What is a Wedding Celebrant?
With the increasing demand for individuality, wedding celebrants are becoming popular because they can give you the freedom of choice when it comes to your wedding ceremony. Ceremonies can be conducted at any time of the day or night, and at any venue or location regardless of it being an inside or outdoor ceremony.
What is a Celebrant’s role?
Simply, a Celebrant writes and conducts formal ceremonies from weddings and funerals to any other celebration in between. Other Celebrant ceremonies include baby naming, celebrating transgender identify, renewal of vows, to name but a few.
A wedding Celebrant will work closely with the couple getting to know them, listening to their dream wedding ceremony and make suggestions how to make it unique to them.
What’s the difference between Celebrant and a Registrar?
A Registrar employed by the Local Authority and bound by their set framework using standard term of words. Whilst some Registrars offer a bespoke ceremony includes vows, up to 4 pieces of music and exchange of rings, they are restricted to officiating inside only and tend to work set hours. Whereas a Celebrant will advise and write the ceremony from scratch, incorporate any religion(s), or beliefs if required, unlimited music from any source, content from any source including rituals, vows, exchanging rings, signing certificate, all conducted in a style of the couple’s choosing from traditional, spiritual to modern, potentially 365 days a year 24 hours a day. In other words, anything goes!
A wedding Celebrant will work closely with the couple getting to know them, listening to their dream wedding ceremony and make suggestions how to make it unique to them.
Will my ceremony be legally binding with a Celebrant-led ceremony?
Currently a Celebrant-led ceremony is not legally binding. Couples who wish to be legally married, go to Registrar and have basic ceremony to obtain the marriage licence, and then have their Celebrant-led ceremony.
There is pressure on the Government to review the Marriage Law Act as it discriminates so many couples who do not wish to have either a church or registry office ceremony.
Does a Celebrant include any religion in their ceremonies?
Yes they can if the couple wants, providing they are an Independent Celebrant. A Celebrant is not restricted to any religion, culture or belief, and can create a ceremony for multi-faith couples also.
How will a Celebrant make it personal?
Celebrants will make suggestions from a wide range of rituals, from modern ones to Celtic types. They will bring out your personality with lots of charm and humour if wanting relaxed atmosphere. They can involve any children or guests within the ceremony making them feel included.
A Celebrant is not restricted to any religion, culture or belief, and can create a ceremony for multi-faith couples also.
How much does a Wedding Celebrant cost?
Celebrants will range in price as most services do. An experienced Celebrant is likely to cost around £795-£925 although many will tailor their charges to suit their clients’ ceremony needs.
How do I know which Celebrant to use?
As you will expect its important to choose the right Celebrant for you. After all, they are representing you on one of your biggest days of your life. Celebrants will differ due to their personalities, experience, and their styles. A good tip is to look at their websites, look who they are affiliated and trained by, and any testimonials they have and invest in time talking to the Celebrant when you are searching for them. Ask them questions, they won't mind! After all, it's important for them to ensure that they are a fit for you, and you to them.
Amanda-Louise Knight Ceremonies. I am affiliated with and trained at The Institute of Professional Celebrants. I have a wealth of experience and regularly work with clients wanting personalised luxury ceremonies in the UK. Contact me on hello@alkcelebrant.co.uk or 07879 220 046
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Amanda-Louise is the creative director of her UK award winning business, Amanda-Louise Knight Weddings Proposals & Events. She provides advice to modern couples who want unforgettable weddings that set the tone about their celebrations and love.
Amanda-Louise is a current celebrant, and has been involved in the events industry for over 30 years. Her love for logistics, she is wedding and marriage proposal planner in the South West of England. A dog lover herself, she is owner of Somerset Wedding Day Dog Chaperone Service ensuring furry babies are included or cared for by her team.
She is mentor to other celebrants and venue consultant to her corporate business clients dedicating her time to helping them grow their own businesses.
And it all starts with making a date with Amanda-Louise!
Blog Disclaimer - the article is opinion based by the author only, the content is for information purposes only, and as such is not guaranteed. Whilst its intended to be accurate there may be some unintentional errors, mistakes or omissions and therefore may be subject of updating. In accordance with any advice articles should the reader wish to rely on this information, they do so at their own risk. Any prices quoted are accurate at time of writing content.
