Frequently Asked Questions

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Although this is a rapidly expanding area in the UK, many people are unsure of what a celebrant is. A celebrant is a trained and accredited individual, who can write and conduct custom milestone ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies, which are completely unique to you and your family. 

When you work with a celebrant you have complete freedom and flexibility over the ceremony location, time, content and can put as many individual touches to your ceremony as you like!

No.  A registrar is a council employee who has the power to marry a couple in the eyes of the law- but has many legal restrictions in what they can and can’t include in a ceremony. A celebrant-led ceremony is not legally binding but can include elements such as personalised vows, religious, spiritual or cultural content (if desired), be outside wherever you like and much more. 

Many couples choose to either combine a registrar and celebrant-led ceremony (if their venue is licensed for registrar ceremonies) or they do the ‘legal bit’ beforehand - having a basic registrar ceremony before they then have a celebrant-led wedding celebration with their family and friends as the main event. Most major Register Offices call this a ‘Statutory Registration of Marriage’  and it’s the quickest, cheapest way to organise the legalities. 

Also no. A Humanist is strictly secular and a belief system in itself.  A Humanist won’t be able to include any religious or spiritual elements in your ceremony beyond the sensibilities of humanism. A celebrant can include as much or as little religious or spiritual content as required. This is especially beneficial for couples from different religious or cultural backgrounds who wish to honour these in their ceremony. 

Pretty much anything as long as it’s legal and safe! Get in touch and let’s see what we can do…

I’m based in Northumberland but more than happy to travel anywhere. If you’re getting married elsewhere but want to take a bit of Northumberland with you then I’m your woman!

You absolutely can write your own vows or personal promises, for any ceremony whether it’s a wedding, vow renewal or naming ceremony . I am here to help with this as much as you like- and there is  a wide variety of ways these can be spoken and delivered on the day itself - so you don’t need to worry about having to remember them, or having to say loads if that’s not your style. 

Absolutely. If you wish to exchange rings there is no requirement to complete this at the registry office (if you’re doing that part first.) You can exchange rings, or complete any other symbolic actions for the first time at your celebrant led ceremony. 

You will receive a commemorative certificate to sign as part of your ceremony, This is a keepsake, not a legal certificate. You will also receive a high quality commemorative copy of the ceremony script as a reminder of your day.