Celebrant Questions, Resolved

No jargon, no waffle. If your question is not here, just ask me, because I would much rather have the conversation.

The Basics

What does a celebrant actually do?

I will write and deliver your ceremony. That means getting to know you properly, drafting something entirely bespoke, editing it with you until it is right, and then standing up on the day and delivering it. I also coordinate with your venue and suppliers on the day so you do not have to think about it.
What's the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

A registrar handles the legal marriage. They work from set wording, they can only officiate in licensed venues, and they cannot include anything religious or anything personal beyond the basics.
I can officiate anywhere, at any time, with any words. Your ceremony can be ten minutes or forty. It can have handfasting, your best friend reading song lyrics, your dog carrying the rings and a surprise ring bearer under someone's chair. What I cannot do is the legal paperwork, which is why most couples do both.
What training do you have?

I received my professional celebrant certification through the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, equipping me to write and officiate custom ceremonies for all of life's milestones.
Can we include religious or cultural elements?

Yes, and I love it when people do. I am inclusive in everything I do. Prayers, blessings, traditions from one or both of your families, readings in another language. It is your ceremony, your way.

Can you legally marry us?

Not in England and Wales, no. No independent celebrant can. The legal marriage happens at your register office.
So how does that work?

You give notice at your local register office, then book their short statutory ceremony. It is the simplest and cheapest option they offer, it takes about ten minutes, and you need two witnesses. Many couples do it on a quiet weekday with their parents or a couple of friends and treat it as a lovely prelude to the main event.
Then we do your real ceremony on your real day.
Do we do the legal bit before or after?

Almost everyone does it before, so the paperwork is done and there is nothing hanging over the day. I suggest doing the legal bit a week before your ceremony date, but whatever works for you.
Is a naming ceremony legally binding?

No, and neither is a christening. Registering the birth is the legal step and that happens at the register office. The naming ceremony is about the meaning, the promises and bringing loved ones together.

How much does it cost?

Weddings and vow renewals start at £650. Naming and family ceremonies start at £350. Both include everything from the first chat through to your keepsake script, with unlimited edits along the way.
How do I book?

We have a free, no-obligation chat first. If you are happy to go ahead, I send a booking form and a 50% deposit secures your date. The balance is due 4 weeks before the ceremony.
How far in advance should we book?

As early as you can once you have a date and venue, especially for peak season and summer weekends. That said, if your date is sooner, feel free to drop me a message to check my availability!
Do you travel?

Yes. Travel is included up to 20 miles from SM5, which covers most of Surrey and South London. Anything further is quoted and agreed before you book, so there are never any surprise costs.
What happens on the free chat?

We talk about your plans, I answer your questions and we see whether we click. That is it. No pressure and no pitch. Connection matters enormously to me and if I am not the right fit for you I will happily point you towards someone who is.

Where can we hold our ceremony?

Anywhere. Gardens, barns, hotels, restaurants, botanical gardens, village halls, your own back garden, the pub where you met. Because the legal part happens separately, the venue does not need a licence.
What if it rains?

We have a plan B agreed well in advance, and I will help you decide the cut-off point for calling it. I am unflappable about the weather. Also, some of the best photos in existence involve splashing around in wellies.
Can friends and family be involved?

Please do. Readings, blessings, a group promise, guideparent pledges, someone giving a surprise speech. I will help you work out who to ask and what to give them, and I will look after anyone nervous on the day.
Can children be part of it?

Absolutely, and this is very much my area. I have spent years as a nanny, so I know how to give children a real job, keep the timings realistic and make sure nobody feels left out.
Will we see the ceremony before the day?

Yes. You get the full draft and we edit it together until you are 100% happy. Nothing on your ceremony day should be a surprise to you, unless you have specifically asked me to keep something secret.