Photo: Jodie Ann Photography

What is the difference between a celebrant led ceremony and a registrar?

A humanist ceremony allows you to personalise your wedding ceremony, so every single one is entirely different and devised with you in mind – it tells your story and is the centrepiece of your day.  You can include loved ones, fully immerse your guests in the ceremony and incorporate a range of symbolic actions to make sure it reflects your personalities and what is important to you.  With a registrar, you may not meet them until the day and the ceremony follows a very straightforward structure.  With me, I’ll have worked closely with you in the months leading up to the wedding to make sure it is ‘just so’ and you will have somebody who genuinely cares about you leading your ceremony.  And let’s not forget…with a humanist celebrant you can get married absolutely anywhere, indoor or outside, at any time!

What if we have no idea what to include in our ceremony?

Don’t worry – this is where I come in.  My job is to learn about you, to tease out ideas and together we work out what the perfect ceremony is to celebrate you both.  I will come armed with an array of ideas which we’d discuss at our Planning Meeting.  Your ceremony can be quietly traditional or wild and wacky – the choice is yours and I’ll be your guiding light throughout.  Handfasting, candle-lighting, memory capsules, ring-warming, tree planting, boozy toasting…there is an endless array of symbolic actions you can include, should you wish.  Stuck for ideas for readings?  As an English and Drama Teacher, I have a variety of inspirational readings on hand.  Whilst humanist ceremonies are typically non-religious, they are fully inclusive and I am very open to discussing how we can incorporate elements of your culture and traditions.

How far do you travel?

Being based in South Nottingham, I can work with couples based in Nottinghamshire and surrounding counties.  However, I am also happy to travel further afield to other UK locations or beyond – just ask!  I’m very used to travelling around the country with family spread between the West Midlands, Norfolk and further south near London.

Photo: One Day Production

Why have you chosen to be a wedding celebrant?

My first experience of a humanist wedding ceremony had a huge impact on me – I felt I was immersed in a bubble with that couple, bursting with love and emotion.  It was such a joy hearing and learning about their personal journey together whilst also being a part of a very special slice of that journey on their wedding day.  I knew straightaway that creating those joyous, meaningful and memorable experiences as a wedding celebrant, was something I wanted to do.  And as a secondary English and Drama teacher, I am no stranger to both writing and holding a room!

Any other questions?

I’d be happy to discuss questions and queries over email or phone.  Equally, if you’d like to organise a no-obligation chat/meet up, just get in touch.