What’s the difference between a Celebrant and a Registrar?

The Difference is HUGE!

So, why should I book an Independent Celebrant?

“A celebrant gets to know YOU, ensuring your day, your union and your ceremony is as personal as it can be for all present.

Their role often combines the many skills of performers, writers, poets and sometimes even therapists! Genuine “people-people” who love getting to know each couple, working without rules, writing and presenting a totally awesome ceremony that is all about you and your unique love story.”

Okay, speaking as an Independent Celebrant, I am bound to BIG-UP the benefits of my skills and those of my fellow independent celebrants, aren’t I? So, read on…

You will plan this special day for months, if not years, carefully selecting the dress, florist, musicians, photographer and the cake maker to be sure it is your wedding, totally individual to other weddings you’ve attended…. Your one special day.

Then you have THE MOST IMPORTANT PART carried out by someone you will meet 15 minutes earlier, at a time of heightened stress, repeating vows from a restricted choice of set words with the odd poem that is “allowed”!

It’s not original, it’s not special and it’s certainly not YOU!

Whereas a wedding celebrant is a fabulous, trained professional who you have chosen to create and deliver a wonderfully engaging ceremony, uniquely for you!

They get to know YOU, ensuring your day, your union and your ceremony is as personal as it can be for all present.

Their role often combines the many skills of performers, writers, poets and sometimes even therapists! Genuine “people-people” who love getting to know each couple, working without rules, writing and presenting a totally awesome ceremony that is all about you and your unique love story.

Will the ceremony be legal?

The biggest practical difference is that a Celebrant led wedding is not yet legally binding (in England or Wales) in the same way as a religious or civil wedding, but don’t worry, you do have a few options.

To cover the “legal” part of the marriage, you can:

• Book the legal part at a registry office, with just you two and two witnesses (often referred to as a 2&2) to inexpensively get that all important piece of paper.

• Book both a registrar and Celebrant for your wedding day; giving you two ceremonies (one short and sweet- the other more personal and meaningful)

• Follow one partners’ religious belief with a Church service, then add a much more personal ceremony later on, at a time, venue and location of your choice, surrounded by the family and guests who you want at your “celebration” day

What other benefits are there to having an Independent Celebrant?

Where can we get married?

You can have your ceremony wherever and whenever you want!

Sunrise on a beach or Twilight in a forest - no problem. There are no restrictions as your Celebrant is Independent and not bound by Registrar office hours or Church led traditions.

What time of day can I get married?

This is as variable as the content; your celebrant will guide you through options dependent upon the number of readings, if you wish to include a special song or any symbolic elements, however 30-40 minutes works really well, keeping everyone actively engaged in the ceremony. Independent celebrants work with only one ceremony each day… so there’s no need to rush off to deliver another ceremony, so there’s no stress if you’re running a little late!

Involving Children at Our Ceremony

So many couples will have children present, from young flower girls and page boys perhaps forming a newly blended family. Writing a script to involve these cuties is great fun, whether they help in a sand ceremony or help tie the ribbons in a hand fasting ceremony makes it even more meaningful for everyone present.

What does it cost to get married?

Most celebrants work within a similar price range to a registrar being present on the day, yet the value is so much more, as a great deal of their time is spent in the writing and preparation of your personalised ceremony. Finding the right celebrant for you is the most important part as they will put you at ease, convey your story and quite honestly set the tone for the rest of your day!

What about including a Spiritual element?

Perhaps one of you follows a faith and wishes that to be recognised… The huge benefit of working with an Independent Celebrant is there really are NO RESTRICTIONS! So should you wish to include a hymn or spiritual reading it really is not a problem.

Different Cultures

When two people from different cultural backgrounds come together, their wedding celebrates not only their love, but the beautiful fusion of their heritage, traditions and families. Independent celebrants are uniquely positioned to create these meaningful cultural bridges, crafting ceremonies that honour every aspect of who you are.

Memories That Last

“So many ceremonies can seem bland, restricted and dull… I’m sure you want your family and friends to talk about your ceremony year on year… whether it’s the entrance music you chose, the quirky vows you said or the modern ritual you included, so go ahead, break the mould, work with a celebrant and……… think outside the box!”