While a Registrar is authorised to conduct the legal marriage ceremony, a Celebrant has the privilege of crafting a deeply personal and meaningful wedding celebration.

It’s important to distinguish between the legal act of marriage and the joyous celebration of that union. Marriage establishes your legal status, formalised through a contract. A wedding is the heartfelt ceremony where you declare your love and commitment before your chosen community.

Think of it like registering a birth or a death – the registration happens, but the celebration of new life, or the memorial to a life lived, are separate, significant events. Similarly, your marriage registration can be a distinct event from your wedding ceremony.

When considering what’s right for you, reflect on what you truly desire for your celebration.

Your Ceremony, Your Vision, Your Magic

Are you dreaming of a ceremony in a place that speaks to your souls, a location beyond the bounds of traditional venues? With a Celebrant, your vision takes flight! As long as you have the blessing of the land, your ceremony can unfold wherever your hearts desire, at any time that resonates with your magic.

To ensure your legal union, you’ll also need to visit the registry office to complete the necessary formalities. This simple step, often referred to as a “registration” or “2+2” ceremony, is a requirement in England and Wales.

So, you have a choice:

• A legal ceremony with a Registrar at an approved venue, which may involve certain restrictions.
• Or, a bespoke Celebrant-led ceremony, crafted to reflect your unique love story and personal magic, followed (or preceded) by a separate, simple legal registration.

In some cases, it may be possible to have both a Registrar and a Celebrant at your chosen venue, though this usually involves separate fees.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Choose the path that allows your love story to be celebrated in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and truly magical.

Finding the Celebrant Who Speaks to Your Hearts

Choosing the right Celebrant is a deeply personal decision. Here are some whispers of guidance to help you find the perfect match:

• Connect with their essence: Explore their website, social media, and any videos they may have. Do their words resonate with your own beliefs and values about love and commitment? Can you sense the magic in their approach?
• Share your vision: Arrange a meeting (in person or virtually) to discuss your dreams for your ceremony. Does the Celebrant listen with their heart? Do they understand your unique story and the atmosphere you wish to create?
• Feel the spark: Do you feel a genuine connection with the Celebrant? Do they inspire your trust and confidence? Remember, this is the person who will be guiding you through one of the most important moments of your lives.
• Explore their craft: Ask about their experience, their approach to ceremony writing, and their willingness to incorporate unique rituals, readings, or elements that are meaningful to you.
• Trust your intuition: Ultimately, the best Celebrant is the one who feels right for you. Trust your instincts and choose the person who will help you create a ceremony that is both authentic and truly magical.