Why would you choose a Celebrant-led wedding?
Back in June, something very exciting happened- This gorgeous couple had their big day- and they chose ME to be their celebrant!
The sun was shining on them (yes, it was quite a while ago now…), their families and friends all accidentally colour co-ordinated and the good vibes in the Orangery were palpable. So. Much. Joy!
I still can’t get over them choosing me as their Celebrant. They knew it was going to be my first wedding, yet they put their trust in me for their momentous day and I will be eternally grateful for that. And do you know what? It was epic!
*take that imposter syndrome*
Getting the first meeting had been a bit of a fluke- I knew the Groom from my coffee shop life. I remember him telling me his plans to wed his beautiful kiwi fiancé in New Zealand, way back in 2019 when they first got engaged. Life happened and we both changed work locations before ending up back in Putney where I ran into him a few months back. I was telling him what I was up to but hadn’t considered pushing a card on him (there have been a few people trying to buy a quiet coffee who share details of their lives with me and get a business card thrust upon them. Sorry, not sorry.) But lo and behold that pesky little pandemic had scuppered their original plans, twice, and they were in need of a UK based Celebrant!
Of course I was BUZZING and basically skipping everywhere for about 2 days building up to the meeting, but on the morning of, I filled with dread and realised I wouldn’t get the booking. You may not know that a Celebrant led wedding ceremony in this country is currently not legally binding- you are required to do the legal bit at the registry office if you wish for a legally recognised marriage. In New Zealand, this is not the case and civil Celebrants have the power to legally marry people. I’d got it in my head that this would be game over- but fortunately for everyone involved they were well aware of this and had the legals booked for 2 days before the big day! Phew!
But, I know what most people will now be thinking “Why would you use a Celebrant if you still have to do the legals?” It’s a question my Mum* certainly asks on a regular basis.
The answer is: THE FREEDOM!
- The freedom to make your day your own, with a personal script written for and approved by you.
- The freedom to choose the music and readings you want to hear at your ceremony, no approval needed.
- The freedom to choose how long you want the ceremony to be- there is no need to rush with a celebrant led wedding!
- The freedom to tell your story- have your guests laughing and crying throughout!
- The freedom to include your culture or beliefs- perhaps you are blending cultures and want to represent that?
- The freedom include and engage your friends and family using rituals – tequila ceremony anyone? Or perhaps a unity ceremony for your blending families? You can even have a loved one act as your celebrant if you really wanted! (it’s a huge responsibility so if you do, choose wisely!)
- The freedom to choose any venue you like! You can go off-piste if there is no legal requirement.
- Plus, the Celebrant will make the build-up to the ceremony really fun! You’ll be reliving your relationship and remembering funny or lovely stories as you collaborate on your dream ceremony- rather than just the interrogation you get from the registrars.
Why would you have it any other way?
*my mother is the least romantic person in the world. Her love story with my Dad is actually rom-com worthy, but they are two of the least romantic people on the planet. Despite commenting at the time how odd it was picking which impersonal script they wanted their registrar to read, she still doesn’t get why you’d choose an alternative. It’s a hill I’m likely to die on.