It’s probably the question I’m asked more than any other. That, and ‘Isn’t it basically the same thing?’ Well… yes. And absolutely not. No. Ahem… Right… Imagine you’re planning the biggest party of your life. You could hire a venue with a fixed menu, fixed timings and a schedule that runs like clockwork. Or… You could throw the party exactly how you imagined it. That’s the difference.

Registrars are brilliant…

Let’s get this bit out of the way first. They really are fantastic and lovely and warm. Registrars do an important job. They conduct the legal part of your marriage and help thousands of couples every year tie the knot. BUT they’re restricted to certain timings, words, schedules, and can be expensive if you want them to come out to your venue. That being said, if you’re looking for a straightforward legal ceremony, they’re exactly the right people. But if you’ve always imagined a ceremony that feels completely you… that’s where a celebrant comes in.

There are no rules…

Well… almost. You can include your dog. Your nan. Your children. A ring warming. Hand fasting. A tequila shot. A choir. A singalong. A moment of silence. A surprise flash mob. Or simply the two of you, standing in the middle of nowhere with your favourite people.

Fancy walking down the aisle to AC/DC? Go for it. Taylor Swift? Absolutely. The theme tune from Jurassic Park? Honestly… I’d love to see it. One Day More from Les Mis – only if I can join in!

Want everyone standing in a circle around you instead of sitting in rows? Perfect. Want to stand under a tree instead of at the front of a room? Let’s do it. Want your best friend to tell the story of how you met, your mum to do a reading and your little girl to help with the rings? Yes, yes and yes.

There aren’t pages of rules telling us what your ceremony has to look like. Because your love story has never happened before. So why should your ceremony look exactly like everyone else’s?

More time. Less rushing.

One of the biggest things couples tell me after a celebrant ceremony is… ‘It was the favourite part of our day’ There’s no glancing at the clock. No wondering if you’re taking too long. No squeezing your story into a ten-minute slot. We can laugh. Pause. Cry. Breathe. Enjoy the moment. Because you’ll (hopefully!) only do this once. Let’s make it count.

But I still want a traditional ceremony…

Wonderful. So did I! We’ve dreamed of this moment since we were little. Being a celebrant doesn’t mean every ceremony has to involve alpacas, smoke bombs and interpretive dance. (Although… I’m open to discussion!) If you’ve always dreamed of a classic entrance, beautiful vows, meaningful readings and exchanging rings in front of everyone you love… We can absolutely do that. It’s kinda my fave. Traditional doesn’t have to mean impersonal. The difference is that every word is chosen because it means something to you, not because it’s printed in a book.

Have you seen that video? Eeeek….

You know the one… The priest telling the groom off moments before the wedding because they wanted to swap sides? Can you imagine? One of the happiest moments of your life… …and you’re told you’re doing it wrong! That sums up why I love celebrant ceremonies. There isn’t a “wrong.” Stand where you want. Sit where you want. Do whatever you want as long as it’s kind and legal; I’m up for it! If you want to laugh… Laugh. If you cry… Cry. If you forget your words… We’ll laugh together. (You won’t btw coz I’ve got ya!) Your ceremony shouldn’t feel like passing a test. It should feel like coming home. Cosy with your favourite people and the love of your life, telling those that matter just how committed you are to each other

So… what do I actually do?

I get to know you. Properly. Not just your names and where you’re getting married. I want to know how you met. Who made the first move. Who leaves mugs everywhere. Who says sorry first. Who takes forever to choose something on Netflix. The proposal. The disasters. The funny stories your friends will be hoping I mention… …and the moments that made you realise, “Yep. This is my person.” Then I write a ceremony that couldn’t belong to anybody else. One that makes your guests laugh, cry and say afterwards… “That was so them.” And honestly? That’s the biggest difference of all.

Also – I only do one wedding a day – so I’m there FOR YOU ONLY! I’ll turn up at least an hour early. I’ll be there helping with button holes, calming nerves, sorting seating plans, going through readings with those people who want to practice… I’ll have tissues, safety pins, lippy, perfume, and I give a bloody good hug!

Let’s chat