Wedding FAQ's
Many people are still unsure about the role of a Celebrant, and how this differs to the role of a registrar.
A celebrant is an independent individual who is trained in providing you with a custom made ceremony designed to celebrate any ‘right of passage’ in a way which is personal to you, without legal obligation or government restriction. There are very few limitations as to what can be included in a celebrant wedding ceremony. |
A registrar is a government official, responsible for keeping legal records. A wedding ceremony performed by a registrar must take place in a venue licensed for marriage, using specified contractual wording to legalise the union. Religious / spiritual content is not allowed in a registrar wedding ceremony. |
Is my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony legally binding?
No. You will need to register your marriage in a Register Office before or after your celebrant wedding ceremony in order to make your marriage legally binding.
How do I legalise my marriage?
You will need to give notice at your local register office and arrange to have a ‘Statutory Ceremony’ to legally register your marriage. This is the ‘admin’ part of the process, and does not need to be treated as a ceremony.
Must I be legally married before I have my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?
No. Most couples prefer to register their marriage before the Celebrant Wedding Ceremony. However, if you would prefer to register your marriage afterwards, that’s absolutely fine too.
Do I need to register my marriage on the same day/ at the same venue as my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?
No. You can do this any day before or after your wedding day at any register office in the UK. You do not need to have a registrar attend your Celebrant Ceremony or be present at your venue.
We don’t want to legalise our marriage at all, is this allowed?
Yes. A Celebrant Wedding Ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony. It is about celebrating your love and relationship in a way that is special to you. If you wish to confirm your committment to eachother without legal ties, then that’s not a problem.
Will my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony be considered less ‘real’ or ‘important’ if we have already
signed the register in a Register Office?
Not at all! Signing the register is signing the legal paperwork behind the marriage. The most meaningful part of your wedding is when you stand up in front of your nearest and dearest and say your vows together, and declare why you have chosen to commit to each other as partners for life.
I am divorced, does that matter?
No. A celebrant ceremony is not restricted by any legality, or guided by any faith or religion.
Do you offer Same-Sex Weddings?
Yes! We are proud to offer Wedding Ceremonies for any couple of any sexual or gender orientation.
Does it matter what culture, faith or religion I am?
No. The content of a celebrant ceremony is not guided by any culture, faith or religion. However, if you wish to incorporate a cultural or religious faith or tradition into your ceremony through the use of readings, hymns or symbolism then we will work closely with you to include this in your ceremony script.
Where can I hold my Wedding Ceremony?
Anywhere you wish! Your venue does not need to be a licensed wedding venue as your ceremony is not legally binding. Just be sure to have permission from the venue owner before you invite all of your guests.
Can I hold my ceremony outdoors?
Yes. Indoors, outdoors, on the beach, at the park, by a lake, under a tree, in the forest, up a mountain, in your own garden, at the zoo, on the train… The options are endless.
When can I hold my ceremony?
We can officiate your ceremony on any month, day of the week, and at any hour you choose.
No. You will need to register your marriage in a Register Office before or after your celebrant wedding ceremony in order to make your marriage legally binding.
How do I legalise my marriage?
You will need to give notice at your local register office and arrange to have a ‘Statutory Ceremony’ to legally register your marriage. This is the ‘admin’ part of the process, and does not need to be treated as a ceremony.
Must I be legally married before I have my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?
No. Most couples prefer to register their marriage before the Celebrant Wedding Ceremony. However, if you would prefer to register your marriage afterwards, that’s absolutely fine too.
Do I need to register my marriage on the same day/ at the same venue as my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?
No. You can do this any day before or after your wedding day at any register office in the UK. You do not need to have a registrar attend your Celebrant Ceremony or be present at your venue.
We don’t want to legalise our marriage at all, is this allowed?
Yes. A Celebrant Wedding Ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony. It is about celebrating your love and relationship in a way that is special to you. If you wish to confirm your committment to eachother without legal ties, then that’s not a problem.
Will my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony be considered less ‘real’ or ‘important’ if we have already
signed the register in a Register Office?
Not at all! Signing the register is signing the legal paperwork behind the marriage. The most meaningful part of your wedding is when you stand up in front of your nearest and dearest and say your vows together, and declare why you have chosen to commit to each other as partners for life.
I am divorced, does that matter?
No. A celebrant ceremony is not restricted by any legality, or guided by any faith or religion.
Do you offer Same-Sex Weddings?
Yes! We are proud to offer Wedding Ceremonies for any couple of any sexual or gender orientation.
Does it matter what culture, faith or religion I am?
No. The content of a celebrant ceremony is not guided by any culture, faith or religion. However, if you wish to incorporate a cultural or religious faith or tradition into your ceremony through the use of readings, hymns or symbolism then we will work closely with you to include this in your ceremony script.
Where can I hold my Wedding Ceremony?
Anywhere you wish! Your venue does not need to be a licensed wedding venue as your ceremony is not legally binding. Just be sure to have permission from the venue owner before you invite all of your guests.
Can I hold my ceremony outdoors?
Yes. Indoors, outdoors, on the beach, at the park, by a lake, under a tree, in the forest, up a mountain, in your own garden, at the zoo, on the train… The options are endless.
When can I hold my ceremony?
We can officiate your ceremony on any month, day of the week, and at any hour you choose.
Can I include a symbolic ceremony?
Yes. Celebrant ceremonies often involve symbolic ceremonies such as Handfasting, Jumping the Broom, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies, Ring Warming, Gemstones, Water, Memory Boxes, planting flowers or trees… etc.
OR if you prefer not to have a symbolic ceremony, that’s fine too!
Yes. Celebrant ceremonies often involve symbolic ceremonies such as Handfasting, Jumping the Broom, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies, Ring Warming, Gemstones, Water, Memory Boxes, planting flowers or trees… etc.
OR if you prefer not to have a symbolic ceremony, that’s fine too!
Can I include a family pet at my ceremony?
As long as the venue allows it, so do we
Can I include readings and poems in my ceremony?
Yes. You can include any reading whether religious or non-religious, silly or sentimental. You can even invite a guest to read it out for you.
Can I include music and/or hymns?
You can include any songs, music or hymns you like, and can choose to play these either on a PA System or have live musicians, it’s up to you! Please note though that you are responsible for providing your own PA System and music, and for the booking of any live musicians on the day.
Can I write my own wedding vows?
Yes! You can do this yourself, or we can help you. Your vows can be as sweet, silly or sentimental as you wish. You will have unlimited contact and guidance from us throughout the whole process.
Do we have to write our own wedding vows?
Not if you don’t want to. You’re welcome to use traditional recognised wedding vows if you prefer, or simply have no vows at all – it’s your wedding, your way!
I’m very shy and hate public speaking, will you read the vows for me?
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible on your wedding day. You can read the vows yourself, or repeat them line by line after your celebrant, or simply say I do – whatever you prefer.
A family member or friend has passed away, can we remember them in our ceremony?
Yes. You may wish to include a photo or keepsake of theirs on a nearby table too.
I want to keep my ceremony short, simple and traditional, is that OK?
Yep. No fuss, no fluff. Your ceremony can be as simple as you want it to be.
I want my ceremony to be alternative, extraordinary, and elaborate, is that OK?
Certainly! Your ceremony is about you and your personal style. We are completely open minded to your ideas, no matter how crazy, quirky, or unusual they may seem!
As long as the venue allows it, so do we
Can I include readings and poems in my ceremony?
Yes. You can include any reading whether religious or non-religious, silly or sentimental. You can even invite a guest to read it out for you.
Can I include music and/or hymns?
You can include any songs, music or hymns you like, and can choose to play these either on a PA System or have live musicians, it’s up to you! Please note though that you are responsible for providing your own PA System and music, and for the booking of any live musicians on the day.
Can I write my own wedding vows?
Yes! You can do this yourself, or we can help you. Your vows can be as sweet, silly or sentimental as you wish. You will have unlimited contact and guidance from us throughout the whole process.
Do we have to write our own wedding vows?
Not if you don’t want to. You’re welcome to use traditional recognised wedding vows if you prefer, or simply have no vows at all – it’s your wedding, your way!
I’m very shy and hate public speaking, will you read the vows for me?
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible on your wedding day. You can read the vows yourself, or repeat them line by line after your celebrant, or simply say I do – whatever you prefer.
A family member or friend has passed away, can we remember them in our ceremony?
Yes. You may wish to include a photo or keepsake of theirs on a nearby table too.
I want to keep my ceremony short, simple and traditional, is that OK?
Yep. No fuss, no fluff. Your ceremony can be as simple as you want it to be.
I want my ceremony to be alternative, extraordinary, and elaborate, is that OK?
Certainly! Your ceremony is about you and your personal style. We are completely open minded to your ideas, no matter how crazy, quirky, or unusual they may seem!
How long will my Wedding Ceremony last?
A typical ceremony will usually last anywhere between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on how many readings and songs you choose to include, and whether you wish to involve a symbolic ceremony.
What should we wear for our ceremony?
You can wear whatever you like. Mamy brides choose to wear a traditional wedding dress. but whether you choose to wear something traditional, or something more informal is up to you. We even welcome fancy dress!
Will we meet you before the ceremony?
For all marriage and commitment ceremonies, One of our team will meet with you a few weeks before the day to discuss your plans in full. If you cannot meet in person, we can meet over Skype or other instead.
Will we be able to have a rehearsal before the ceremony?
Yes. For all weddings,we will offer to hold a rehearsal with you either a few days before the wedding, or on the day itself, depending on the ceremony location. Depending on your location, this may come at an additional expense to cover travel.
How far are you willing to travel to assist with our ceremony?
We offer our services predominantly in the North West but will always consider enquiries from further afield, although please note that a travel expense may be added.
We live abroad, but we’re planning our ceremony in the UK. Will you work with us?
Yes! We are experienced in working with international couples and families to help plan their ceremony here in the UK whilst based oversees, and is happy to arrange a meeting over Skype or FaceTime at a time convenient to you.
We’re getting married abroad, will you be our Celebrant at our destination wedding?
Yes! We are always willing to travel oversees to assist with a Wedding abroad. Contact us to discuss your plans and destination, and we will provide you with a specific quote based on your intended location.
We hope that this has answered some of your FAQs,
but please contact Clare and Mark directly to discuss any queries you may have in more detail….
A typical ceremony will usually last anywhere between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on how many readings and songs you choose to include, and whether you wish to involve a symbolic ceremony.
What should we wear for our ceremony?
You can wear whatever you like. Mamy brides choose to wear a traditional wedding dress. but whether you choose to wear something traditional, or something more informal is up to you. We even welcome fancy dress!
Will we meet you before the ceremony?
For all marriage and commitment ceremonies, One of our team will meet with you a few weeks before the day to discuss your plans in full. If you cannot meet in person, we can meet over Skype or other instead.
Will we be able to have a rehearsal before the ceremony?
Yes. For all weddings,we will offer to hold a rehearsal with you either a few days before the wedding, or on the day itself, depending on the ceremony location. Depending on your location, this may come at an additional expense to cover travel.
How far are you willing to travel to assist with our ceremony?
We offer our services predominantly in the North West but will always consider enquiries from further afield, although please note that a travel expense may be added.
We live abroad, but we’re planning our ceremony in the UK. Will you work with us?
Yes! We are experienced in working with international couples and families to help plan their ceremony here in the UK whilst based oversees, and is happy to arrange a meeting over Skype or FaceTime at a time convenient to you.
We’re getting married abroad, will you be our Celebrant at our destination wedding?
Yes! We are always willing to travel oversees to assist with a Wedding abroad. Contact us to discuss your plans and destination, and we will provide you with a specific quote based on your intended location.
We hope that this has answered some of your FAQs,
but please contact Clare and Mark directly to discuss any queries you may have in more detail….