Weddings

What is a celebrant-led wedding ceremony?

It is a ceremony led by a celebrant as opposed to a registrar or religious leader. As a celebrant, I am not restricted with wording that I can or cannot use, your ceremony can take place whenever and wherever you wish and, through getting to know you as a couple for months in the lead up to your big day, I create a truly personalised ceremony with you at the heart of it. You have the freedom to include extra elements - such as handtying, ring warming, alcoholic shots or surprise ring bearers - in your ceremony should you choose to do so.

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Is a celebrant-led ceremony legally binding?

As it stands at the moment, celebrant-led ceremonies are not legally binding in England so in order to be legally married, you would still need to sign a marriage certificate at a registry office at any time before or after your wedding celebration (not on the same day!). This can be done in what is called a 2+2 ceremony and costs in the region of £60. A 2+2 ceremony includes the two of you and two witnesses and takes around twenty minutes.

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Where can we hold our celebrant-led wedding?

So long as you have the permission of the landowner, absolutely anywhere, so let your imagination run wild - beach, woods, meadow, pub grounds, castle, best friend's garden...​

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Will you help us write our vows?

Yep! Short and sweet, long and humorous or anything in between, I'm on hand to support with vow writing.​

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How long does a wedding ceremony take?

Usually around half an hour, dependent on how much you include in your ceremony.

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Can we include religious or cultural traditions in our ceremony?

I love a cultural tradition or two thrown into a ceremony and actively encourage you to celebrate your backgrounds and what makes you, you.​

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Do you perform same-sex and LGBTQ+ ceremonies?

A big fat YES to this one! Love is love here and absolutely everybody is welcome.​

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How far in advance should we book you?

Preferably as soon as you have booked your venue, but always get in touch and ask if your date is free as I often have last minute availability free. Typically, couples book around a year in advance.​

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Can we include friends and family members in the ceremony?

Absolutely! There are many ways in which you can include your guests (and pets!) in your ceremony. Very happy to share ideas and to learn new ones from you!​

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What happens after we book you?

A 50% deposit is required to secure your date and we get the paperwork out of the way. Then the fun begins! Six months ahead of your wedding date, or immediately if it is less than six month's time, I will send you a questionnaire about your ceremony ideas and your story as a couple to complete. Once I have received your response, I will put together the first draft of your ceremony script. We then have time to tweak and edit as many times as necessary until it is 100% what you want for your day. Throughout this time, we will keep in touch, meet up and generally get excited about your wedding! On the day, I'll arrive at your venue (which I will visit beforehand if I've not worked there previously) around an hour ahead of your ceremony start time to set up, liaise with the venue staff and other suppliers and generally help out where needed. After your ceremony, I'll ask for thirty seconds of your time for a quick picture together before heading off to leave you to enjoy the rest of your day. 

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Funerals

What do you do as a funeral celebrant?

As a funeral celebrant, I learn about the life of the deceased through conversations with their family and discuss the type of ceremony wanted, including music, readings and element choices. I prepare a script for that ceremony and amend it accordingly with family input every step of the way. If the ceremony is at a crematorium, I sort the music side of things and sometimes the photo tributes too. I then officiate on the day, turning up early to ensure that all is prepared and as it should be. 

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How do we ensure that we have you as our celebrant?

When you first have contact with the funeral director who is taking care of your loved one, they are likely to recommend a celebrant to you. This celebrant will be somebody 'on their books'. If you already know that you would like to book myself (or any other celebrant), you need to let the funeral director know at this point that that is your choice and pass my details onto them. It is important to know that the celebrant you hire is YOUR choice.

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Do you offer both religious and non-religious ceremonies?

I am very happy to add religious elements to a funeral, such as the reading of a prayer, a religious mention or short religious reading, but do not offer solely religious ceremonies.

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Do we need to meet in person to plan a funeral?

We need to have contact in some form, but this does not have to include meeting in person if it cannot be arranged. We could meet online, talk over the phone or communicate via email or text. 

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How much input can we have into the ceremony content?

You are involved in the planning process of the ceremony every step of the way and ,as a celebrant, I try my very best to incorporate all that is requested. If you are not sure of what you want in the ceremony, I am more than happy to discuss ideas and give examples of ceremonies to help you to decide what would best represent your loved. It is worth considering that if you are having a cremation there is a limit on time.

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Can we include music, readings or tributes from family members?

I highly recommend family members being actively involved in the ceremony. Again, at a crematorium time is more limited, but that's not to say that we couldn't plan something very family centred.

 

Do you write and deliver the eulogy?

Yes, through the information I receive from the family at the beginning of the process, I create a 'script' that I deliver on the day. Included in that script will be family tributes, where I step aside for them to speak. If a family member prefers or changes their mind on the day, I step in and read their tribute for them.

 

Can you help with non-traditional funerals or memorials?

Absolutely. With green burials, direct cremations with later gatherings and memorials being on the rise, I work with families to create meaningful ceremonies that have the freedom to be more non-traditional and celebratory.

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How much notice do you need?

The timeframe from somebody passing to their funeral is often around 3-4 weeks, so that is the usual amount of notice I receive. However, it is definitely worth checking if you have a funeral that is sooner than that, as I am often able to work to shorter timescales. 

 

Do you support families after the funeral?

I do contact families after the funeral to check on how they are doing and offer information on bereavement services if they are needed.

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Namings/Welcomings

What is a naming or welcoming ceremony?

Namings and welcomings are non-legal celebrations to welcome somebody into a family or community.

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Are naming ceremonies just for babies?

Not at all! They're also popular for older children, adopted or fostered children, stepchildren or adults choosing a new name or identity.

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Can we hold a ceremony for more than one child or family member?

Absolutely! Many families include siblings, blended families or multiple children in one ceremony.

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Why would adults have a naming or welcoming ceremony?

A naming or welcoming for an adult is a beautiful way to celebrate a name change, gender transition or new life chapter.

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What's included in a naming or welcoming ceremony?

Anything you like! Typically, a ceremony would include symbolic gestures, readings, guideparents or mentors, vows and unity rituals.

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Where can we hold the ceremony?

So long as you have the permission of the landowner, anywhere at all that feels meaningful to the family/person - at home, in a garden, in a hall, a wooded area...

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Can we include religious or cultural elements?

Yes, my ceremonies are tailored to reflect your values, traditions and beliefs.

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What role do family and friends play?

You can include your family and friends in the ceremony by making promises, giving readings and taking part in rituals. I'm open to any ideas you may have too!

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Can you help us write our promises or choose readings?

Absolutely, I'm here to help every step of the way.

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Do you offer certificates or keepsakes?

I offer a certificate if you would like to sign one as part of the ceremony, you will receive a paperless copy of the script and I gift you with a little eco-friendly something.

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