Many people are still unsure about the role of a Celebrant, and how this differs to the role of a registrar. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
General FAQs
What is a Celebrant?
A celebrant is an independent individual who is trained in providing you with a custom made ceremony designed to celebrate any occasion 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 your celebrant ceremony.
Will we meet you before the ceremony?
For all ceremonies, I will meet with you a few weeks before the day to discuss your plans in full. If you can not meet in person, we can meet over WhatsApp or FaceTime instead.
How much do you charge?
My fee is all-inclusive, with no hidden extras. The initial quote I provide is exactly what you will pay. I’ll be pleased to provide you with a no-obligation, customised quote – just send me the address and postcode of your chosen venue and the preferred start time of your ceremony. For more information on fees, please visit my Fees Page
Will we be able to have a rehearsal before the ceremony?
Yes. For all ceremonies, I will offer to hold a rehearsal with you either a few days before the occasion, or on the day itself. Depending on the ceremony location this may come at an additional expense to cover travel.
How far are you willing to travel to assist with our ceremony?
I predominantly offers her services to the areas of London and Surrey. However, I will always consider enquiries from further afield, although please note that a travel expense may be added.
Weddings
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.
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 . This is the ‘admin’ part of the process, and does not need to be treated as a formal ceremony.
Should I be legally married before I have my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?
Not necessarily. Most couples do prefer to register their marriage before the Celebrant Wedding Ceremony. However, if you would prefer to register your marriage afterwards, that’s OK too.
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 commitment to each other 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, 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 happy 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 of your guests.
Can I hold my ceremony outdoors?
Yes. Indoors, outdoors, on a beach, at the park, by a lake, 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, that’s great.
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 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 you 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.
What should we wear for our ceremony?
You can wear whatever you like! Most brides choose to wear a traditional white wedding dress for a wedding ceremony, but there are certainly no rules. Whether you choose to wear something traditional, or something more informal is up to you.
What will you wear at the ceremony?
I will typically wear something smart and comfortable, and appropriate for the occasion.
Will we meet you before the ceremony?
For all marriage and commitment ceremonies, I will meet with you a few weeks before the day to discuss your plans in full. If you can not meet in person, we can meet over Zoom, FaceTime or similar.
Naming Ceremonies
What exactly is a Naming Ceremony?
A naming ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming the new arrival into the family and the wider community. It is also an opportunity to declare, before family and friends, your promise to be as good a parent as you can, and for adult friends or relatives to confirm their special relationship with your child. It’s a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved as they pledge their love and support for your child’s future development.
Who can arrange a Naming Ceremony?
Any parent can make the arrangements to hold a Naming Ceremony. Likewise, anyone who has parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child or children. Parents do not have to be married and can come from any cultural background, with any spiritual or religious beliefs or with none.
When can ceremonies be held?
I can conduct the ceremony for you at any time, most happen on either Saturdays or Sundays but they can happen on any day that is convenient to you. The ceremony fee is the same whichever day it is conducted on.
Does a Naming Ceremony have legal implications?
Neither the Naming Ceremony nor any document issued as a result of the Naming Ceremony has legal status and any certificates provided are commemorative only.
If it is your intention to change your child’s name, we recommend you seek further legal advice by contacting a local solicitor, the Citizens Advice Bureau, or you can make enquiries at your local Register Office
Where can ceremonies be held?
You can arrange for a ceremony to be held in any venue such as a hall, club or hotel that is available for public use. The venue does not have to be licensed in any way, nor does it have to be local to you. Ceremonies can also be held in your own home or garden if suitable. I will visit you at home beforehand to meet you and to check Health and Safety requirements.
If you are thinking of having your ceremony outside, you need to plan for shelter if the weather conditions are bad. Also bear in mind locations like pubs or beaches are open to the public and can therefore be rather disruptive and noisy.
How long does the ceremony last?
This depends on how much you choose to include. Generally, I recommend between twenty and thirty minutes. Often the ceremony itself is part of a potentially much bigger family event. There are countless additional activities you can arrange to enhance the overall success of the whole day.
Can I include my other children?
Yes, a Naming Ceremony is not just for babies, children of any age can have a Naming Ceremony and you may wish to include your older children in the ceremony as well as your new child, at no additional cost. There are also many other ways of involving older children in your ceremony. It doesn’t matter how many of your children you would like to be named as part of the ceremony, you only pay one fee.
Is there a certificate?
Yes, a commemorative certificate is signed during your ceremony. If you would like additional certificates such as Supporting Guardian Promises I can arrange that for an additional fee.
Do you offer Same-Sex Weddings?
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What exactly is a Naming Ceremony?
A naming ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming the new arrival into the family and the wider community. It is also an opportunity to declare, before family and friends, your promise to be as good a parent as you can, and for adult friends or relatives to confirm their special relationship with your child. It’s a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved as they pledge their love and support for your child’s future development.
Who can arrange a Naming Ceremony?
Any parent can make the arrangements to hold a Naming Ceremony. Likewise, anyone who has parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child or children. Parents do not have to be married and can come from any cultural background, with any spiritual or religious beliefs or with none.
When can ceremonies be held?
I can conduct the ceremony for you at any time, most happen on either Saturdays or Sundays but they can happen on any day that is convenient to you. The ceremony fee is the same whichever day it is conducted on.
Does a Naming Ceremony have legal implications?
Neither the Naming Ceremony nor any document issued as a result of the Naming Ceremony has legal status and any certificates provided are commemorative only.
If it is your intention to change your child’s name, we recommend you seek further legal advice by contacting a local solicitor, the Citizens Advice Bureau, or you can make enquiries at your local Register Office
Where can ceremonies be held?
You can arrange for a ceremony to be held in any venue such as a hall, club or hotel that is available for public use. The venue does not have to be licensed in any way, nor does it have to be local to you. Ceremonies can also be held in your own home or garden if suitable. I will visit you at home beforehand to meet you and to check Health and Safety requirements.
If you are thinking of having your ceremony outside, you need to plan for shelter if the weather conditions are bad. Also bear in mind locations like pubs or beaches are open to the public and can therefore be rather disruptive and noisy.
How long does the ceremony last?
This depends on how much you choose to include. Generally, I recommend between twenty and thirty minutes. Often the ceremony itself is part of a potentially much bigger family event. There are countless additional activities you can arrange to enhance the overall success of the whole day.
Can I include my other children?
Yes, a Naming Ceremony is not just for babies, children of any age can have a Naming Ceremony and you may wish to include your older children in the ceremony as well as your new child, at no additional cost. There are also many other ways of involving older children in your ceremony. It doesn’t matter how many of your children you would like to be named as part of the ceremony, you only pay one fee.
Is there a certificate?
Yes, a commemorative certificate is signed during your ceremony. If you would like additional certificates such as Supporting Guardian Promises I can arrange that for an additional fee.
Funerals
What questions do funeral celebrants ask?
Celebrants can be sensitive and brilliant at asking the right questions to really draw out the essence of a person. I would like to know about your loved ones life, their personality and what made them tick. Together we will discuss how to create a funeral service that reflects that person and how you wish to remember them.
Where can a Civil Celebrant funeral take place?
A civil funeral ceremony is fitting for either a cremation, burial or memorial and can be held in traditional venue such as a crematoriums or chapel or non-traditional venues such as village hall, public house, natural burial ground or garden, offering the family a greater choice. Basically, there is no legal requirement to have a funeral ceremony in a designated place so it can take place anywhere!
How long does a funeral ceremony need to be?
Arranging a funeral can be an overwhelming process for most people. However, planning the funeral ceremony, can be very rewarding and actually help with the grieving process.
As a funeral ceremony is unique to the person who has died so is the length of ceremony. It may be governed by time restraints, if held in a crematorium or may not be, if held in a natural burial ground. There are no right and wrong answers, just what is best for you and your family.
Setting out a clear structure for your ceremony will help decide how long or short it will be. Remember, it is quality of the content and not quantity that matters. You may need to think about other factors such as cultural, religious and traditional factors. We will be able to discuss all of this together.
How can we make a funeral ceremony personalised and meaningful?
Each funeral wording, or script, should be as individual as the person who has died. I will use my skills and experience to create the best script possible, one that is sensitive to the needs of your family and brings to light your vision of how you would like to say goodbye. The family’s involvement is encouraged, and they approve every word and verse that is contained in the script. Readings or poems can be read by family members. That way families will feel comfortable on the day, knowing exactly what is going to be said and when.
I have many ideas and suggestions for readings and music. However, each funeral is created to honour the individual who has passed away, and through discussion with those responsible for arranging the funeral, I can help with appropriate music and readings.
The ceremony can be personalised in many ways, for example, by having a theme, a pictorial tribute, a book of life, or perhaps a parting gift, given from the family to all those who attend, that especially reflects the person who has died. Music, flowers and even if possible, the choice of venue can help personalise the ceremony.
I will meet with you and your family to talk to you about what you would like included in the ceremony. I will listen and record information about the person who has died as well as capture any stories of their life. I will use the information collected to craft a script, or an eulogy if requested, that will be based on your memories, personality traits and the stories of their life.
What about including religion?
Using a celebrant means that you are free to include anything you feel you would like to in order to honour and remember the person who had died and that can include religious, spiritual, or faith-based content.
You are free to choose hymns, readings and quotes if it reflects your wishes and those of the person who has died. You may like to check with the venue if you would like to include anything different like a symbolic ceremony within the funeral ceremony, such as lighting candles. Again, I should be able to advise you on this and will work alongside you and your family to discover the best ways to celebrate the life of the person who had died.
Will the celebrant help us with the design of an Order of Service ?
The family prepares and designs the Order of Service in discussion with the celebrant as well as the Funeral Director. I will design a few Order of Service for you to review. The family or the Funeral Director will print the Order of Service.