Why choose an Independent Celebrant?

Some people wish to have their funeral or wedding ceremony officiated by a priest or minister and are clear that a central religious component is important for them. If you choose an Independent Civil Celebrant like me, your ceremony can be completely non-religious or include spiritual or religious elements, whatever your preference. If you would like a prayer or hymn included, that is something that a Humanist Celebrant would not provide. I will incorporate any aspects that align with your beliefs and values, following your lead.

If we use an Independent Civil Celebrant for our wedding, do we still need to visit a Registrar?

Yes. Most couples visit the Registrar in the weeks preceding the wedding and get the “legal bit” done in a fairly low key fashion, leaving special vows and ceremony for their big day, alongside family and friends. After your ceremony with me, you will still sign and receive a Certificate of Marriage to mark the occasion.

Why not just stick with the Registrar?

If you opt for an Independent Celebrant, you can choose your venue, vows, structure and content of your ceremony, supported by me, making sure it’s the perfect reflection of you both. An intimate, personal service that is completely bespoke and unique to you is something that cannot be done at a Registry Office.

What training have you had to become an Independent Celebrant?

As well as my extensive professional and personal experience that has equipped me to be an excellent celebrant, I have trained in Wedding, Funeral and Naming Ceremonies with the respected Academy of Professional Celebrants, a UK-wide organization. I regularly access Continuing Professional Development, ensuring I’m up to date with all aspects of the business. I operate within the Code of Conduct of the APC, have Public Liability Insurance and work in line with GDPR requirements.

How much contact and communication will we have before the ceremony?

I will meet with you before the ceremony, be that a funeral, wedding or any other ceremony. I’ll spend time listening and really getting to know you and get a sense of what you would like. I’ll also link with any others involved in the ceremony, making sure that all feel happy and comfortable about their role. I’ll follow up with questionnaires, phone calls and emails, all to make sure my draft is as good as I can make it and that you are involved and happy with it. I’ll then redraft and tweak until it’s exactly what you want. If you would like me to be involved in a wedding rehearsal, for example, I will do that for an additional fee. But if not, I’ll still be making sure I am absolutely prepared to bring joy and sensitivity to your ceremony.

Do you conduct any other ceremonies?

Births, marriages and deaths are clearly the most obvious points of celebration and commemoration in our lives. They are not the only ones though and I am very happy to work with you to mark other pivotal life events. These include adoption of children into your family, acknowledging reaching a milestone in your sobriety journey or making a profound transition in your life. As with all the services I provide, I’m happy to have an initial chat, to understand your needs and plan together. Just give me a call or send a message!