Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the answers below to some FAQs
What is the difference between a celebrant and a Registrar?
As a celebrant, I can create a completely bespoke ceremony just for you. I can deliver this at any venue and at any time, as long as we have the permission of the owner. A Registrar is a council employee who is responsible for keeping legal records. The ceremony conducted by a Registrar must be in a licensed venue and has to contain specific declarations and binding words. A Registrar cannot have any religious or spiritual readings in their ceremony and the content itself is very limited. You are likely to only meet your Registrar a few moments before your ceremony. Whereas you have the opportunity to have as much contact with me as you like in the build up to the ceremony.
What type of ceremonies can you do for me?
You can find more information on my wedding ceremonies, vow renewal ceremonies and naming ceremonies on each of the dedicated pages. However, I am able to provide you with a ceremony for any occasion that you'd like to celebrate. If you can't find the type of ceremony you're looking for, don't worry. Get in touch and we can talk about what might be possible.
Do ceremonies have to follow a set pattern?
Absolutely not. The great thing about a celebrant led ceremony is that it can be anything you like. It can be as traditional or abstract as you like. Throw your ideas at me and we can create the ceremony of your dreams. I specialise in injecting unique, modern elements into a more traditional ceremony format. If you're looking for some of that traditional comfort, but with a beautifully personal twist, then I am the person for you.
How much does it cost?
Wedding ceremony - from £650* (including travel up to 50 miles)
Wedding ceremony - from £650* (including travel up to 50 miles)
Vow renewals - from £600* (including travel up to 50 miles)
Naming Ceremony - from £350* (including travel up to 30 miles)
*Please note if your ceremony location is further than the distances specified from my home, additional travel expenses will be charged at 45p per mile.
If you decide to have a symbolic ritual and would like me to source the items, this would also be added to your fee. We can discuss any additional fee(s) during a free, no obligation discovery call. Any additional expenses will be clearly laid out in your booking form and contract.
How much involvement do you need from us once we have booked you?
As much or as little as you like. Once we have had our initial meeting, and you have filled out the couples/family questionnaire, you can either leave me to write your script or we can have more discussions back and forth. I will be guided by you.
How do I book?
After your free discovery call, if you decide to proceed I will send you my booking form which will outline my terms of service and the full cost for your ceremony. Your date will be held for up to 14 days after the booking form has been sent. Payment of the non-refundable deposit will secure your date. A second payment will be due before I provide you with the script, with the balance due 8 weeks before the ceremony date. If you book with less than 8 weeks notice, the full ceremony cost will be required upon booking. The details of payment will be provided in your booking form.
Will I get to meet you before the ceremony?
Yes, distance allowing. The great thing about having a celebrant for your ceremony is that you can have as much or as little contact with me before the big day, so we will have plenty of opportunity to meet. If distance doesn't allow us to meet before the day, we can have video calls beforehand and I will ensure there is plenty of time on the day for a face-to-face meet before the ceremony.
Are there any limitations on where I can have my ceremony?
The great thing about a celebrant is you can have your ceremony anywhere, anytime, doing anything – although, you won’t catch me jumping out of a plane so you might have to find another celebrant for that! However, think outside the box on where you decide on holding your ceremony, maybe your back garden or favourite park might work best for you, or the hotel you've always loved (even if they don't have a license) - as the great thing is, you are able to take advantage of the unlicensed places, as long as you have the permission from the owner, we can go ahead.
Can you legally marry us?
Simply – No. Currently, Independent Celebrants cannot legally marry you in the UK. Although we hope to be able to in the future. To make your marriage legal, you will need to visit a Registry Office at some point before or after your ceremony – you can opt for the simplest ceremony with only 2 witnesses, which costs around £46.
Simply – No. Currently, Independent Celebrants cannot legally marry you in the UK. Although we hope to be able to in the future. To make your marriage legal, you will need to visit a Registry Office at some point before or after your ceremony – you can opt for the simplest ceremony with only 2 witnesses, which costs around £46.
Most couples will opt to complete the legal paperwork at some point in the week prior to their wedding day. The celebration with their celebrant is where they can dress up, exchange rings, commit to each other with personalised vows and have a really meaningful, unique ceremony.
What areas do you cover?
I live in Cambridgeshire and ceremonies within 50 miles of my home are included in my fee. So, a lot of Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Rutland, Hertfordshire and Essex will be covered, but get in touch and we can discuss the details.
I live in Cambridgeshire and ceremonies within 50 miles of my home are included in my fee. So, a lot of Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Rutland, Hertfordshire and Essex will be covered, but get in touch and we can discuss the details.
Further afield is also possible, however, I may need to charge for accommodation.
Can we write our own vows? Can these be kept private until the day?
Absolutely. I am on hand to help you write any vows that you would like personalised, if you need the support. If you are wanting to keep these private from each other until the big day, I can meet with each of you separately to write these.
Can pets be involved?
Of course – as long as we have permission from the owner, lets get them involved!
Of course – as long as we have permission from the owner, lets get them involved!
As a dog owner myself, I know that they are part of the family, so it is understandable you would like them there.
Can children be involved?
Absolutely. Any children can be involved in as much or as little as you’d like. We can find a suitable role for any age.
Are you qualified?