Why choose a celebrant for your wedding ceremony?
Before you know that you would like to hire a celebrant, you need to know what they do, and if they are the right fit for you. So...
​
What is a celebrant?
​
A celebrant is someone that officiates at a wedding, vow renewal, commitment ceremonies, funeral, celebration of life, memorial or a naming service.
​
Many people don’t realise that you have a choice at who officiates at these significant life events. You can have a service anywhere, perhaps somewhere that has a special meaning to you or even in a public place as long as you have the owner or landlord’s permission.
​
Many celebrants, including myself, are not bound by any specific beliefs or legal requirements (whereas some are). Therefore, this is why I can tailor your ceremony that is bespoke to your particular requirements. So if you would like to include some religious elements, of any faith, I am more than happy to accommodate this. This is of particular benefit to you if you are a couple of mixed faith and would like to incorporate elements from two religions into the one ceremony, I am happy to oblige. ​
​
What is a registrar?
​
A registrar is an employee of a local council who deals with the legalities of a marriage as well as births and deaths.
​
A registrar is bound by time constraints they will often conduct multiple weddings on, often set days and times. This is likely to mean that they are unlikely to be able to personalise your wedding to the level that an independent celebrant can. It is unlikely that you will meet the registrar before your big day which can make it feel more formal and impersonal. They also use a similarly worded script for each wedding. They can only conduct a ceremony at either the registry office or a licensed venue, which means that dream wedding you had planned in your parents back garden or on the beach or in the middle of a forest wouldn’t be allowed.
Music and readings are allowed for a civil ceremony. However, by law they are strictly secular which means that they are not to have any religious words at all. This is strictly vetted. So no prayers, religious blessings or bible readings. This can be a particular problem for couples of mixed faith or those that would like to have a reading or music that has a special meaning to them. A good example of this is one of my particular favourites- ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams.
​
A vicar or priest?
These are clergy of the, usually, the Christian faith. A church wedding will have a sermon, bible readings and hymns. This is the more traditional wedding.
​
It is usual for a couple to spend time before their wedding attending church. Therefore, as with a celebrant the priest will get to know the couple. The priest will be involved in pulling the ceremony together- the structure, vows and advising on music, readings and hymns.
​
A humanist celebrant?
These tend to be more known than an independent celebrant and there are similarities . Both offer an individualised ceremony with the same flexibility over where and when and what the ceremony contains.
There are some differences though. A Humanist celebrant must be Humanists themselves and be trained by Humanists UK. They have no religion and are guided by human experience, science and reason. Therefore, a wedding ceremony will be secular in nature. Religious elements may be included as long as this is delivered by a guest. Rites of faith or acts of worship wouldn’t be included.
​
So basically the difference is all about personalisation. An independent celebrant is independent of any religion, belief or organisation. An independent celebrant will ensure that your ceremony is tailor made to reflect you as individuals and as a couple or family, in any way that you wish. This will make sure the experience is truly memorable and meaningful for you and your guests.
​
However, in England and Wales you will still need to undergo the legal part at a registry office. This is a simple ceremony known as a 2+2 where the you attend with 2 witnesses of your choice. Then you can get to do the fun bit with me!
​
