Frequently asked questions
What is a Wedding Celebrant?
As a celebrant I would work with you as a couple to create the ceremony you want. It will be personal and unique, on your big day it will reflect your values, beliefs, personalities, interests and your love story.
Can we meet you before deciding if we want a celebrant led wedding?
Yes if local not a problem at all, if further afield then this can be through a mutually agreed time on a video call or what’s app, or another program.
What is the difference between a Registrar and a Celebrant?
Celebrants and Registrar’s will always want you to have a great wedding day, but we both offer different services.
Registrars are employed by the Local Authority and are able to perform the legal part of the ceremony. The ceremony must be held in a licensed area. Details of this you will find on the Local Authority Website.
Registrars follow a format and content which is dictated by legislation.
An Independent Celebrant is self employed and is unable to perform the legal part of the ceremony. Couples who want a celebrant led wedding that is more personalised, that has no time constraints, on the day. Will chose a Celebrant. Couples will tend to get the legal part out of the way a few days before. This will leave them free to have the ceremony that meets their ideas, wishes and have those forever memories. Your Celebrant will get to know you very well leading up to the big day and put you at ease.
Registrars may perform 3-4 ceremonies a day so you are likely to be given a time slot, and you may not meet them before the day
What is the cheapest way to get the legal part of our marriage sorted?
There is clear guidance you can obtain by looking at your local County Council Website.
In Essex you have to “give notice” and must be completed at least 29 days before your planned registry office wedding. This is £35 per person and you will see on the website what you need to do and what paperwork is needed. The wedding can go ahead usually between a Monday – Thursday but not Bank Holidays. You can book this a year in advance. The approx. cost is £68 and £22 for 2 official wedding certificates. (please note these costs will vary year to year)
Are you a Qualified Independent Celebrant?
Yes, I trained in 2021, and qualified on 1.2.2022 receiving an NOCN Level 3 – Certificate in Civil Celebrancy
I am fully trained and experienced in Weddings, Vow Renewals, Funerals, Celebration of Life, and Baby / Child Naming Ceremonies. I have the skills to create and deliver personalised unique ceremonies.
Are you insured?
Yes, I am insured for Professional & Public Liability
Can we have our wedding ceremony outside?
Yes of course, anywhere is fine, but always think of the seating needed, and a Plan B for the weather conditions hot or cold
Are you happy for other people to participate in the ceremony?
Yes totally
We have children can we involve them in our ceremony?
Yes or course, I have had many weddings where children have been involved, and happy to share ideas. I have seen such beautiful moments when children are involved in the ceremony.
We are not sure what to do, are you able to help us?
If you book me, you would have my full support, I can make many suggestions but at the end of the day, would totally respect what you want in your final ceremony. There are many things we could discuss to give you food for thought.
We want to write our own vows is this, ok?
Totally, and I would give you support if needed, this is such a special part of the wedding ceremony. I even have a “how to write your own vows guide “to help you on your way and having fun at the same time!
Can we exchange rings in a celebrant led wedding?
Yes of course and we can find the appropriate words you want for this part of the ceremony
Is there a time restriction for a celebrant led wedding?
None at all, it depends on how we craft your ceremony and what you want included. Average is 30-40mins as a guide. It is your choice!
Are there any restrictions on music, readings, poems, photography and videography
No none at all
If we want to book you how far in advance do we need to book?
Most people book 6-18months in advance, but I will take bookings at shorter notice if I am able to do it and not already booked.
Can we involve pets in our ceremony?
Yes not a problem, Dogs have been known to be the ring bearers, there have been brides enter on a horse and birds also bringing in the rings