What is the difference between a Registrar and a Civil Celebrant?

A Registrar is a government official, responsible for keeping legal records. A wedding ceremony performed by a registrar must take place in a venue licensed for marriage, using specified contractual wording to legalise the union. Religious and/or spiritual content is not permitted in a registrar wedding ceremony.

Whereas a Civil Celebrant is an independent individual who can provide you with a custom made ceremony designed to celebrate any ‘right of passage’ in a way which is personal to you. There are no legal obligations or government restrictions. There are very few limitations as to what can be included in a celebrant ceremony. So this means that you can have Your Ceremony - Your Way.

Where can a Celebrant led wedding take place?

The answer to this question is just about anywhere! It doesn't have to be in a licensed location so you have the freedom to choose your favourite spot. It could be on a beach, in a woodland, on top of a mountain or even in your back garden! You really can have your ceremony anywhere you choose before or after a short legal ceremony at the registry office.

What is the difference between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Celebrant?

A wedding planner is a professional who assists with the design, planning and management of your entire wedding, from start to finish.

Whereas, a Celebrant is a person who will perform your Wedding Ceremony. I will work with you to create a ceremony that is completely bespoke to you. You have the freedom to create a day that is exactly how you want it. You can include any traditions, beliefs or ceremonies which mean something to you.

If you choose to employ a wedding planner I will liaise closely with them regarding the running order of the ceremony to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day.

Who writes our wedding vows and decides on the content of our ceremony?

This is completely up to you. I will spend time getting to know you as a couple and your personal likes and interests and then I can help you as much or as little as you want in the writing of your vows and the content of your ceremony.

The important thing is that any words that we use ring true with you. We will agree on these prior to the day and ensure that the whole content of your ceremony reflects you, your love and the style of ceremony you want to create.

Can a Wedding Celebrant marry you?

Currently, in the UK a marriage has to be registered by an appropriate church representative or a registrar.

When you choose a Celebrant led service you will have to arrange for a legal marriage certificate to be signed on a separate day, either before or after the wedding service, at your local registry office.

Can we involve other people and rituals in our ceremony?

Absolutely! You can have friends or family members doing readings, poems or even performing music. I will work closely with them to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day.

I am also more than happy to include any rituals you want as part of your wedding ceremony. These could include handfasting, sand ceremonies, lighting of candles, memory boxes or even planting a tree!

How does a Wedding Celebrant work with us?

We will have an initial no-obligation consultation where we can start to discuss your plans and ideas for your ceremony and you can decide if I am the right celebrant for you. This can be in person if you live locally to me or online if you live further afield.

Once you book me I will then send you a questionnaire to help you capture what you want to be included in your ceremony to make it perfect. We will then meet again to go through your questionnaire and begin to plan the details.

I will then write your ceremony based on your responses and provide you with a detailed plan on how the ceremony will be conducted on the day. This will be shared with you at least one month before your ceremony so that you have the opportunity to make any final changes.

If you would like a full rehearsal prior to the day then this can be arranged however it may incur additional charges such as travel and accommodation expenses depending on the location.

On the day itself I will be at the venue in plenty of time to meet and liaise with your host and/or wedding planner, to check-in with anyone who is taking part in the ceremony and to meet and greet your guests.

Do you carry out other ceremonies other than weddings?

Definitely!  I also do Vow Renewals, Funerals, Naming Ceremonies, Adoption Ceremonies and more information about these can be found on the individual pages on my website.

I am very much about celebrating any life event which is important to you so the above are examples of the types of ceremonies but this list isn't exhaustive!  I am willing do create a ceremony for almost any type of event so please get in touch and we can start planning a bespoke ceremony together!

How much does a Civil Celebrant cost?

This very much depends on the type of ceremony and what you want included in your ceremony.

For Weddings my prices start at £750. As your celebrant I will be with you throughout your big day.  I will spend hours during the time leading up to your ceremony, getting to know you personally, writing your script, contacting vendors, suppliers, and even family and friends if necessary. Then on the big day itself, I will arrive at least an hour before the ceremony is due to start to check everything is in place.

Prices for Funerals are £250 and other ceremonies from £300.