Question 1

What is a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

In the UK, a celebrant is a professional who officiates personalised ceremonies for significant life events, such as weddings, vow renewals, baby namings, and funerals. Unlike religious or civil officiants, celebrants are not bound by religious doctrine or legal restrictions, giving them the flexibility to craft ceremonies that are fully customized to the individual's or couple's preferences.

Question 2

Why choose you as our celebrant?

Accepted Answer

Because I LOVE weddings and I want to make sure that YOUR wedding is the ceremony of your dreams! I am passionate and dedicated and can't wait to hear all about your ideas so that we can start craft your perfect ceremony. 
Have a look on my ‘About me’ page to find out a little more about me and my fresh take on Celebrancy, and how I can make the magic happen for you!

Question 3

What's the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

Accepted Answer

Registrars are employed by the local council to conduct legal ceremonies either within the council building itself, or in licensed venues. A registrar-led ceremony is usually brief and formulaic as there are certain components that must be covered during the ceremony to make it legal (therefore there is little room for personalisation).

Independent Celebrants are self-employed and have the freedom to create personalised ceremonies that don't follow a set template (unless you'd like them to) and can be conducted anywhere you choose. Quite simply, a celebrant-led ceremony is more unique, personal and flexible. Plus you'll choose and get to know your celebrant before the big day so there's a friendly and familiar face marrying you! :)

Feel free to get in touch if you have more questions (see my contact page)

Question 4

Is a celebrant-led ceremony legal?

Accepted Answer

No. A celebrant-led wedding is uniquely personal, creative and highly symbolic ceremony, but it is not currently-legally binding. It allows you to have the ceremony you want, where-ever you want. 
Couples in the UK would need to book their legal marriage in the registry office. I recommend you do a simple 2 x 2 service and most couples choose to do this before their main wedding.

Question 5

Can I include a ritual in my ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Of course! The joy of a celebrant-led ceremony is that we can essentially do whatever you like! I'm always happy to give you ideas, or incorporate your own ideas into the ceremony

Question 6

My partner and I are from different cultures, faiths or religions, does this matter?

Accepted Answer

Not at all :) . We can embrace any elements of your culture, faith or religion that you would like, and can incorporate these into your ceremony. One of the joys of a celebrant-led wedding is that we are not constrained by any rules, so we can do it YOUR way. This could include any readings, prayers, music, rituals, traditions etc. that you choose.

Question 7

Does the ceremony have to take place in a licensed venue?

Accepted Answer

No. The beauty of a celebrant-led wedding is that you can have the ceremony wherever you wish.

Question 8

Will you travel?

Accepted Answer

Of course! All my prices include travel costs up to a 30-mile radius of Totnes. After that all mileage is charged at 45p per mile.

Having a ceremony abroad? I’m your lady! Let's chat!

Question 9

Can I write my own vows?

Accepted Answer

Of course you can! This is one of the joys of a Celebrant-led ceremony, and I encourage you to write your own as it really adds deeper meaning to your ceremony.  I can offer you support and guidance if needed.

Question 10

If we decide to go ahead, what's the process?

Accepted Answer

Have a look at my step-by-step process page that leads you through it. Any more questions? Just fill in the contact form or give me a call and we can have a chat!

Question 11

Can we sign a wedding certificate during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

This is entirely up to you! Some couples choose to sign a certificate and others choose not to.

Frequently asked questions