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WHAT IS a celebrant?

A wedding celebrant is a professional who is trained and insured to perform formal ceremonies, in my case, weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals. 

Celebrants help couples create bespoke ceremonies.  I will write a script that takes you seamlessly through your wedding ceremony, including, helping you write your vows, choosing readings and music – all to create the day of your choice.

There is practically no limit to how creative you wish to be.   It is all about you and your love.

What is the difference between a civil wedding and a celebrant-led wedding?

A civil ceremony is performed by a registrar in a registry office or licensed wedding venue. It’s a non-religious ceremony that is legally recognised, but there are restrictions on the words spoken during the ceremony. For example, there can be no religious aspect. 

A religious wedding would usually take place in a church or similar faith-based venue.

A celebrant-led wedding is a unique ceremony guided by a celebrant who delivers a bespoke ceremony.  There are no limits to gender, race, sexual orientation, size, ability, or circumstances. The ceremony can include religious aspects to represent your individual and combined beliefs. It comes down to what you want from your day.

Where can we have our celebrant led ceremony?

Celebrants can perform ceremonies anywhere, indoors or outdoors, and at any time slot, offering you complete flexibility. 

In my case, I would get to know you before the ceremony and help you decide on key elements, maybe any symbolic additions you might like, for example candle lighting, hand-fasting or perhaps planting a tree – there are many options. You may have your own idea, perhaps rituals or customs you wish to observe. 

Is a celebrant-led wedding legally binding?

At present, celebrant-led weddings are not yet recognised in law in England and Wales. Couples often go to the registry office to be legally wed before or after the ceremony.

There’s no rule that the certificate can only be signed after the ceremony. It can be signed beforehand (so you’re technically married before the ceremony even begins). 

As long as you have a signed wedding certificate, whether before or after your celebration your wedding will be legal. 

Whats the difference between Humanist weddings and celebrant led?

Humanist ceremonies offer a non-religious approach to weddings, based on an atheist belief system.

Independent Celebrants provide flexibility and can incorporate religious and spiritual elements in the ceremony, making it a perfect choice for couples with diverse faiths or beliefs. This also applies to same sex marriages.

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