Thinking of a Celebrant Wedding? Here’s What You Should Know

In the words of Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, ‘Love lifts us up where we belong’!  And with Valentines Day having just passed, it got me thinking (even more so than usual!) about Love. Weddings. And the role of a celebrant during a wedding ceremony.

So, I thought it might be useful to share some commons questions I often get asked when it comes to being a celebrant. A lot of people will have heard of a celebrant, but many people might not actually know what is involved or the role they play. It is something I wish I had known about when I got married 18 years ago, so this blog will explain more.

What types of ceremony can a Celebrant carry out for couples in the UK?

One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘What types of ceremony can a Celebrant carry out for couples in the UK?’ And the answer is a number of different types. I am a wedding celebrant so I officiate weddings, working with couples who want something super personal, fun and inclusive on their big day, where they can just be themselves.

I also officiate vow renewals. There are a number of reasons why people want their vows to be renewed. It might be that a couple wants to reconnect and share their love again with their friends, family or simply just themselves. Or maybe it’s been a number of years since their special day. Whatever the reason, vow renewals is one reason a celebrant may be hired. Some people use a celebrant for a really personal naming ceremony which is lovely and others may officiate funerals. Some celebrants cover all of these, but as a wedding celebrant so cover weddings and vowel renewals.

Wedding law reviews - what does that mean?

This is something I am increasingly being asked. The proposed UK wedding law changes are set for early 2026, so we are all waiting with bated breath to see what happens.  The UK is set to modernise wedding laws, which will give couples the opportunity to marry in so many more locations (think beaches, forests, private gardens and more) which is incredibly exciting. It will also remove the need for a separate registry office ceremony, which is currently required to make the marriage legal.

Independent or humanist celebrant?

Another question I am often asked by couples is ‘What are the key differences between a Humanist Celebrant and an Independent Celebrant?’ As an independent Celebrant I can officiate weddings which can include religions elements if required, as well as spiritual or cultural elements too depending on a couple’s preference. A humanist celebrant is trained by Humanist UK and offers non-religious secular ceremonies.

Some people ask if I am a member of an organisation such as the Civil Celebrant Connection? Being part of a professional body helps ensure that my clients receive a professional and high quality service. Being a member includes everything from ensuring that whichever celebrant you use they are insured, vetted and adhere to a specific code of conduct, so you know that you are working with the best.

Happily ever after…

After I have worked with a couple to create the most magical wedding ceremony for them, I hope some people come back to me for anniversary celebrations (these are such a lovely idea and makes their anniversary feel even more special), family milestones and vow renewals.

Whatever your reason for wanting to work with a celebrant, finding the right fit is the most important aspect. Someone that listens openly, takes on board your views, gets to know you, what you like AND what you don’t like – is super important.