WHAT IS A WEDDING CELEBRANT?
A Celebrant is someone who conducts a formal, personalised ceremony, usually weddings or funerals, helping mark important life occasions. Unlike other ceremony conductors, such as registrars, there are few limits on the type, time and location of a ceremony performed by a celebrant, so it can be as unique as you are!
Is a Celebrant led wedding a legal ceremony?
Currently Celebrants cannot legally marry couples in the UK so you will need to legalise your marriage at a Registry Office. This can be just the two of you and two witnesses, for a nominal fee and at a time of your choosing. For most couples it is not until they say their vows and exchange rings in front of their family and friends that they truly feel married.
What is the difference between a Registrar and a Celebrant?
You will meet the Celebrant long before your wedding; so a familiar, friendly and encouraging face will be there with you on the day. In most cases you won't know the registrar who is assigned to your ceremony until the day.
Registrars can only conduct a wedding ceremony in a venue legally licensed for weddings or in a registry office. They have tight time constraints, may have more than one ceremony during the day, they have to use specific formats and vows.
How much involvement will I need to have after you've been booked to lead our wedding day?
As much or as little as you'd like. After you've booked with me, you are welcome to leave me to it or have your input. I will need some information from you to make sure the ceremony content is totally personal and appropriate, and the final seal of approval is up to you. Every ceremony is different so I will follow your lead.
How far in advance should I book our wedding ceremony with you?
The wedding world is a funny one, where time flies by warp speed. People usually book their wedding date 12-18 months in advance. I always suggest you book the big stuff straight away, as soon as you have the date. I have met, created for and married a couple in less than 4 weeks before, so don't worry if it's too short notice!
Can you marry us in any location at any time?
The most fantastic thing about having a Celebrant is that they can conduct a ceremony anytime, anywhere! Outdoors or inside, daytime or evening, New Year’s eve at the stroke of midnight or a on warm summer’s evening. No location is too far fetched, too strange or too personal, think outside the box. I would suggest you get married somewhere meaningful, beautiful and big enough for the party! If it’s going to be outdoors, just bear in mind that having a back-up plan is a good idea in case of bad weather.
Is it more expensive to use a celebrant?
Not necessarily. Wedding venues are often so expensive because their license costs them a lot of money so if you choose to get married at an unlicensed venue, the overall cost can often be cheaper.
As a direct comparison, a celebrant is more expensive than a registrar but that's because of the time and energy that goes into getting to know the couple and the personalisation of the ceremony. You won't usually meet your registrar until the day and you will have to follow a template script whereas a celebrant will spend months getting to know you and creating a bespoke ceremony.
As a starting point, ring your local Registry office and enquire about their fees. I have couples that have been astounded by the fee’s asked for a very quick service at their chosen licensed venue.
By choosing a celebrant led wedding ceremony you are able to experience a personalised, bespoke and flexible ceremony that exactly meets your wants and needs without the restrictions of time, venue and suppliers. I am obviously bias, but I truly believe that is well worth the extra pennies. Find out more about my celebrant costs here.
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Can we add specific religious, cultural or symbolic elements to the ceremony?
Absolutely, any element that you'd like to have included can be done. Religious passages, cultural traditions, rituals, songs and dances. This is your ceremony and we'll do it your way! Symbolic ceremonies such as Ring Warming, Hand Fasting, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies and shots (the alcoholic kind) can all be done. I'm happy to walk you through what these involve too so you can decide if one of them is right for you if that's what you are after.
Do you officiate LGBTQIA+ weddings
I will work with any couple as long as they are nice. Love is Love, end of!
Can my pet come to the wedding?
If the venue is happy then absolutely, I love dogs and cats. In fact I also have a great contact for someone who does a wedding day dog service. To some people their pets are more like their children so why wouldn’t you invite them!
Do you do renewal of Vows?
I absolutely do. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, weren't able to have the wedding you hoped for because of the Pandemic or because you have no other reason apart from that you are in love with each other and want to renew your vows. I can create the ceremony right for you.
We have children, can they be involved in the ceremony?
Yes indeed. Depending on the age of the children we can discuss their involvement within the ceremony. I have carried out a ceremony where the bride was cradling a baby and the groom was holding the hand of their toddler. They became united as one family. It was so beautiful.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes you can write your own vows if you would like to. Make them as funny, sentimental or romantic as you like. Or you could a mixture of more traditional vows and a sprinkling of vows more personal to you. I have some guidance on writing your own vow which couples find very helpful.
Do we need to write our own vows?
This is totally up to you. The beauty of a celebrant led ceremony is that you are not limited to any script! I have a series of example vows, ranging from traditional through to more contemporary. I really encourage my couples to at least give it a go, and I am always there to offer a helping hand along the way. This is your wedding and your declaration of love and commitment to each other so all your need to do it speak from the heart. Trust me - it’s one of the greatest pleasures of celebrant led wedding ceremonies!
I am very nervous about speaking in public, can you help?
If you're shy and nervous about the public speaking part of the ceremony then we can work together to get you more confident . On the day you will be facing a smiley, encouraging person who you have got to know so will hopefully be put at ease. I do understand how nervous and anxious some people can be, so don't worry, I am told I am really good at giving reassurance and encouragement.
Can we include hymns, music, readings and poems etc.?
We can incorporate as many of these elements as you like. Readings and poems are lovely way to get more people involved in the day and make sure the people who are most important to you can play a part in the day.
For the music, you'll need to organise the sound system/booking musicians if required. I am very experienced at leading people in singing hymns and singalongs and can offer musical suggestions.
What will you wear for the wedding?
My first question will be what colour the bridesmaids are wearing (if you're having them) because you don't want me up there looking like an accidental bridesmaid. I'll wear something smart and in-keeping with your wedding and am more than happy to run an outfit by you beforehand if needed.
If you're having a specific theme like a festival wedding then I'll make sure I've got some wellies and glitter paint. If you need me to dress as a character, I will consider it but making no promises!
How long will the ceremony last?
Usually between twenty five and thirty five minutes. This is highly dependent on the elements you choose to include such as any rituals, readings or songs. Anything over 45 minutes then no matter how awesome the ceremony is, your guests will start to be wondering when the bar is open!
How far will you travel for my ceremony?
My fee includes driving a distance of up to 30 miles to the venue. Additional miles are charged at £1 a mile.
What if I really want you to be our Celebrant but it’s not in or around Derbyshire, in fact it’s not in the UK!
My standard fee stays the same for destination weddings, however travel and accommodation would need to be factored into costs.
What is the difference between a Humanist and a Celebrant?
A Celebrant can incorporate any religious elements into a ceremony if requested whereas a Humanist will not do so because of their beliefs.
Still not answered your questions? Then please contact me.
Is a Celebrant led wedding a legal ceremony?
Currently Celebrants cannot legally marry couples in the UK so you will need to legalise your marriage at a Registry Office. This can be just the two of you and two witnesses, for a nominal fee and at a time of your choosing. For most couples it is not until they say their vows and exchange rings in front of their family and friends that they truly feel married.
What is the difference between a Registrar and a Celebrant?
You will meet the Celebrant long before your wedding; so a familiar, friendly and encouraging face will be there with you on the day. In most cases you won't know the registrar who is assigned to your ceremony until the day.
Registrars can only conduct a wedding ceremony in a venue legally licensed for weddings or in a registry office. They have tight time constraints, may have more than one ceremony during the day, they have to use specific formats and vows.
How much involvement will I need to have after you've been booked to lead our wedding day?
As much or as little as you'd like. After you've booked with me, you are welcome to leave me to it or have your input. I will need some information from you to make sure the ceremony content is totally personal and appropriate, and the final seal of approval is up to you. Every ceremony is different so I will follow your lead.
How far in advance should I book our wedding ceremony with you?
The wedding world is a funny one, where time flies by warp speed. People usually book their wedding date 12-18 months in advance. I always suggest you book the big stuff straight away, as soon as you have the date. I have met, created for and married a couple in less than 4 weeks before, so don't worry if it's too short notice!
Can you marry us in any location at any time?
The most fantastic thing about having a Celebrant is that they can conduct a ceremony anytime, anywhere! Outdoors or inside, daytime or evening, New Year’s eve at the stroke of midnight or a on warm summer’s evening. No location is too far fetched, too strange or too personal, think outside the box. I would suggest you get married somewhere meaningful, beautiful and big enough for the party! If it’s going to be outdoors, just bear in mind that having a back-up plan is a good idea in case of bad weather.
Is it more expensive to use a celebrant?
Not necessarily. Wedding venues are often so expensive because their license costs them a lot of money so if you choose to get married at an unlicensed venue, the overall cost can often be cheaper.
As a direct comparison, a celebrant is more expensive than a registrar but that's because of the time and energy that goes into getting to know the couple and the personalisation of the ceremony. You won't usually meet your registrar until the day and you will have to follow a template script whereas a celebrant will spend months getting to know you and creating a bespoke ceremony.
As a starting point, ring your local Registry office and enquire about their fees. I have couples that have been astounded by the fee’s asked for a very quick service at their chosen licensed venue.
By choosing a celebrant led wedding ceremony you are able to experience a personalised, bespoke and flexible ceremony that exactly meets your wants and needs without the restrictions of time, venue and suppliers. I am obviously bias, but I truly believe that is well worth the extra pennies. Find out more about my celebrant costs here.
F
Can we add specific religious, cultural or symbolic elements to the ceremony?
Absolutely, any element that you'd like to have included can be done. Religious passages, cultural traditions, rituals, songs and dances. This is your ceremony and we'll do it your way! Symbolic ceremonies such as Ring Warming, Hand Fasting, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies and shots (the alcoholic kind) can all be done. I'm happy to walk you through what these involve too so you can decide if one of them is right for you if that's what you are after.
Do you officiate LGBTQIA+ weddings
I will work with any couple as long as they are nice. Love is Love, end of!
Can my pet come to the wedding?
If the venue is happy then absolutely, I love dogs and cats. In fact I also have a great contact for someone who does a wedding day dog service. To some people their pets are more like their children so why wouldn’t you invite them!
Do you do renewal of Vows?
I absolutely do. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, weren't able to have the wedding you hoped for because of the Pandemic or because you have no other reason apart from that you are in love with each other and want to renew your vows. I can create the ceremony right for you.
We have children, can they be involved in the ceremony?
Yes indeed. Depending on the age of the children we can discuss their involvement within the ceremony. I have carried out a ceremony where the bride was cradling a baby and the groom was holding the hand of their toddler. They became united as one family. It was so beautiful.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes you can write your own vows if you would like to. Make them as funny, sentimental or romantic as you like. Or you could a mixture of more traditional vows and a sprinkling of vows more personal to you. I have some guidance on writing your own vow which couples find very helpful.
Do we need to write our own vows?
This is totally up to you. The beauty of a celebrant led ceremony is that you are not limited to any script! I have a series of example vows, ranging from traditional through to more contemporary. I really encourage my couples to at least give it a go, and I am always there to offer a helping hand along the way. This is your wedding and your declaration of love and commitment to each other so all your need to do it speak from the heart. Trust me - it’s one of the greatest pleasures of celebrant led wedding ceremonies!
I am very nervous about speaking in public, can you help?
If you're shy and nervous about the public speaking part of the ceremony then we can work together to get you more confident . On the day you will be facing a smiley, encouraging person who you have got to know so will hopefully be put at ease. I do understand how nervous and anxious some people can be, so don't worry, I am told I am really good at giving reassurance and encouragement.
Can we include hymns, music, readings and poems etc.?
We can incorporate as many of these elements as you like. Readings and poems are lovely way to get more people involved in the day and make sure the people who are most important to you can play a part in the day.
For the music, you'll need to organise the sound system/booking musicians if required. I am very experienced at leading people in singing hymns and singalongs and can offer musical suggestions.
What will you wear for the wedding?
My first question will be what colour the bridesmaids are wearing (if you're having them) because you don't want me up there looking like an accidental bridesmaid. I'll wear something smart and in-keeping with your wedding and am more than happy to run an outfit by you beforehand if needed.
If you're having a specific theme like a festival wedding then I'll make sure I've got some wellies and glitter paint. If you need me to dress as a character, I will consider it but making no promises!
How long will the ceremony last?
Usually between twenty five and thirty five minutes. This is highly dependent on the elements you choose to include such as any rituals, readings or songs. Anything over 45 minutes then no matter how awesome the ceremony is, your guests will start to be wondering when the bar is open!
How far will you travel for my ceremony?
My fee includes driving a distance of up to 30 miles to the venue. Additional miles are charged at £1 a mile.
What if I really want you to be our Celebrant but it’s not in or around Derbyshire, in fact it’s not in the UK!
My standard fee stays the same for destination weddings, however travel and accommodation would need to be factored into costs.
What is the difference between a Humanist and a Celebrant?
A Celebrant can incorporate any religious elements into a ceremony if requested whereas a Humanist will not do so because of their beliefs.
Still not answered your questions? Then please contact me.