So, what is a celebrant? A simple question with a not so simple answer.
Deciding who will help you present your ceremony can be problematic. Whilst the clergy, registrars and Celebrants may be familiar terms, until it comes to booking one, many couples will be in the dark about the differences between them.
Acelebrant such as myself writes, performs or officiates their own bespoke ceremonies. Whilst commonly seen at weddings they can also conduct other ceremonies like vow renewals, baby namings, funerals, interments and memorials.
What are the benefits of a Celebrant-led ceremony? (The wedding version...!)
Currently, if you choose to have a Celebrant Wedding Ceremony then you must still need to be married by a registrar, as a Celebrant-led ceremony is not legally binding. This can be undertaken quickly, easily and cheaply in the Town Hall in the week before the wedding (https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/plan-your-ceremony explains the simple process of 2+2 legal procedings with just yourselves and two witnesses present). Most couples choose to undertake this in the week before their full Celebrant ceremony, although I have worked with couples who have chosen a specific date longer in advance or even after their public ceremony.
And then the creative fun begins!
When working with a celebrant, you have free reign to choose the ceremony you would like, right down to the last detail. Whether it’s writing your own vows, or adding in traditions and rituals which include family, friends or pets. Venue-wise, it can take place anywhere. Even in a licensed wedding venue if that’s what you’d prefer. This allows for limitless possibilities: almost any option from home weddings to picturesque locations in the great outdoors via any beautiful building location in between!
Registrars have the power to marry you in the eyes of the law. Celebrants will help you to create a personalised bespoke ceremony, taking place wherever you would like. You can include personalised vows, live music and family. I love working in specific rituals that resonate with my couples, helping them to demonstrate the combining of their lives in more tangible ways.
The simple answer is that you can have a bespoke ceremony with a wedding celebrant and still make your marriage official by a registrar. Couples often feel relieved to be able to enjoy the creative ceremony I have devised for them without the anxiety of sorting out legal logistics on the day.
What are the benefits of a Celebrant-led ceremony? (The funeral version...!)
If your loved one was not a committed member of a faith community in life, then they should not have their final farewell that simply follows traditional religious lines. As a Civil Celebrant, of course I am able to include prayers, religious words and traditions from relevant faiths. But for those who have not been active believers it may well be much more appropriate to have a Celebration of Life following a more secular pathway.
What are the benefits of a Celebrant-led ceremony? (The naming ceremony version...!)
In a similar manner, these can be a little difficult if the parents are not regular and committed members of faith communities. The joy of working with a Celebrant is I can still involve the significant adults who you wish to play a key role in the child's life but can devise vows and promises that are specific to their situations and way of talking. These can be quite touching and are certainly very personal. I will help you to choose meaningful readings that show your thoughts, feelings and wishes for your child. Alongside this, I will work with you to devise words which are relevant and particular to you to create a bespoke and highly unique service.