FAQ

Many people still aren’t sure what the difference is between a registrar and a celebrant.

This may give you the information needed to make an informed choice.

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 / spiritual content is not allowed in a registrar wedding ceremony.

A celebrant is an independent individual who is trained in providing you with a custom-made ceremony designed to celebrate any ‘rite of passage’ in a way which is personal to you, without legal obligation or government restriction. There are very few limitations as to what can be included in a celebrant wedding ceremony.

Is my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony legally binding?

No. You will need to register your marriage in a Register Office before or after your celebrant wedding ceremony in order to make your marriage legally binding.
I am happy to chat through your options and give advice on the quickest and cheapest way to do this.

How do I legalise my marriage?

You will need to give notice at your local register office and arrange to have a ‘Statutory Ceremony’ to legally register your marriage.

Should I be legally married before I have my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?

Most couples do prefer to register their marriage before the Celebrant Wedding Ceremony. However, if this cannot be done, the ceremony can still go ahead. It will just change some of the wording within the ceremony that’s all.

Do I need to register my marriage on the same day/ at the same venue as my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?

No. You can do this any day before or after your wedding day at any register office in the UK. You do not need to have a registrar attend your Celebrant Ceremony or be present at your venue. Often, it is cheaper to register your marriage at your local register office on a weekday, rather than at your venue.

We don’t want to legalise our marriage at all, is this allowed?

Yes. A Celebrant Wedding Ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony. It is about celebrating your love and relationship in a way that is special to you. If you wish to confirm your committment to eachother without legal ties, then that’s not a problem.

Will my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony be considered less ‘real’ or ‘important’ if we have already signed the register in a Register Office?

Not at all! Signing the register is simply signing the legal paperwork behind the marriage. The most meaningful part of your wedding will be when you walk in in, stand up in front of your family and friends and say your vows together, and declare why you have chosen to commit to each other as partners for life. Trust me, I am yet to have met a couple who felt anything otherwise!

Do you offer Same-Sex Weddings?

Yes! I am proud to offer Wedding Ceremonies for any couple of any sexual preference or gender orientation.

Does it matter what culture, faith or religion I am?

No. The content of a celebrant ceremony is not restricted to any culture, faith or religion. If you wish to also incorporate a cultural or religious tradition into your ceremony, you can.

Where can I hold my Wedding Ceremony?

Anywhere you wish! Your venue does not need to be a licensed wedding venue as your ceremony is not legally binding. Just be sure to have permission from the venue owner before you invite all your guests.

Can I hold my ceremony outdoors?

Yes. Indoors, outdoors, on a beach, at the park, by a lake, up a tree, in the forest, on a mountain, in your own garden, at the zoo, on the train… The options are endless. It may be wise to have a back-up plan for wet weather though!

When can I hold my ceremony?

I will officiate your ceremony on any month, day, and at any hour you choose.

Can I include a symbolic ceremony?

Yes. Celebrant ceremonies often involve symbolic ceremonies such as Handfasting, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies, Ring Warming, Gemstones, Water, Memory Boxes, planting flowers or trees… etc. OR if you prefer not to have a symbolic ceremony, that’s fine too!

Can I include a family pet at my ceremony?

As long as the venue allows it, so do I …In fact the more dogs involved, the better.

Can I include readings and poems in my ceremony?

Yes. You can include as many readings as you wish – whether religious or non-religious, silly or sentimental. You can even invite a guest to read one out for you, or to write something personal.

Can I include music and/or hymns?

You can include as many songs, music or hymns you like, and can choose to play these either on a PA System or have live musicians, it’s up to you! Please note though that you are responsible for providing your own PA System and music, and for the booking of any live musicians on the day.

Can I write my own wedding vows?

Yes! You can do this yourself, or I can help you.  Your vows can be as sweet, silly or sentimental as you wish. You will have unlimited contact and guidance from me throughout the whole process to offer help if you need it.

Do we have to write our own wedding vows?

Not if you don’t want to. You’re welcome to use traditional recognised wedding vows if you prefer, or simply have no vows at all – it’s your wedding, your way!

I’m very shy and hate public speaking…

I want you to feel as comfortable as possible on your wedding day. You can read the vows yourself, or repeat them line by line after your celebrant, or simply say “I do” – whatever you prefer.

A family member or friend has passed away, can we remember them in our ceremony?
Yes. I  will ask you if there is anyone you would like to give mention to when we meet, and you may wish to include a photo or keepsake on a nearby table

I want to keep my ceremony short, simple and traditional, is that OK?
Yep. No fuss, no fluff. Your ceremony can be as simple as you want it to be.

I want my ceremony to be alternative, extraordinary, and elaborate, is that OK?
Certainly! Your ceremony is about you and your personal style. I pride myself  in being open minded to your ideas, no matter how crazy, quirky, or unusual they may seem!

How long will my Wedding Ceremony last?

A typical ceremony will usually last anywhere between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on how many readings and songs you choose to include, and whether you wish to involve a symbolic ceremony.

Will we meet you before the ceremony?

Absolutely, I will chat through the whole process on our first phone call. We will have ample time to get to know one another so on the day, we feel like old friends! We will have a WhatsApp group to make sure we are all aware of any changes leading up to the day.

Will we be able to have a rehearsal before the ceremony?
Yes. For all weddings, I will offer to hold a rehearsal with you either a few days before the wedding, or on the day itself. Depending on the ceremony location this may come at an additional expense to cover travel.

What other types of ceremony do you offer?

People encounter many changes throughout their lives and we often wish to commemorate our individual rites of passage in our own unique ways. I  will work with you upon request to provide bespoke ceremonies for all occasions which are important and personal to you, including; weddings, vow renewal ceremony, naming ceremony, funerals, FUNerals, divorce, or anything else which you wish to commemorate.