If you’ve decided to be married by a celebrant rather than a vicar, priest or rabbi, then you might be wondering exactly what he or she will actually do for you on the day itself.
A celebrant has more of a freeform, independent role in most cases. Religious leaders and registrars have various spiritual and legal roles that they have to abide by and while many are willing to be flexible to a certain extent, they still have to fulfil their core duties and rituals.
You will receive a ceremony that’s as unique as you are
If you want to be married dressed as Ewoks, then that’s all good. Your celebrant might even dress up too! If you’re a mixed-faith couple, then your celebrant should help you to find a “third way” to celebrate that blends your faiths and heritages together.
You will receive acceptance and no prejudice
If you’re a same-sex couple, or you’re both pagans, lapsed Catholics or you’re planning a Viking wedding (which you may or may not decide to renew after a year) then your celebrant will conduct your ceremony with the same love, respect and attention to detail that a so-called regular wedding would get.
Your family & friends will all be welcomed
You may have a mixed bunch of friends and families, including ex-spouses, children from previous relationships and your Steampunk-obsessed eccentric mates. It doesn’t matter; there’ll be no side-glances, no awkward silences and no judgement. If you’ve decided someone should be there, then that’s good enough!
You will receive personalised attention and planning
Your celebrant will never conduct the same wedding twice! While registrar office and religious ceremonies are largely similar and performed by the book (literally), celebrant-led weddings are individual and unique. This means that you work with your celebrant in a very personal way, discussing the words you use, the order of events and the music you want. If you’re ever stuck for ideas, your celebrant will almost certainly have the answer for you.
