When introducing myself as a wedding celebrant, I often get asked questions about what exactly it is I do. A lot of these questions refer to the differences between a registrar and a wedding celebrant, here are a few examples:
Is that the same as a registrar?
Is what you do legally binding?
So, why would someone choose you instead of a registrar?
Would you be willing to travel abroad for a ceremony?*
*I haven’t actually been asked this one yet, but I’m putting it out into the universe . . . as the answer is most definitely yes! Mauritius preferably, but open to other destinations ;)
These are all questions I also would have asked, had I met a wedding celebrant a couple of years ago.
Although wedding celebrants are growing in numbers, the role is still one that some people are unaware of, or the exact role they play in a wedding. This is why education in this area is so important, so that couples are making informed decisions when it comes to their wedding planning, and not just doing what they think is the “norm.”
When you start planning your wedding, you’ll quickly discover there are lots of decisions to make; venue, photographer, flowers, music, food… and then there’s the ceremony.
The ceremony to me, is what sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day. Whether you want your day to feel relaxed and fun, romantic and intimate, traditional, or a little bit of everything, this should start with the ceremony.
When planning the ceremony, many couples ask:
“What is the difference between a registrar and a wedding celebrant?”
And then, “which one is right for us?“
The answer to this depends on what you want your wedding ceremony to feel like.
A registrar ceremony
A registrar is responsible for carrying out the legal part of a marriage in England and Wales.
There is a particular running order for a registrar led ceremony, and a set of wording that must be used to ensure it is legally binding, as well as the ceremony having to take place in a licensed building/venue. Registrars will conduct multiple ceremonies back to back in a day, so you often don’t get a chance to meet them beforehand, and the ceremony will be time limited.
For many couples, this is exactly what they are looking for, a straightforward, meaningful way to become legally married.
However, if you have always dreamed of your ceremony taking place somewhere a little different, perhaps your family home, the beach or a beautiful wooded area, with the freedom to say and do whatever you want, this is where a celebrant-led ceremony may appeal to you.
So, what does a wedding celebrant do?
A wedding celebrant (that’s me!) creates and leads a ceremony that is written just for you.
There are no templates and duplicates, as everyone’s story is unique.
I spend time getting to know you as a couple. I delve into your story, how you met, what you love (and find annoying) about each other. I learn about those people closest to you, and what makes your relationship yours.
I will leave no stone unturned! (That’s not supposed to sound as threatening as it does! Hopefully you know what I mean.)
Basically I get to know you both, so that I can create a ceremony that is truly personal to you.
We will discuss ideas you may already have, and I can share suggestions where you are struggling for inspiration, for example readings, symbolic rituals or personal vows.
Perhaps you would like to involve your family members in the ceremony in some way, or your pet lama, anything is possible, and we will work together to make it happen.
But can a celebrant legally marry us?
This is a point I need to be clear on.
A celebrant-led ceremony is not currently the legal registration of your marriage in England and Wales.
Often it is the case that couples will choose to have their marriage (the legal formalities with a registrar) on one day, and book their celebrant for a different day, which is when they have their personalised wedding day celebration.
The legal part can be kept simple and intimate, with as few as two guests/witnesses at a local council registry office. By completing the legal requirements for marriage before (or even after) your wedding day, your celebrant-led ceremony can be entirely about celebrating you as a couple, surrounded by the people you love, and creating a ceremony that feels truly personal and completely your own.
Why choose a celebrant?
For many couples, it’s the freedom and flexibility of a celebrant-led wedding that makes it so appealing.
You can choose:
Where
A stunning wedding venue, botanical garden, tree house, beach or another meaningful location, (literally anywhere!).
What
Your ceremony can be completely tailored to you, based on your shared stories, experiences and future plans.
Who
Friends, family, and even your beloved pets can get involved (I am keen to have a ring bearing lama if anyone is open to the idea!)
How
Perhaps you would like to maintain some element of tradition with your chosen readings and vows, or would prefer to incorporate a symbolic ritual, or maybe we can create something especially for you.
The main and most important point is, I will create a ceremony that feels like you, with the freedom to say and do, whatever, wherever you would like.
There is no right or wrong choice
A registrar ceremony might tick all the boxes for you.
A celebrant ceremony might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
You may decide that you would like to incorporate the two.
Whatever decision you make, it’s about ensuring your ceremony is everything you want it to be.
Your ceremony. Your story. Your way.
For me, this is why I became a celebrant.
Your ceremony should not feel like an altered template that has been used time after time. It should feel like it has been written by someone that has not only listened to your story, but understood how you would like it told.
Whether you are wanting to create something traditional, relaxed, fun, sentimental, completely unconventional, or a mixture of them all, I’d love to hear more.
To find out if I’d be the right fit for you and your ceremony, let’s have a chat, no obligation, and talk about the kind of ceremony you’re dreaming of.
Get in touch here
Heartfelt ceremonies. Beautifully yours.