Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
What actually is a celebrant?
Someone who writes and leads ceremonies. I’m independent, which means I’m not tied to a church, a register office or a funeral director, and I have no rules imposed on me about what your ceremony can contain.
What’s the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?
Can you legally marry us?
Not in England and Wales, no. Nobody working as an independent celebrant can. You’ll do the legal formality at your local register office, which costs around £50 and takes about ten minutes, then have your real ceremony with me. This is completely normal and thousands of couples do it every year.
What qualifications do you have?
Where, When and How Much
Where can we hold a ceremony?
Anywhere you like. Manor houses, barns, village halls, woodland, gardens and open countryside are where I’m happiest. There’s no approved venue list and no licence required, because the legal formality happens separately.
What areas do you cover?
How much does it cost?
Funerals and celebrations of life start at £250, and £450 for a complex bespoke ceremony. Weddings start at £550, and £850 for the full package including MC duties. Full details sit on each ceremony page.
How far in advance should we book?
When It’s Actually Happening
Can our friends and family be involved?
Please do involve them. Readers, musicians, children with something to say. I’ll rehearse with anyone who’s nervous and I’ll be standing right there if they wobble.
What if it rains?
Can we include religious or spiritual elements?
Yes, and you can include several traditions at once. my personal beliefs are spiritual and diverse so I’m genuinely at home blending beliefs with respect.
Questions About Funerals
Do we have to use the celebrant our funeral director suggests?
No. That’s the single most useful thing on this page. Your funeral director will usually propose someone, but you’re free to ask for me by name and they’ll arrange it.
Can you read a tribute for us?
Can we still have hymns and prayers?
Questions About Naming Ceremonies
Is a naming ceremony legally binding?
No, and neither is a christening. Registering the birth was the legal step. A naming ceremony is about meaning, promises and gathering your people.
Can older children have one?
Yes, and they often enjoy it more because they can help write it. Naming ceremonies work beautifully for adoptions, blended families and children who never had a ceremony as babies.
Still Wondering Something?
Ask me. There’s no such thing as a silly question and I’ve almost certainly been asked it before.