With more and more couples turning to micro weddings as the cost of living rises, this Valentine’s Day will see thirty-three couples tie the knot at the Sydney Opera House.

Ceremonies allow up to 35 guests with packages starting at $1,299. The average cost of an Australian wedding is $36,000.

Since the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages began offering the packages in 2021, around 80 ceremonies have been celebrated at the iconic Sydney venue.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, “Cost-of-living pressures don’t have to get in the way of couples tying the knot, with the NSW Government offering ceremonies at a fraction of the price of a typical Australian wedding.”

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw travel restrictions and guest limits restrict the possibility of weddings, micro weddings and elopements became a much-needed alternative to big events.

The small-scale celebrations have remained a popular option for those wanting to avoid stress and a hefty bill.

“Before you say ‘yes’, why not skip the stress and book in a cost-effective civil ceremony for you to enjoy with your nearest and dearest?” said Registrar Theresa Fairman from the NSW Registry.

Micro wedding venues are only available for selected dates with limited time slots, with each ceremony running for an average of 20 minutes.

Today, for couples getting married in the Opera House, nuptials will be hosted in the Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Room, which has views of Sydney Harbour.

Following Valentine’s Day, the Registry is also conducting several sold-out ceremonies at the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Sydney Zoo, Peppers Creek, The Old Clare, Vaucluse House, and Hyde Hacienda in Circular Quay.