What does a celebrant cost?
Please see Weddings and Renewals: Fees.
Who is allowed to officiate at a wedding in the UK?
There are currently four main kinds of people who could lead your wedding ceremony:
The Clergy
For centuries, the Christian Church has taken the role of ‘hatching, matching and dispatching’ us.
Many couples still choose to be married in a church, but times have changed and less of us are following an established religion.
If you are a regular parishioner, this will probably be your first port of call.
Some religions are comfortable with civil partnership ceremonies, but do check.
The Registrar
Registrars are employed by the local authority and are able to conduct legally-binding marriage and civil partnership ceremonies at licensed venues.
If you have been to a wedding conducted by a Registrar, you will know that they have a set script which legally must be adhered to.
Although always joyous, for some couples it is too restrictive and can appear a little impersonal.
Humanist celebrants
Humanists don’t believe in religion, and so offer secular only ceremonies.
They would not allow inclusion of any religious or spiritual elements to your ceremony. A Humanist wedding is not yet a legal wedding, so you would still be required to visit the local Registrar’s office for the legalities.
Independent celebrants
As explained in About Celebrants, we work independently and can include whatever suits each individual couple.
I will work closely with you to ensure that the wedding ceremony matches your own wishes and values, and reflect all that you are together.
You will still have to go to your local Registrar with two witnesses to fulfil the legal part of your marriage.
Many couples do this on the morning of their wedding day, with no vows beyond the legal ones, often wearing their day wear, and then come to the venue of their choice for the wedding ceremony of their dreams.
This is quite common in many European countries, where the legalities are performed by the local mayor, before the wedding ceremony held later in the day.
This might be about to change, after the Law Commission recently completed a review of the current marriage law with at view to create ‘a reformed law of weddings that will allow couples greater choice within a simple, fair and consistent legal structure, so that people can have a wedding that’s meaningful to them’ ( please see the Law Commission website: Weddings).
One of the proposals is to ‘Provide a framework that could allow non-religious belief organisations (such as Humanists) and/or independent celebrants to conduct legally binding weddings’ (please see the Law Commission website: Give couples more freedom to choose where they marry, Law Commission proposes).
With many local Registrars experiencing a backlog of bookings due to the recent pandemic, there is hope these laws will be changed soon.
Creating your unique ceremony takes about six months and will involve regular communication by email, phone and occasionally in person.
It is an evolving process as I get to know you well and we decide on all the elements that make it the perfect ceremony to reflect who you are now, as well as your hopes and dreams for a life going forward together.
Is a celebrant-led ceremony less ‘real’ or important?
Absolutely not!
A celebrant-led ceremony is about you, and reflects your beliefs and the story of your love together.
That seems pretty important and real to me.
Can we combine our civil and celebrant ceremonies?
It may be possible.
Each registration district has its own guidelines.
It’s definitely worth asking the question when you book your Registrar ceremony.
Where can we have our ceremony?
Anywhere!
It does not have to be a licensed wedding venue.
As long as you get permission from the venue/land owners, then the choice is entirely yours.
The only limitation is your imagination!
Can we have our ceremony outdoors?
Yes!
Perhaps there is a special place where you first met? Or maybe the place where the proposal occured?
Land owner’s permission aside, the world is literally your oyster here.
A celebrant wedding is not bound by licensed venue rules.
Does it matter what religion, culture or faith I follow?
Not at all.
The content of a celebrant-led ceremony has no restrictions.
I can incorporate any elements or rituals that are meaningful to you.
Do you conduct same sex weddings?
Absolutely.
Love is love, and it would be a privilege to help you create a ceremony that reflects your love for each other and your promises to each other for the future.
What else can be included?
Your ceremony can be as unique as you are.
Maybe you’re ‘Game of Thrones’ fanatics, or perhaps a ‘Disney theme’ is more your thing.
Whatever songs, poems, rituals or theme that reflects what you love, can be incorporated in to your ceremony.
Do you offer symbolic ceremonies?
Yes, these are hugely popular!
Hand-fasting, wine blending, unity candles and sand ceremonies are just some ideas for you to think about.
There are plenty to explore, and I will guide you.
Who can be involved in our ceremony?
That’s up to you.
You can have a traditional ceremony where just the vows are read by yourselves or you can involve as many guests as you like to take part, by readings scripts, playing an instrument or singing their heart out!
The more the merrier.
Can pets be part of the ceremony?
Yes indeed!
They’re part of your family and the freedom to include them on your special day is all yours.
When should I book my celebrant?
As soon as possible, to ensure your desired wedding date is reserved. Contact the Registrar at the same time.
You will be asked for a deposit, to reserve your date and time.
You will be asked to sign a Service Agreement for Weddings to ensure all parties agree the terms of engagement.
What are your terms and conditions?
A Service Agreement for Weddings will be explained to you at the time of initial enquiry.
Should you proceed with the booking, both parties will sign this agreement at initial interview.
Travel expenses: all my prices include travel costs up to a 20-mile radius of Swindon.
Mileage costs will apply beyond 20 miles.
Accommodation: I am happy to travel throughout the UK.
I will charge cost price if petrol/flight/train tickets or overnight stay in hotel is required.
This will be agreed by both parties in advance of the event.
Any additional terms or requests will be cost on an individual basis and agreed by both parties at the time of booking.
Marking the Moment 