Australia's First Ever Drive-Thru Wedding Service Speeds into Byron
If your wedding was cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, there's still a way you can get hitched with an affordable yet adorable drive-thru ceremony!
A novel wedding business, “I Do Drive Thru” has rolled into town. The start-up offers Northern Rivers couples affordable, ‘Vegas-vibed’ and socially-distanced wedding options.
The innovative business launched in Melbourne at the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown has inspired interest all over the country and even gone global after opening in wedding capital Las Vegas, New Jersey and New York.
The short but sweet ceremonies cater to the COVID-19 wedding market with short but sweet, elopement style weddings. The I Do Drive Thru website has a definite ‘old-school, 50’s’ feel with a modern twist.
The concept allows couples to be married at stunning scenic locations, such as The Byron Bay Lighthouse, Minyon Falls, Broken Head or Lennox Point. Or at any parking spot the couple feel would be fitting for their own drive-thru experience. “We’re basically a marriage registry on wheels,” says Co-Founder, Kate Morgan.
Experienced local Celebrant, Kirsty Ella (and her vintage sky-blue VW Beetle,) have jumped on board bringing the drive-thru weddings to Byron Bay. Kirsty said, I absolutely love seeing people get creative & think outside the box to find a silver lining, which is exactly what the legends who created this service have done. I Do Drive Thru is a funky & affordable (covid friendly) wedding option for all the lovers who're still keen to get hitched!”
What Is A Drive Thru Wedding?
The couple and their witnesses arrive at the designated location. Their Celebrant meets the vehicle. The ceremony is conducted whilst the couple remain inside the car. Paperwork and certificates are passed in and out of the windows, rings are exchanged, and back seat smooching is highly encouraged.
The ceremony can also be live-streamed direct to family and friends via the I Do Drive Thru website, allowing family and friends to get in on the action.
Who’s behind I Do Drive Thru?
I Do Drive Thru, with the tagline, “Would you like vows with that?” was dreamt up by Mel Jacob, Celebrant and Entrepreneur, as a way to keep working under the restrictions.
“Even in a time of uncertainty love still exists and people still need to celebrate. There is still every reason to commit to marriage. Imagine looking back on COVID 2020 with the fond memory of getting married in this unique way, then having the big celebration with family and friends to look forward to, down the track.”
Celebrant’s Klara McMurray, Zena Lythgo and Kate Morgan came on board to help Mel get the business up and running in record time.
The website went live on Friday 3rd April and the team have since booked hundreds of weddings both here and in the USA, where they have been featured on media platforms such as “Good Morning America.”
I Do Drive Thru offers couples a wedding experience like no other in Australia, with unique photos to match. The team are partnering with photographers, florists and car hire companies. They’re thrilled to be able to support wedding businesses when so many large-scale weddings have been cancelled or postponed.
"At this time, the ability to be married is still an essential service. Now more than ever it is important to be able to advocate for your partner in medical situations, ensure visas aren't put in jeopardy and avoid any unnecessary conflict around wills and estates." - Zena Lythgo, Celebrant
“In the end, love always wins – it will always find a way. I Do Drive Thru is just what’s needed at this strange time. It’s unique, fun and well-timed.” - Kate Morgan, Celebrant
In a recent study published in Marie Claire, the average Australian wedding costs $53,158. The I Do Drive Thru’s packages start from only $400.
Photos by Kirsty & the Beetle by Ben Wyeth
Kombi by Jackson Grant Weddings