FAQs

What is the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

A celebrant is an independent individual who can provide you with a custom made ceremony designed to celebrate any ‘right of passage’ 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 a celebrant ceremony.

A registrar is a government official, responsible for keeping legal records. A wedding ceremony performed by a registrar must take place in a venue licensed for marriage, using specified contractual wording to legalise the union. Religious / spiritual content is not allowed in a registrar wedding ceremony.

Is a Celebrant like a wedding planner?

No. My role as a celebrant involves the writing and performing of the wedding ceremony in collaboration with the couple and the wedding party. A wedding planner is a professional who assists with the design, planning and management of a client's entire wedding, from start to finish. If you choose to employ a wedding planner also, I can collaborate closely with them regarding the running order of the ceremony to make sure everything clicks into place perfectly on the day.

Is a 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. You can find out more about how to do this HERE.

Do we have to be legally married before our celebrant wedding ceremony?

No. 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. 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.

Is it OK if we don’t legalise our marriage at all?

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, that’s not a problem. If you would rather call it a commitment ceremony, that’s fine too.

Do you offer same sex and LGBTQ+ weddings?

Of course! I would be proud to perform wedding ceremonies for couples of any sexuality or gender orientation.

Do our cultures, faiths or religions affect whether we can have a celebrant led ceremony?

Not at all. The content of a celebrant ceremony is not associated with or restricted to any culture, faith or religion. If you wish to incorporate a cultural or religious tradition into your ceremony, I would be happy to discuss this with you.

Where can we hold our ceremony?

Anywhere you want! Your venue does not need to be a licensed wedding venue as your ceremony is not legally binding. Just make sure you have permission from the venue proprietor before you invite all of your guests. Your ceremony can be held indoors, outdoors, on a beach, at the park, by a lake, up a tree, in the forest, on a mountain, in your own garden, at the pub, on a train… The options are endless. I would suggest carefully considering the likely weather conditions when deciding on when and where to have your ceremony though!

Can we include a symbolic ceremony?

Yes. Celebrant ceremonies often involve symbolic ceremonies such as Handfasting, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies, Memory Boxes, planting flowers or trees… it’s completely up to you. If you prefer not to have a symbolic ceremony, that’s fine too!

Who can be involved in our ceremony?

Anyone you wish! If you would like your children, your friends, family members, or even your pet to have a role in your ceremony, that’s absolutely fine (maybe check with the venue about the pet thing first). Many couples have their loved ones doing readings, reciting poems or even performing music at their weddings.

Who writes our wedding vows?

That is also completely up to you. I will spend some time getting to know you as a couple and as individuals when we meet and discuss your plans and can help you as much or as little as you want with the writing of your vows. They can be very traditional ‘repeat after me’ type vows, sentimental and personal vows, or even light-hearted and funny. It’s all down to what you would prefer. If you are shy and hate speaking in public, we can simply have you saying ‘I do’. Job done.

We want a simple, traditional ceremony…is that OK?

Yes! It’s your day and we will do it your way. Want to keep it short and sweet with no frills? Absolutely.

We want a really alternative, extraordinary, unique ceremony…is that OK?

Absolutely! The crazier your ideas, the more fun I also get to have! I’m very openminded so throw those quirky plans at me.

What will you wear as our celebrant?

Typically I will wear something smart and comfortable to perform your ceremony. If your have a particular theme you would like me to fit in with, that’s not a problem. I can blend in with your colour scheme if you wish, or keep it simple and smart. I’m even open to costumes if that’s what your vision is (as long as you buy it).

How many times will we meet before the ceremony day?

We will meet a minimum of two or three times before the actual ceremony. First, your initial free, no obligation consultation to see if I am the right celebrant for you and to start discussing your ideas and plans for your ceremony. This can be in person if you are in the North East, or via Zoom if you are further afield. Then, if you book me, I will prepare a draft of your ceremony based on our discussions and what I’ve learned about you which, once the full balance is paid, I will send or deliver to you (subject to distance) so that you can approve or edit as you wish. Again, we can meet in person or over video call to then discuss the finer details of the ceremony (coffee, cake, wine or gin in hand hopefully). If you would like to run a rehearsal a day or two before the ceremony, we can organise that closer to the time - this may involve additional costs for travel expenses. Throughout the whole process, I will be available to you over email for any questions, queries, additional ideas you’ve had or issues that may crop up.

How far are you able to travel for our ceremony?

Although I am based in the North East/ Teesside area, I am very willing to travel around the UK, Ireland and even overseas if you are having a destination wedding. Of course, this will come with additional costs on top of the ceremony price for travel and possibly accommodation expenses. Let’s discuss your dates and plans and see what we can arrange!

How will we know if you are the perfect celebrant for us?

Easy. You book a free consultation with me and we have a good old chat about what you want, what you’re dreaming of and what your perfect ceremony would be. I can tell you about everything I offer, give you ideas and answer as many questions as you need to ask so you can make an informed decision. I’m absolutely certain we will be wedding besties in no time. However, if I’m not for you, there is no obligation and I can even give you my top recommendations.

How much will it cost to hire you as our celebrant?

Click the button below to see my prices for wedding and vow renewal services and what this will include.