Frequently asked questions
Why choose a Celebrant for my wedding?
Celebrant ceremonies are already hugely popular all over the world, why? because every aspect of your wedding is personal to you, so why not your ceremony?
By removing the legal element (around 40 words) and signing the papers at your local registry office - you can open up a world of options for your wedding ceremony.
Along with your traditional entrance and exit, exchange of rings and Vows your ceremony can be written just and only for you.
And - it will probably work out cheaper!
Can we meet to discuss our ceremony?
Of course. These days with the use of Zoom or FaceTime etc. we meet at any convenient time. spending as much time as we need to make your ceremony perfect for you
What is the difference between a Celebrant and a registrar?
Both a Celebrant and a Registrar want you to enjoy your ceremony, but the service they offer varies greatly. (Different legislation applies to Scotland)
A Registrar can legally marry you and is employed by the local authority. The format and content of the ceremony is restricted by legislation and no religious or spiritual content may be included. Registrars will often carry out several ceremonies each day so they have to keep to the designated time. The Registrar will arrange to meet you both separately for a pre-ceremony interview on the day, any readings must be approved before the ceremony. You usually won’t meet them before the ceremony.
A Celebrant will take time to get to know you and work with you to craft a beautiful, bespoke ceremony that reflects your ideas, values and personalities. By separating the legal aspect of marriage, your ceremony can be about love, not legalities. You also have a choice in types of Celebrant, there are Humanist Celebrants and also Civil or Independent Celebrants, both offer non-religious ceremonies, however Independent and Civil Celebrants are also happy to include spiritual and religious elements.
How do we complete the legal part of getting married?
You should give notice at your local Register Office. Your partner must also give notice at their local Register Office if they don’t live locally to you. This should be done at least 28 days before the legal element. This is to allow the registrars time to create the relevant documentation and costs approximately £47.00 per person depending on the local area.
Then, many couples book a “small room” ceremony at a Register Office (which can be located anywhere) in the week before their wedding ceremony, they take two witnesses with them and complete the legal requirements of their marriage, saving the vows and exchanging of rings for their Celebrant ceremony. This costs approximately £60 and is usually available on a specific morning each week so it is advisable to book well in advance to secure your slot.