Five Ways a Celebrant Wedding Can Make Your Day Unforgettable
- Cas Holmes
- May 28
- 4 min read
Did you know that according to Hitched and Bridebook celebrant-led weddings have increased to 23% , a jump of 5% with an incredible1 in 7 couples now choosing to separate their legal paperwork from their actual wedding celebration, giving them real choice to personlise their big day? Celebrants have been around for 50 years in Australia, then in the 1980s, the UK followed suit. Indeed, the Economist estimated that 10,000 celebrant-led weddings took place in England in 2019.
Sometimes, it may feel counterintuitive to consider a celebrant-led wedding ceremony in addition to a registrar. Many people I speak to are weighing up celebrant vs registrar wedding uk. So do you want your wedding ceremony to be unique and personalised to reflect your style, vision, personality, and preferences? Of course, it’s entirely up to you, and you must make an informed decision about this critical aspect as for any other part of your wedding celebration. So read on…
Hold your ceremony in the place of your choosing
Once you are legally married by a registrar at a simple ceremony for £50+, with a minimum of 2 witnesses, you are then free to choose any venue/ place that suits you for a longer personalised celebrant-led ceremony that has been designed, purely about and for you both.
You are not constrained by whether a venue has a licence for a registrar, where specifically you can be married in that venue and pay the additional venue and registrar costs.
Celebrants come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their prices, so there will be something for everyone.
You want a day that is all about you
Yes, by choosing a celebrant, someone trained to create and deliver wedding ceremonies (and is insured to do so), you have taken the first step in identifying someone who will focus purely on you both.
They will want to find out your love story and create a ceremony around you to fit into your event's chosen style and vibe.
Celebrants are inclusive and will work with people from all backgrounds to create a ceremony that is right, for them.
They will include religious, secular, or other elements, help with your vows, commitments, and choosing music and readings.
‘There’s been a 49% increase in Google searches for ‘celebrant weddings’ in the past year, and traffic to our article about celebrant-led weddings has increased by an incredible 157%, showing a clear trend for unique celebrant-led wedding ceremonies.’
– Zoe Burke, Editor of Hitched
Choose who you want to tell your story and how you want it told
The choice and availability of wedding celebrants are increasing, with more people from all walks of life wanting to have the privilege of having this exciting role;
This is to the advantage of couples who can choose who to work with and be part of their special day.
I came into celebrancy because I wanted to hear people's stories and make them memorable.
Search online for a celebrant near you and on the many wedding and celebrant directories.
Why not go to a local wedding fair, speak to a wedding celebrant directly, and find out what they do?
Speak with your celebrant when it is convenient for you
Couples lead busy lives and have many things to organise for a wedding.
Celebrants are flexible and know you are busy.
They will fit around you to spend quality time face-to-face and online beforehand
They will keep in touch by phone and email leading up to your big day.
Venues and photographers often prefer celebrant-led weddings
In my research into venues, as a celebrant, I have been told that venues and photographers prefer a celebrant-led wedding.
Celebrants are good public speakers and will put you and your guests at ease.
They will take time to make you feel special and help you have the perfect ceremony.
Celebrants have a more relaxed vibe, know the couple well, and often the venue.
Your celebrant will work alongside your other suppliers on the day and know when to step aside for those all-important wedding photographs you will cherish forever.
Your wedding, your way
In summary, a celebrant wedding ceremony will give you that extra special touch to your day and all the other preparations you have thought so hard about. Not only will you receive your very own personalised wedding ceremony script. Your guests will comment on what a unique, memorable, and magical day they have witnessed, and then you’ll realise that finding your perfect wedding celebrant was your best decision!
For more information on my celebrant wedding services please click here Country Weddings & Vow Renewals | Rites of Way
You are welcome to contact me to discuss your dreams for your big day and how I can help you make them come true. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrant Weddings
What is the difference between a registrar and a wedding celebrant in the UK?
A registrar conducts a standard, legally binding ceremony with strict wording constraints at a licensed venue. A wedding celebrant creates a completely unique, personalised ceremony tailored entirely to your story, allowing you to get married anywhere without legal or time restrictions.
Is a celebrant-led wedding ceremony legally binding in England and Wales?
No, celebrant ceremonies are not currently legally binding in England and Wales. Most couples do a quick, low-cost statutory booking at a registry office for around £100+ to handle the legal paperwork, freeing them up to have their dream celebrant wedding later. What's more you get top have two celebrations!
Can you include religious elements in a celebrant wedding?
Yes, absolutely. Unlike registrars who are legally banned from including religious content, an independent celebrant can seamlessly blend religious, spiritual, secular, or multi-faith traditions into your script.
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