Guest Blog – Understanding celebrant-led weddings
I recently met up with Heather, an excellent celebrant who conducts personal wedding ceremonies. I learned alot from speaking with her so had to share it with you too!
Hi Heather, I have photographed a whole range of weddings and have noticed that celebrant-led ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular. However, there are some couples that seem to be unaware of the options available. It would be great to share some information about celebrant-led weddings for those who may not be familiar with the idea.
1. What exactly is a celebrant-led ceremony, and how does it differ from a traditional religious or civil ceremony?
A celebrant-led ceremony is a totally bespoke wedding ceremony, written specifically for the couple. It will include personalised elements, such as the couple’s love story, how they found each other, what they love about each other, the passions they share, their dreams for the future. The ceremony can include any readings and music they choose. We can involve their guests with a community declaration or mini ceremony, such as a hand tying or ring warming, there are many more! With a celebrant-led ceremony, there are no restrictions as to where, when and how the ceremony is held.
*picture supplied by Heather
2. I understand you are an independent celebrant. What is the difference between a humanist celebrant and an independent celebrant?
The difference between Independent and Humanist celebrants is that whilst they both conduct bespoke, personalised ceremonies, Humanist ceremonies are written in accordance with Humanist beliefs. Humanism is a non-theist belief system. Couples who choose a Humanist celebrant usually do so because they share these beliefs, therefore no religious or spiritual content would be included in their ceremony. Whereas Independent celebrant ceremonies have no such restrictions.
3. Can our couples include any religious or cultural traditions in an Independent celebrant led ceremony?
Absolutely yes. With no restrictions, an Independent celebrant led ceremony can include any religious and cultural traditions the couple choose. I often lead ceremonies for couples of different faiths and from different cultural backgrounds, bringing together a mix of traditions into the wedding.
4. That's amazing - the best of both worlds! How can our couples further personalise their ceremony to make it unique to them?
They may want to include their children with a family blending ceremony or have their pet as a ring bearer. Some couples like to add a bit of fun with a Mr & Mrs quiz for their guests to take part in. They may choose to both walk down the aisle at the beginning, have their grandparents or grooms people as flower people include a surprise sing-along or have bells and sparklers instead of confetti. They may choose to have a dawn or twilight ceremony. The options are endless, the only limit is their imagination! And of course, we are there to offer inspiration.
*picture supplied by Heather
5. Can celebrant-led ceremonies be conducted in any location, and are there any legal restrictions couples should be aware of?
Yes, a celebrant led ceremony does not have to be held in a church or a venue approved by the local authority. They may want to have their ceremony in their garden, at their local pub, on the beach, by a river, in a forest or up a mountain. They should make sure there are no health and safety issues and they will need permission from the landowner. Currently, a celebrant led ceremony is not recognised as a legal ceremony, couples will still need to register their marriage through their local registery office.
6. I find the beauty of celebrant-led weddings offers the opportunity for couples to write their vows to make them really unique and meaningful. Do they need to come up with them on their own or do you have a way to help?
I have many examples of vows for the couple to choose from, they may want to mix and match or write their own completely from scratch. I provide a Vow Writing Guideline and am happy to help and advise. Some couples choose not to share their vows with each other until the day and I always check to make sure they are balanced. I have known couples to write each others vows! Couples can choose to read their vows from a card, repeat after me, or say “I Do” after I have read them. The choice is entirely theirs.
*picture supplied by Heather
7. Please share a memorable or unique ceremony idea you’ve seen that couples might consider?
It is very difficult to choose just one as they are all memorable and unique. One that comes to mind as an example of how a celebrant-led ceremony can be tailored to fit the occasion was for Sarah and Steve. When we first met, they told me they wanted their wedding ceremony at home. Their beautiful son, Zachary has a very rare genetic condition that requires specialist equipment. Sarah and Steve wanted a relaxed, fun day where Zach could be comfortable, safe and fully included in their wedding. By having their ceremony at home, we were able to make this happen. We started the ceremony when Zach was ready, as I didn’t have to rush off to another wedding (I only ever do one a day). Zach made a grand entrance with his daddy, waited at the front for Mummy to join them and even got to decide who read their vows first….of course, he chose Daddy! Having the ceremony at home also meant Sarah and Steve could spread their celebrations over two days, with a smaller, intimate ceremony one day followed by a wonderful, larger, festival-styled party the next. It was a truly joyous occasion and I can tell you, Zach really was the star of the show!
Heather is passionate about making sure couples and families feel looked after and in safe hands. She loves to create bespoke, personalised ceremonies that are remembered and treasured forever! Heather covers Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire and is happy to travel further afield.
To find out more go to:
https://yourchoiceceremonies.co.uk/
www.Instagram.co.uk/yourchoiceceremonies
Email: heather@yourchoiceceremonies.co.uk
Written by Eleth Mageehan, (c) 2025, all rights reserved.
I recently met up with Heather, an excellent celebrant who conducts personal wedding ceremonies. I learned alot from speaking with her so had to share it with you too!