Frequently asked questions

What is a Celebrant?

What are the benefits of having a celebrant-led ceremony?

Do I need a registrar?

A celebrant is a person who leads or officiates a formal ceremony, often one with personal, cultural, or spiritual significance.

In non-religious or semi-religious contexts, a celebrant conducts weddings, funerals, baby namings, vow renewals, and other ceremonies.

They are often secular or non-denominational, focusing on creating personalised ceremonies that reflect the beliefs and values of the individuals involved.

In short, a celebrant is someone who conducts meaningful ceremonies, whether spiritual, secular, or somewhere in between.

Having a celebrant-led ceremony offers several meaningful benefits, especially for people who want a personalized, inclusive, and flexible approach.

• Celebrants work with you to create a ceremony that reflects your values, beliefs, and personality.

• You can include readings, music, symbolic rituals, or cultural traditions.

• You can hold the ceremony anywhere—beaches, gardens, vineyards, homes, or historic venues—not just in religious buildings or registry offices.

• There are no restrictions on the structure, wording, or style of the ceremony.

• You usually meet and collaborate with the celebrant beforehand, building a connection and ensuring the tone and content feel authentic and heartfelt.

• The celebrant can often tell your story in a way that's emotionally resonant and deeply meaningful to your guests.

In essence, a civil celebrant provides a bespoke, meaningful alternative to traditional ceremonies, with a focus on honoring your unique life and relationships.

To be legally married in the UK, you must complete a legal registration of your marriage or civil partnership at a register office or an approved venue, with a registrar present. The registrar's role is to ensure that the marriage is legally valid by overseeing the required legal declarations and registering the union.

Many couples choose to keep this legal ceremony simple and minimal—often just the necessary legal words and signing of the register—sometimes referred to as a "paperwork-only" ceremony.

They then have a personal, celebrant-led ceremony afterwards—at a time, place, and in a style that truly reflects them.

A celebrant-led ceremony is where couples can express their love and commitment in a deeply meaningful and memorable way, surrounded by family and friends, without the restrictions of legal wording or format.