Questions I am asked most often
What is a Celebrant and why might you need one?
A Celebrant is essentially the person that delivers your chosen ceremony. Our lives are full of important milestones, and whether they are sad or happy, most will be a celebration of either a life lived, or a new beginning and a Celebrant can provide you with a truly personalised ceremony, whatever the occasion.
Celebrants are generally individuals who relish the idea of celebrating important and significant life milestones and/or rites of passage, and who want to share our excitement and commitment with others. We are passionate about creating ceremonies that ensure the most important days of your life are memorable and meaningful. And you can be in control of how, when, what and where.
A celebrant will personalise your ceremony, making it heartfelt and meaningful, focussing on the person or people involved and creating an engaging experience for your chosen audience. And contrary to popular belief, Celebrant-led ceremonies do not need to be entirely secular. Your faith can play a meaningful part of any ceremony.
What kinds of ceremonies do Celebrants do?
Weddings and funerals provide most opportunities for Celebrants, however, naming ceremonies for children and babies and renewal of wedding vows are also popular choices.
If you want to celebrate or commemorate a specific milestone, a Celebrant can help you plan and achieve the day of your choosing.
Please note, current UK legislation still insists a Registrar makes a marriage officially legal. We can talk about how to achieve this, and we are lobbying to get this changed in line with a more modern approach to marriage.
What is included in a typical ceremony?
Each ceremony is usually entirely bespoke, in terms of content, however they often follow a similar format. Firstly, a few introductory words to welcome everyone and confirm the reason we are all together. Then perhaps a prayer or a hymn, and other songs can be incorporated along with a favourite poem and/or pieces of music that may be meaningful.
The exchange of vows is often an important part, and blessings and rituals can also be incorporated, such as ‘hand-tying’ or a 'sand ceremony’ which involves the blending of different coloured sand granules.
I also like to incorporate the telling of the love story, be that one of loss (funeral) or one of gain (wedding/baby) and the ceremony usually closes with either a celebratory uplifting blessing, poem or simple words, and for funerals, an appropriate farewell.
Where can I have my ceremony?
Fortunately, today your ceremony can be held almost anywhere.
Obviously, you’ll need the land or property owner’s permission and there are of course some additional legal responsibilities with regards to funerals, but in essence, your choices are significantly diverse. You will need an ordained minister to conduct a ceremony in a church, and the Registry Office only allows Registrar’s to operate there, but for all other venues a Celebrant can usually conduct the ceremony.
Have another question?
Just ask me. I'm always happy to help.
​