What is a Celebrant?

As a Celebrant I am trained and experienced in providing you with a custom made ceremony designed to celebrate your marriage or civil partnership in a way uniquely personal to you. I have no religious agenda an I am not a Humanist celebrant which means you can include almost anything into your ceremony.

Consultation

This is an opportunity for us to discuss how you envisage your celebrations unfolding. I will then send you a summary of what we have discussed, so that you can be sure I have understood your requirements.

Booking Confirmation

Once you have had time to review all the information, and if you wish to proceed I request a signed booking form and a deposit. Once this is received your date and booking are secure. Unlike some Celebrants I do not do multiple ceremonies on the same day which means I am able to accommodate any last minute changes or unforeseen events.

Ceremony Writing

I will meet with you both to get to know you and discuss in detail your thoughts, ideas and plans. Following this meeting I will write an initial draft ceremony which I will send to you for your comments and feedback. Your ceremony will then be amended in accordance with your wishes until it is exactly right. I will also conduct a rehearsal and of course the ceremony on the day itself.

Depending whether or not you intend to legalise your marriage or civil partnership, and if so when and where, using a celebrant (as well offering the opportunity to have a truly bespoke ceremony) does not have to be more expensive than getting married at a licensed venue with Registrars in attendance. As you do not require a licensed venue for a Celebrant led ceremony you will have a greater choice of venues. You can also consider utilising a weekday register office appointment with only your two witnesses to conduct legalities. Your budget could then stretch further than you first thought.

This is already the norm in many other countries. Marriages are registered in a municipal building and then a bespoke ceremony is held in front of family and friends in a location meaningful to the couple. Much the same way that when a baby is born you register its birth and then having a naming ceremony or christening to celebrate. So, why not register the marriage/civil partnership and then hold a bespoke, meaningful ceremony.

Does my faith, religion or culture matter ?

The content of a celebrant ceremony is not dependent on any faith, religion or culture. However, if you wish to incorporate a tradition or faith element into your ceremony you are welcome to do so. Readings, hymns or symbolic acts are often woven into ceremonies. These can work particularly well where couples wish to combine elements of different faiths or cultures.

Where can I hold my ceremony?

As your venue does not need to be licensed (as the ceremony is not legally binding) you can choose almost anywhere. Indoors or outdoors, although it is wise to have a back-up plan for inclement weather.

When can I hold my ceremony?

I can officiate at your ceremony any day of the week, and at a time of your choosing.

Do you organise the wedding/civil partnership as well?

My role as your Celebrant is to write your ceremony, and to officiate the proceedings on the day. Whilst I am happy to offer advice or suggestions based upon my experience anything else you wish to organise such as a venue, flowers, catering, music etc is your responsibility.

Can I have readings/poems/blessings/prayers as part of my ceremony?

I will work with you to select any reading, poems, blessings or prayers you wish to include in the ceremony. These can be tailored to reflect your own personalities. They may be religious, or not, romantic or humorous. You may choose to ask a guest to do a reading alternatively I can act as a reader.

Can our ceremony include music and/or singing/hymns?

Music, songs, hymns can all be included as part of your ceremony.

Will there be the opportunity for a rehearsal before the ceremony?

For all wedding and civil partnership ceremonies I will offer to hold a rehearsal with you, either a few days prior, or on the day itself, depending on the location of the ceremony.

How do I legalise my marriage/civil partnership

You are required to give notice of your intent to marry or enter into a civil partnership at your local Register office. You can then arrange a date and time to legalise your marriage/civil partnership. This will only take about 20 minutes and need not be treated as your 'main' ceremony as such. Other than the requirement for two witnesses the decision of whether to invite guests is completely your own. As a former Registrar I can advise on this process, but strongly suggest that you contact your local Register office directly for exact fees and availability.

Do I have to complete the legalities before my celebrant ceremony?

The short answer is no, however if couples are intending to legalise their marriage/civil partnership most do so a few days prior to the celebrant ceremony.

What are your professional fees

• Total Fee from £750
• £400 deposit payable upon booking (this secures your date) with the remaining balance payable 8 weeks before your wedding date. Deposit is non refundable, although where possible I will accommodate a change of date.
• Travel within 10 mile radius of RG4 is included. Additional travel costs may apply beyond this but are agreed with the client at the booking confirmation stage.