Are you beginning your wedding planning journey?
Have you thought about the ceremony you want?
Why Choose a Celebrant for Your Wedding?
When it comes to your wedding day, there’s one golden rule: there are no rules—at least not when you choose a celebrant-led ceremony.
As a celebrant, I believe your wedding should be a true reflection of who you are as individuals and as a couple. This isn’t just about reading a script and signing a piece of paper. It’s about telling your story, celebrating your love, and creating something utterly unforgettable. Here's why choosing a celebrant for your wedding could be one of the best decisions you make in your planning journey.
1. A Ceremony That’s Truly Yours
Unlike traditional or religious ceremonies, celebrant-led weddings are not bound by strict structures, pre-written vows, or set locations. That means you have total freedom to create something unique and meaningful. Whether you're saying "I do" on a windswept cliff, in your own back garden, or somewhere totally unconventional, I’ll work with you to design a ceremony that fits you perfectly.
Want to walk in together? Go for it. Want your dog to be the ring bearer? Why not! The beauty of working with a celebrant is that your day can be as traditional, alternative, quirky, or spiritual as you want it to be.
2. Personalised from Start to Finish
Celebrant ceremonies are built around your story—how you met, what you love about each other, your hopes for the future. We’ll meet (virtually or in person), I’ll get to know you, and I’ll write a bespoke ceremony that captures the heart of your relationship. You can include personal vows, readings, music, and even elements from different cultures or backgrounds.
It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about creating moments that are real, raw, and meaningful.
3. The Magic of Rituals
Celebrant ceremonies also give you the opportunity to include beautiful, symbolic rituals that add depth and emotion to your day. Some of my favourites include:
🌿 Handfasting
An ancient Celtic tradition, handfasting involves binding the couple's hands together with ribbons or cords to symbolise their union. It’s where the phrase "tying the knot" comes from! You can choose colours that have meaning for you, and even involve loved ones in tying the cords.
🔥 Jumping the Besom
Rooted in pagan tradition, jumping the besom (broom) represents sweeping away the past and leaping together into a new life. It's joyful, playful, and a wonderful way to end the ceremony with a burst of energy.
💍 Ring Warming
This involves passing your wedding rings among your guests before the exchange, giving them a chance to hold them and offer a silent blessing or good wish. It’s a beautiful way to involve everyone and infuse your rings with the love and support of your closest people.
These are just a few ideas, and there are so many others we can explore based on your heritage, beliefs, or interests.
4. The Legal Side – What You Need to Know
In England and Wales, celebrant-led weddings are not currently recognised as legal ceremonies (though many of us are hoping that changes soon!). This means you’ll need to complete the legal registration separately with a registrar—often a quick appointment at your local registry office.
Many couples choose to do this quietly a few days before their wedding, freeing them up to enjoy a truly personal and unrestricted celebration on the day itself. Think of it like registering a birth or a death—you take care of the paperwork, but the real event is what you choose to make of it.
5. A Stress-Free, Supportive Experience
One of the joys of working with a celebrant is having someone who is truly on your team. I’ll guide you through every step—from planning the structure and wording of your ceremony to offering advice on readings, rituals, and vow writing. I’ll be there on the day, not just to lead the ceremony but to help create a calm, joyful atmosphere for you and your guests.
In Summary: Why Choose a Celebrant?
Choosing a celebrant means choosing freedom, creativity, and connection. It’s your chance to have a ceremony that’s not just “about” you—it’s for you, by someone who understands the power of words, rituals, and genuine human connection.
So if you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as unique as your love story, let’s create something magical together.