What is a celebrant wedding? You may have heard more couples talking about having a celebrant wedding, but not sure what it is? Simply put, a celebrant wedding is a ceremony led by a professional celebrant, rather than a registrar or religious leader. It gives you the freedom to celebrate your love in a way that feels completely your own.
I work with couples who want a ceremony that feels personal, relaxed and full of heart. If you’re curious about whether a celebrant wedding is right for you, here’s what you need to know.
What is a celebrant wedding, and what makes it different?
I often get asked “What is a celebrant wedding?”. A celebrant wedding isn’t restricted by scripts, locations or set wording. It can take place anywhere you like and include whatever you want to say or do. My job (how can you call it a “job” when I love my work so much – it’s a vocation to me and I bring that energy, enthusiasm and passion with me whenever I meet my couples !)
I can honestly say that every single ceremony that I have conducted has been completely unique to the couple. Although the structure and elements of my ceremonies are familiar to most, it is the actual content which is totally bespoke and personalised. Chi and Carmen, for example, wanted to include their traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony into their wedding -this worked beautifully as they paid tribute to their parents in meaningful ritual to reflect their cultural heritage. Perfect.
Callum and Lizzy chose to incorporate a “Wine ceremony” which came just after I shared their love story with their guests. Callum’s dad chose a very special bottle of wine, all of their guests wrote “Wedding wishes and wisdom” notes to put in the wine box and Lizzy’s (farmer) dad bound hay bale-binding around the box to seal it for a year to be opened on their first wedding anniversary. Imagine that moment, sipping that wine, reading those notes and celebrating a year of being Mr and Mrs!
Most of my couples love the freedom to write their own vows – I encourage them to write from the heart and, because they do, this is an intimate and precious moment – the time when our couples move “emotionally” to be a “wedded” couple.
Philippa and Dan are choosing to have a hand fasting ceremony next month. They are literally” “tying the knot” and for that symbolic ritual, we are using Yorkshire wool to represent Philippa’s family roots, rope from the ship way (to represent Dan’s family roots) and leg rope used when they both surf which has significance from their first meeting at Surf Club at university. That knot will become their wedding keepsake too. As I said, no two couples are the same and so no two ceremonies are the same either!
Many couples choose a celebrant wedding because they want more than a short, legal ceremony. They want something that feels personal, emotional and true to them. That’s where I come in. I’ll get to know you both, help you shape the ceremony, send you my “Wedding Welcome Pack” which is full of ideas and suggestions for you to consider including in your ceremony and then deliver it on the day in a way that feels real and joyful.
Where can you have a celebrant wedding?
Anywhere. That’s one of the biggest benefits. Because the legal paperwork is done separately at the register office, your ceremony can take place in:
- A garden or woodland
- A family farm or private home
- A castle, hotel or country inn
- A favourite beauty spot in the Yorkshire Dales or on the coast
- A cosy indoor space like a barn, gallery or café
- A favourite restaurant or rooftop terrace.
You’re not limited to licensed venues. That gives you the chance to choose a place that means something to you.
What can you include in a celebrant ceremony?
Anything that reflects your relationship and your values. Some couples want a simple, heartfelt ceremony with their own vows. Others include readings from loved ones, handfasting, unity candles, or rituals from different cultures or faiths.
We can include humour, tears, music and moments that bring your guests in too. There’s no fixed structure, so we can build the ceremony around what feels right for you both. I am there to guide you through every step of the way and to make writing your wedding ceremony a “journey of joy” so that we are friends with a wonderful story to share on your wedding day!
Is a celebrant wedding legally binding?
Celebrant weddings in England are not currently legal ceremonies on their own. Most couples complete the legal registration separately at a register office. This is usually a simple appointment with a couple of witnesses and minimal vows. It includes you saying just 40 words in total – a sentence of contract, of declaration and then the signing of the digital Marriage Register.
The celebrant ceremony is where you make your real promises, in front of family and friends, in the way that feels most meaningful to you. That’s the part you’ll remember, and the one that truly marks your commitment and that’s the day that couples celebrate their wedding anniversary each year.
Why couples love celebrant weddings
- You get to share your love story in a way that feels personal and unique
- Your ceremony can take place anywhere, at any time
- You have full control over what is said and included
- It can be formal or informal, traditional or modern
- You’ll work with someone who takes the time to understand you
- I only conduct ONE ceremony per day – I am not under any time pressures should there be a delay for any reason.
A celebrant wedding in Yorkshire gives you the chance to make your ceremony as beautiful and personal as your relationship. It’s a chance to step away from the standard and create something that truly reflects who you are. My happiness lies in creating and presenting a ceremony that is written WITH you, ABOUT you, and FOR you!
If you’re thinking about a celebrant-led wedding and want someone who’ll listen, guide and help you create something meaningful, I’d love to chat with you.
