What Does a Wedding Celebrant Do?
If you’re newly engaged and starting to plan your big day, you’ve probably come across the term wedding celebrant. But what exactly does a celebrant do—and how do they differ from a registrar or religious officiant? (This post refers to wedding celebrants in England.)
As a wedding celebrant, I create and deliver personalised, meaningful ceremonies that reflect you — your love story, your values, your personalities, and your vision for the day. Let’s break it down.
A Personalised Ceremony—Just for You
Unlike a registrar, who is bound by legal wording and structure, a celebrant has the freedom to write a completely bespoke ceremony. This means:
- You can include personal stories, anecdotes, and in-jokes.
- You can write your own vows—or I can help you craft them.
- You can incorporate rituals, readings, or cultural elements that are important to you.
Whether you’re traditional, quirky, romantic, spiritual, or non-religious, the ceremony will feel uniquely yours.
Celebrants vs Registrars: What’s the Difference?
In the UK, a registrar is a government official who performs legally binding civil ceremonies. Their scripts are standardised, and you must use a licensed venue.
A celebrant, on the other hand:
- Has no legal restrictions on what can be said.
- Can marry you anywhere—on a beach, in a garden, in your own home, or even up a mountain!
- Focuses on the celebration of your relationship, rather than legal formalities.
Many couples choose to complete the legal registration separately at a registry office and then have their celebrant-led ceremony as their true wedding day.
How It Works: The Process
Working with me as your celebrant typically looks like this:
- Initial Chat: A no-pressure call or a virtual or in-person meeting to get to know each other.
- Planning Meeting: We talk through your love story, your ideas, your vibe, and any special elements you’d like to include.
- Script Writing: I craft a one-of-a-kind ceremony script and send it to you for feedback.
- The Big Day: I arrive early, keep things calm, and deliver your ceremony with warmth, meaning, and a few happy tears.
- Keepsake Copy: After the day, you’ll receive a beautiful copy of your ceremony script to treasure.
Why Couples Choose a Celebrant
- Freedom: No rules, no templates—just a ceremony that feels right for you.
- Personality: Your story told your way, with humour, heart, and authenticity.
- Flexibility: Choose any location, any time, any theme.
- Connection: A celebrant gets to know you as a couple, so the ceremony feels natural and sincere.
Final Thoughts
A wedding ceremony sets the tone for the whole day—and it should be just as special and memorable as the party that follows. As a celebrant, my job is to make your ceremony feel real, joyful, and deeply personal.
If you’re dreaming of a ceremony that’s written just for you, I’d love to hear your story.
Divine Celebrant 