Wedding & Vow Renewal FAQs

What is the difference between a Registrar and a Wedding Celebrant?

A registrar is employed by the local council to carry out the legal registration of your marriage. They usually work to a set script, have limited time slots, and must conduct ceremonies at licensed venues.

A wedding celebrant focuses on the celebration itself, the personal, heartfelt, story-led ceremony that reflects who you are and what matters to you. A celebrant-led ceremony is completely bespoke and can be longer, warmer, and more relaxed.

The legal bit and the love bit don’t have to happen at the same time. Most couples complete the legal registration at a registry office on a separate day, then enjoy their real ceremony with their celebrant, in front of the people they love, in a place that feels meaningful.

Can a Wedding Celebrant marry us?

At the moment, UK celebrants cannot legally marry couples. This means you’ll need to complete the legal part of your marriage at a register office, usually with two witnesses.

This part typically takes around 20 minutes and can be done before or after your celebrant-led ceremony. Many couples describe it as the paperwork, while the celebrant ceremony is the moment they truly remember and cherish.

Where can a Celebrant led wedding take place?

Almost anywhere. One of the biggest joys of a celebrant-led ceremony is freedom.

Because your ceremony doesn’t need to take place in a licensed venue, you can choose a location that feels right for you, whether that’s a beach, woodland, barn, mountain top, private garden, or somewhere completely unexpected.

Your ceremony can happen before or after your legal registration at the registry office.

How does a Wedding Celebrant work with us?

It all starts with a relaxed, no-obligation chat to talk about your ideas and see if we’re a good fit. This can be in person or online. Once you book:

• I’ll send you a detailed questionnaire to capture your story, personalities, and ceremony vibe

• We’ll meet again to shape the ceremony and talk through readings, rituals, and vows

• I’ll write your ceremony from scratch and share a draft well ahead of your day

• You can review, tweak, and refine until it feels exactly right

On the day, I arrive early, liaise with your venue or planner, support anyone involved in the ceremony, and lead everything calmly and confidently.

Who writes our wedding vows and decides on the content of our ceremony?

You do, with as much or as little help from me as you’d like.

Some couples love writing their own vows, others want guidance, and some prefer me to write vows on their behalf. There’s no right or wrong way.

What matters most is that the words feel true to you. Everything is agreed in advance, so your ceremony reflects your love, your voices, and your story.

Can we include family, friends, children, or rituals in our ceremony?

Absolutely. A celebrant-led ceremony is all about inclusion.

You’re welcome to involve children, family members, or friends through readings, music, promises, or symbolic moments. I’ll guide everyone involved so they feel confident and supported.

Rituals such as handfasting, candle lighting, sand ceremonies, memory boxes, or tree planting can all be included, or we can create something entirely unique together.

What is the difference between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Celebrant?

A wedding planner supports the planning and coordination of your entire wedding day.

A wedding celebrant focuses specifically on creating and delivering your ceremony. My role is to craft a meaningful, personal ceremony and lead it with warmth and care.

If you’re working with a planner, I’ll liaise closely with them to ensure everything flows smoothly on the day.

Do you offer Vow Renewals as well as weddings?

Yes. I create both wedding ceremonies and vow renewals.

Vow renewals are a beautiful way to celebrate your journey together, whether it’s for a milestone anniversary, after a challenging chapter, or simply because it feels right. Just like weddings, vow renewals are fully personalised and can take place anywhere you choose.