Helpful Information
General:
What is a Celebrant?
You may have heard of Celebrants but be unsure of exactly what they do. A Celebrant is a person who performs and officiates formal ceremonies. They aren’t part of any religion, statute or doctrine, meaning the ceremonies can be created very personally for those involved.
Weddings:
What’s the difference between a Celebrant and a Registrar?
Where can I hold my wedding?
This is entirely up to you! Once your marriage has been legally registered your choices are pretty much endless. There are so many options including private estates, outdoor locations, hotels, rustic barns, farms, marquees or simply a place which holds a special meaning for you.
Will the wedding ceremony be legally binding?
No, although the legal formalities can be conducted before or after your celebration day at your local register office where you can register your marriage or civil partnership. Take a look at our Wedding Guide page for more information.
Renewal of Vows:
What is a Renewal of Vows ceremony?
Why would we renew our vows?
What will the Renewal of Vows ceremony include?
Naming Ceremonies:
How is a naming ceremony different to a Christening?
Unlike a Christening, naming ceremonies are not religious and, as such, they are not officiated by a priest or a member of the clergy. A Christening tends to focus on the beginning of a journey of faith. Naming Ceremonies are highly personalised and reflect the family and their wishes.
The focus of a Naming Ceremony is about the child and the hopes the parents have for their future. It is an opportunity to welcome him or her into the family and celebrate their arrival with loved ones.
When should a Naming Ceremony be held?
Naming ceremonies are often held for babies although there are no rules on when the ceremony needs to be held. The ceremony can take place very soon after the birth of your child, or it can later in their life when you feel like they can also understand what is going on and be a part of it.
There may be another significant reason for holding the ceremony at a certain time. If you are getting married and you have a stepchild, you may want to hold a Naming Ceremony shortly after the marriage to celebrate the importance of you all becoming a family. Similarly, if you adopt a child, you may choose to hold a Naming Ceremony to officially welcome them into your family and provide a special, memorable day all about them.
Where should a Naming Ceremony be held?
The venue for your naming ceremony is largely your choice, it could be in your local village hall, an event venue, your garden, a place of natural beauty or somewhere meaningful to you. Permission will be needed however if you choose to hold the ceremony in a public place.
What is a celebrant?
You may have heard of celebrants but be unsure of exactly what they do. A celebrant is a person who performs and officiates formal ceremonies. They aren’t part of any religion, statute or doctrine, meaning the ceremonies can be created very personally for those involved.
What’s the difference between a Celebrant and a Registrar?
A Registrar can legally marry you and is employed by the Local Authority. Based on timings, it is unlikely you will meet them ahead of your wedding day.A Celebrant is self-employed and act as a host for your bespoke service. Having both Registrar and Celebrant present can allow you to separate the legalities from the personal and loving aspects of your wedding.
Where can I hold my wedding?
This is entirely up to you! Nick will officiate your ceremony at the agreed venue, time and place.
Will the wedding ceremony be legally binding?
No, although the legal formalities can be conducted before or after your celebration day at your local register office where you can register your marriage or civil partnership. Take a look at our Wedding Guide page for more information.
Are celebrants legally required to be qualified?
There is not legal formality for Celebrants to become qualified, however there are formal training programmes that reliable Celebrants take to ensure the provide the best service.
Does a celebrant service have legal value?
No, the Celebrant does not hold any legal power.
Is it advised to meet the celebrant before the ceremony?
Yes, it is advised to meet to ensure you are happy with the chosen Celebrant.It will also provide the opportunity to discuss you and your family to give the Celebrant a good understanding of the type of service you desire.
Can I book a celebrant for a religious venue?
This will depend on the venue. A celebrant ceremony is not restricted to any culture, faith or religion, so Nick can lead your ceremony in a religious place if that venue allows.
How long will the service last?
This is entirely up to you and what you would like included in your ceremony. Think about what music and readings you would ideally like to include, this will inform how long the ceremony is likely to be.
