The civil celebrancy movement for weddings was established in Australia in the seventies, when only religious ceremonies in a church, or civil ceremonies by a registrar which met legal requirements for weddings were allowed. It was recognised that these traditional options didn't have any spiritual or personal meaning for couples who did not want, or were not allowed to marry in church. Civil celebrancy then expanded in Australia to include funerals, and other personal ceremonies.      

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Since the early 2000's using a celebrant for weddings and funerals has become extremely popular in the UK. Some people prefer not to be married in a place of worship, and choose a celebration of life at funerals officiated by a celebrant rather than an impersonal service for their loved one. Using a celebrant means that the wishes of those involved are reflected in the ceremony whether weddings, funerals or other personal ceremonies such as naming ceremonies and renewal of vows and can include civil, spiritual and religious values. 

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Using a celebrant has also offered a way for same sex unions to be celebrated.   

 

A civil wedding celebrant is not governed by legislation and does not need a wedding license so there is no limit to the options available to you.

 

As your celebrant, I will get to know you and I will create a bespoke, meaningful ceremony that isn't religious but can incorporate religious or spiritual elements if you wish. You will have complete and creative freedom to make your day special, and I will write the ceremony with only you in mind, based on your love story and officiate on your special day.

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You must obtain a legal marriage certificate in the weeks before or after your wedding (usually before), but this is a very simple process and you don't have any obligation to have a full ceremony at a register office. Here is the link to the UK Government website, which will explain the legal aspects - https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/weddings-and-civilpartnershipceremonies

 

A civil funeral celebrant - As your chosen celebrant, I will meet with you and together we will plan a funeral ceremony that celebrates and reflects the life of your loved one.  I will create an individual service that represents their values and beliefs and will officiate the service to remember, honour and celebrate their life.  

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I will support you at this emotional time and will ensure that the ceremony I write is a fitting tribute to your loved one.

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​A church wedding is a traditional religious wedding ceremony, hosted in a church, and the ceremony is given by a Vicar or Priest. It involves readings from the Bible as well as the singing of hymns.

 

Some churches require proof of baptism, confirmation and/or communion, and there are also some churches that will only perform second marriages if the first was annulled. 

 

Same sex couples cannot be married in a church.   

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A registry office wedding is a civil ceremony which is a legal, non-religious marriage or civil partnership ceremony, conducted by registrars employed by the council, who would not be known to you before your wedding day.  

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No ritual, symbolic or spiritual elements are allowed.

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Registrars can also legally marry couples in venues that hold a wedding license but the same restrictions apply.