What is a celebrant?
What is a Celebrant?
You’ve probably heard the word “celebrant” pop up on wedding blogs, Instagram reels, or from your mate who had that gorgeous humanist ceremony in a field with fairy lights and a saxophonist.
But let’s be real, unless you’ve actually booked one or Googled it in a panic at 1am while planning your wedding you might still be thinking, what even is a celebrant?
So, let me explain
A celebrant is someone who creates and leads personalised ceremonies. That might be weddings, baby namings, vow renewals, or funerals. We’re not religious and we’re not registrars (more on that in a sec), and we’re not reading off a script we’ve done 342 times before.
We’re here to tell your story in a way that feels like you. Whether that’s barefoot on a beach, up a mountain, in your nana’s back garden, or in a rustic barn full of candles.
How is a celebrant different from a registrar?
Registrars are the lovely folks from the council who do the legal side of things. Think: official paperwork, vows from the Marriage Act, and a strict timeline.
A celebrant doesn’t do the legal bit (yet!) but what we do offer is total creative freedom. We can include:
Your love story, with all the good bits (and some of the funny ones)
Handfasting, candle lighting, or any quirky tradition you fancy
Personal vows, written by you or co-created with me
Music, readings, a tequila shot – literally whatever suits your vibe
Do I need one?
If you're happy with a quick 10-minute ceremony at the registry office with the same script as everyone else, maybe not.
But if you want a ceremony that:
Actually feels like you
Makes your mates laugh, cry, and actually pay attention
Isn’t bound by tradition, time limits, or anyone’s idea of “how it’s usually done”
… then yes. Yes, you do need one!
Can celebrants legally marry us?
Ah, the million-pound question!
No, celebrants in England and Wales can’t do the legal bit yet however 2026 may see changes to this!! Watch this space!!! But at the moment most couples just pop to the registry office beforehand to do the legal signing – quick and cheap – and then have the real ceremony with me where and how they want.
A celebrant isn’t just someone who turns up and reads a few lines. We get to know you. We create something with you. We help you mark a big moment in your life in a way that actually means something, not just to you, but to everyone in the room.
So if you want a ceremony that doesn’t just tick a box but tells a story, your story, maybe a celebrant’s exactly what you need!
Get in touch, ’d honestly love to hear all about your plans! One of my favourite parts of this job is getting to know the people behind the day. By the time your big moment arrives, we won’t feel like strangers – we’ll be mates. And trust me, those aisle nerves? Gone! drop me an email and lets get chatting!
