What's the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

This is a common question! A registrar carries out the legal part of a marriage. Their ceremony follows certain legal requirements and has to take place at an approved location. A celebrant ceremony is different. It's about creating something personal, meaningful and completely tailored to you. You can choose the words, music, readings, rituals, people involved and where you'd like it to happen.

If you're having a celebrant-led wedding, you'll still need to complete the legal formalities separately with a registrar — usually at a registry office.
The great thing is that once the legal bit is taken care of, your main celebration can be your way, in your place, with your people.

Do we have to have a traditional ceremony?

Not at all. In fact, I rather like doing things differently!

You don't have to follow a set formula or tick every traditional box. Maybe you want a beautiful ceremony in the South Downs, something relaxed and informal, a meaningful ritual, a surprise for your guests — or something nobody's thought of before. If you've got an idea, let's talk about it. There's usually a way to make it work.

Can our ceremony include religion or spirituality?

Absolutely. I'm genuinely inclusive and happy to work with all beliefs — whether you have a strong faith, a spiritual tradition, a mixture of beliefs or no faith at all. As a Christian, I'm very comfortable with prayers, blessings and religious readings, and I love finding thoughtful ways to bring different beliefs and traditions together respectfully.

Can we involve our family, friends and pets?

Of course. They might do a reading, tell a story, perform some music, take part in a special ritual or present the rings. 
There are plenty of ways to involve the people who matter most — and it doesn't have to be the usual “one reading from the bride's mum”!
I'm a real animal lover, so I also love thinking of ways in which your pets can be involved. I got married earlier this year and it was far from traditional. Our dog carried the rings around his neck, and we even brought our parrot along who watched the whole ceremony from on top of the baptismal font (in his cage I must add!) 

Can we write our own vows?

Definitely. Your vows should sound like you, not like they've been lifted from a ceremony book.
If you know exactly what you want to say, fantastic. If the thought of writing your own vows fills you with dread, don't worry — I'll give you plenty of help and ideas.

Where can we have our ceremony?

Pretty much wherever works for you and your plans.
A wedding venue, garden, woodland, field, favourite family spot or somewhere overlooking the South Downs — I'm very happy to think outside the traditional venue.
If you've got an unusual idea, tell me. I love a bit of adventure!

How does the process work?

It starts with a conversation.  Get in touch using my contact form, email me or DM me on instagram. 
If you're still keen then we'll arrange a short, free non-obligation meeting either face-to-face or online. It's a chance for us to get to know each other, talk about your plans and ideas, and see if I'm the right celebrant for you. No pressure, no obligation — just a conversation.

After that, if you'd like me to be your celebrant, I'll send over everything you need to confirm your booking. Your date is secured with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due closer to your ceremony. I'll then write your ceremony from scratch and work with you to shape it until it feels just right. 

How long does a ceremony last?

There's no stopwatch! Most wedding ceremonies are around 20–40 minutes, depending on what you'd like to include.
The important thing is that it feels natural and gives your special moments the time they deserve.

What types of funerals and memorials do you offer?
 
I can conduct traditional funerals, celebrations of life, in-home memorials, tree planting ceremonies, and the interment or scattering of ashes — all personalised to reflect the life being honoured.