone for the kind of day you actually want to have — relaxed, connected, and filled with everyone’s joy to be there with you.
If that’s the kind of experience you’re after, I’d love to help you create it.
A Little About Me (and Why Experience Matters)
I’m Zena — a Geelong wedding and funeral celebrant (technically living on the Bellarine Peninsula, but same-same, right?!).
You’ll often find me road-tripping across Melbourne, the Surf Coast, and the Otways too — anywhere the good stories are happening.
I became a celebrant because connecting with people, hearing their stories, and helping them share those moments with their loved ones sounded like the best time going around.
(And honestly? It’s even better than I imagined.)
Experience matters — and 10+ years means I bring calm to the chaos, read the room with ease, and help your guests feel genuinely welcomed and connected.
Because when it comes to your ceremony, you don’t just want someone standing up the front.
You want someone who can hold the space for you.
Are you here for Weddings or Funerals?
Weddings + Ceremonies
Photo by Peak & Valley Wedding
As Seen In
Photo by Belle Martin
How We’ll Work Together
If that’s the kind of day you’re imagining, here’s what working with me feels like.
I’m here to guide you, offer choices, and make planning your ceremony feel simple, collaborative — and (dare I say it?) actually fun.
Most couples I work with want something a little different:
Not overly traditional
Not a cookie-cutter script
Not a string of awkward moments
They want something that feels heartfelt, natural, and real — something that feels unmistakably them.
If that sounds like the vibe you’re after, you’re in the right place.
Video by Bottlebrush Films
Here’s a look at a ceremony:
This couple did things completely their way.
Your ceremony can look, sound, and feel —
However you want it to!
— And I’ll be there to guide you every step.
What Makes A Great Ceremony
I believe a great ceremony feels like an extension of who you are — not a performance.
Not filled with fluffy language that doesn’t sound like you.
It’s about creating a space where your guests feel included, not like they’re just spectators.
It should lift the energy in the room — with laughs (with you, not at you), real emotion, and a whole lot of heart.
Amidst all the busyness of wedding planning, ceremony planning should feel like a welcome pause —
a chance to reflect, reconnect, and get genuinely excited for what’s ahead.
It shouldn’t feel like work.
It should feel real, meaningful — and a moment you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
How We’ll Bring Your Ceremony to Life
No overwhelm. Just genuine support and a process that feels calm, collaborative — and actually fun.
I’ll guide you from start to finish — from deciding what to include, to shaping the tone, to making sure everything flows effortlessly on the day.
I’m here to take the pressure off. Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re starting with a completely blank slate, I’ll walk you through every step. From exploring what’s meaningful to you both, to deciding which traditions to embrace (or toss aside), to ensuring the ceremony feels so completely you — I’ll be right there, making sure nothing feels stressful or confusing.
All you’ll need to do is show up, be present, and enjoy the moment. I’ll take care of the rest.
YOU’LL HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED:
Step by Step Guidance
We’ll be telling you what’s happening every step of the way!
Planning Resources in your inbox
Videos, questionnaires, how-to guides, tips & tricks, fresh ideas – handed straight to you!
Vow Writing Support
This is the big one people want to know there is support with & honestly, I get it! Ya wanna know the secret – vow writing starts with a really fun date night!
Clear Check-ins
You’ve got enough on your plate — that’s why we guide you with gentle prompts, clear check-ins, and all the support you need. Angie (AKA assistant extraordinaire!) helps make sure nothing gets missed.
Making it feel like you!
Creating a ceremony that feels unmistakably you — one you’re genuinely excited for — then delivering it with warmth, calm, and a sense of connection that draws everyone in.
So when the big day comes? You’ll feel calm, present, and totally confident that your ceremony is in the right hands.
How It All Works From Here…
Get in Touch
We’ll chat and book in a time for a face to face meeting
Let’s Meet
We’ll get to know each other and discuss your dream wedding
Plan
We plan your ceremony down to the nitty gritty details
Where I Work
I’m based in Geelong, but travel across the Bellarine, Melbourne, the Surf Coast, the Otways, and beyond.
Anywhere with good people and good stories — you’ll find me there.
Ready To Get Started?
If you’re after a ceremony that feels warm, real, and unmistakably you — let’s chat.
I can’t wait to hear your story.
Feeling the Love
Photo by Baker Boys Creative
A few words from my lovely couples
My husband and I are wedding photographers and when we decided to get married there was no doubt in our mind that Zena would be the one to legalise our love union.
We have shot many weddings over the years and have experienced a wide variety of different celebrants. Trust us when we say, Zena is the best in the biz!
Zena, thank you for being our celebrant! You made our wedding day extra special! All our guests kept saying we chose such a great celebrant! You really are the best!
Storm & Xavier
Zena was a guiding light not only through planning our destination wedding but also on the day when we were both overcome with emotion. As a queer couple Zena created a safe place for us to both feel comfortable, she was able to easily adapt more inclusive language to better suit us as a couple. Thank you Zena for your beautiful words during the ceremony, your patience during our zoom sessions and for celebrating our love story.
Jess & Tess
We had the absolute pleasure of having Zena marry us earlier in February this year. From the beginning, Zena made us two nervous nellies feel very relaxed and at ease, and that was all because of her warm, caring, and professional approach. Even though we were complete strangers, our catch ups felt like going out for coffee with a dear friend, where you share some of your favourite moments and life’s joys. Zena was patient through tears and listened to our story to create a ceremony that was a perfect representation of who we are. Our wedding day was the most magical experience and if we were to do it all again, we would choose the lovely Zena over and over!
Rachel & Rob
Photo of Nel the Van by Analogue Modern
a bit about me
As we plan your wedding, I get to know a lot about you — so here’s a little about me, in reciprocity.
I grew up in Apollo Bay, where the salt, the bush, and a big-hearted community shaped how I see the world. These days, I live on the Bellarine Peninsula with my partner Jimmy, our cat Ziggy (& we are currently dogsitting the sweetest dog called Lumi!), we also spend a bit of time down in the Otways where we’re learning the fine (and often muddy) art of slow living and potato farming (niche I know!).
When I’m not leading ceremonies, you’ll usually find me:
— dancing about at a festival with mates (Meredith Amphitheatre is a much-loved haven)
— zombie wunning (you’ll have to ask me about that!)
— in or by the ocean
— staying as warm as possible (ideally by a fire after freezing in the ocean)
— getting creative with no intention (other than enjoying the heck out of the process!)
— or simply making time to stop and chat about life (and death) with good people.
Working across life’s biggest moments — weddings, funerals, memorials — has taught me to pay attention to the quiet moments too: the laughs, the inevitable tears (for me anyway), the challenges that require a deep exhale, the messy chaos and the simple beauty in all of it – that makes us feel more alive.
I’m a sucker for a cause, known to (euphorically) lament “these are the moments!” at any given opportunity, I believe Milo counts as a meal and I never take for granted how lucky I am to be part of the big moments in so many people’s lives.
Before I was a fulltime celebrant I worked at SisterWorks Inc.
SisterWorks is a not for profit social enterprise that supports women of asylum seeker refugee and migrant backgrounds to work towards financial independence and settle happily in Australia.
These women are my family & I still volunteer there today, because I get so much out of being apart of this community. I find that having this connection in my week is especially important when I work from home.
SisterWorks has also taught me the importance of making a contribution; A percentage of the fee I charge couples is donated directly to SisterWorks to support this organisation to continue to grow.
My most recent project there has been working with my gal Petronia, helping her to design and digitally print her fabrics. It is the best fun EVER!!! This ipad is usually only used for ceremony writing, it’s SO nice doing something creative with it as well!
Doesn’t this photo look like the best time ever! I gotta be honest, it really was. I worked in one of Melbourne’s BEST gay bars for five golden years: SIRCUIT! Here, I had the opportunity to discuss marriage equality with many people. These conversations with dear friends and complete strangers left me clear on one thing, this issue mattered! And when equal marriage was finally recognized I wanted to be a part of it. Because, you know: love is love.
I am not sure I would even have become a celebrant if I hadn’t had these conversations. Marriage wasn’t really on my radar!
So now marriage equality has been passed and it is the new normal – woohoo! (about time!) But I understand that for a lot of couples, the wedding industry is still complex to navigate & pretty heteronormative.
It is really important to me, that the experience I offer couples feels genuine, safe & fun every step of the way ; not just for you but everyone you invite to be a part of your day with you.
Industry Mates…
Geelong Crew
Melbourne Crew
If you have no budget and want an uber talent (& one of my fave collaborators!) fly Eerik Sandstrom over from Perth to anywhere 😉
That’s cool, not everyone wants to BUT if you do come this way…
Contact Zena
Phone: 0409 932 106
Email: hello@zenalythgocelebrant.com