The Beauty of Celebrant Weddings: Your Day, Your Way

Celebrant-led weddings are increasingly popular among couples seeking a ceremony that reflects their personalities, values, and unique love story. Unlike traditional registrar-led ceremonies, celebrant weddings offer flexibility, creativity and a deeply personal touch, making your wedding day truly unforgettable.

What Is a Celebrant Wedding?

A celebrant wedding is led by a professional celebrant who collaborates with you to craft a bespoke ceremony. While a registrar focuses on the legal formalities, a celebrant’s role is to celebrate your marriage in a meaningful way, unrestricted by templates, locations, or rigid rules.

In Scotland, celebrants can perform the legal marriage alongside the symbolic ceremony, giving couples the best of both worlds. However, in England, celebrant-led ceremonies are symbolic only, meaning you’ll need to complete the legal marriage registration separately at a registry office.

Why Choose a Celebrant?

• Personalisation: Celebrants take the time to understand your story, creating a ceremony that feels authentic to you. From unique readings to symbolic acts, the possibilities are endless. Fancy a hand fasting, blending sand, or exchanging personal vows? A celebrant will make it happen.
• Freedom of Location: Dreaming of exchanging vows on a windswept beach, in your garden, or atop a scenic hill? With celebrants, there are no restrictions—you’re free to choose the perfect backdrop for your day.
• Relaxed Process: Most celebrants offer an initial consultation to discuss your vision and style, ensuring a perfect match. You’ll work together to craft a ceremony that’s meaningful, fun, sentimental, or anything in between.

The Legalities: England vs. Scotland

In England, celebrant weddings are symbolic and must be paired with a legal marriage registration. This can be done through a simple appointment at your local registry office, typically lasting 10-15 minutes, where you’ll sign the marriage schedule with two witnesses. You can then enjoy your bespoke ceremony without legal jargon interrupting the magic.

In Scotland, celebrants can perform legal marriages, giving couples the convenience of a one-stop solution. Whether you’re in a stately venue, on a rugged coastline, or anywhere else, the process is seamless and beautifully flexible.

The Magic of Personal Vows

Personal vows are a highlight of many celebrant weddings. Writing your own promises lets you express your love in a way that resonates deeply with your partner. Here are some tips for crafting memorable vows: (you can also read more here!)

• Keep It Personal: Focus on your unique journey together—special moments, shared dreams, and qualities you admire.
• Practice Aloud: Reading your vows out loud helps with nerves and ensures they flow naturally. Avoid using a phone; instead, write them in a vow book or print them on quality paper.
• Ask for Guidance: If the thought of writing or delivering vows feels daunting, your celebrant can provide resources and support to help you feel confident.

Blending Tradition and Creativity

While celebrant weddings embrace individuality, they can incorporate traditional elements like exchanging rings or timeless readings. The key is that every aspect reflects you as a couple. Whether your vibe is quirky, sentimental, or elegant, a celebrant will tailor your ceremony to your vision.

Getting Started

If a celebrant wedding sounds like your ideal way to say “I do,” start by exploring celebrants in your area. Check out their social media, websites, and testimonials to find someone whose style resonates with you. Many celebrants offer free initial consultations, giving you the chance to discuss your ideas and see if they’re the right fit.

Celebrant weddings are about more than a ceremony – they’re about creating a celebration that you and your guests will treasure forever. Whether you’re planning a legal marriage in Scotland or a symbolic ceremony in England, a celebrant ensures your day is as unique as your love story.

Ready to start planning? Let your imagination run wild and create a wedding day that’s truly yours.

A big thanks and my recommended celebrants include Anne Armstrong at Solway Celebrant, Deborah at True to You Celebrancy, Kerrie at The Birds and Bees and Sophie Colligan.