FAQs

What's the difference between Celebrants, Humanists and Registrars?

Registrars are employed by the local authority and are authorised to conduct legally binding marriage and civil partnership ceremonies at licensed venues. They use set scripts and you would not usually meet before the ceremony, so quite impersonal. 

Humanism is a belief in itself and a way of life that people adhere to. So perfect if you practice Humanism.

Humanists don’t believe in religion, so only offer secular ceremonies. They don’t include any religious or spiritual aspects in their ceremonies.

Celebrants work independently, having the freedom to include whatever suits the family.  The main difference is that Independent Celebrants create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple/family. They build a relationship and tailor the ceremony accordingly without any restrictions.

If we choose to have a celebrant led wedding ceremony do we need to legally register the marriage/partnership ?​

Yes, the easiest way to do this is to attend your local register office with two witnesses and sign the paperwork.  No vows, no rings, in your usual day wear and then look forward to the wedding ceremony of your dreams!

How do we arrange the Legal Registration?

Give notice of your marriage at your local Register Office.

An authority for the marriage is issued by the Superintendent Registrar, and you are free to get married in any district by submitting your completed marriage notice forms to the Registrar of Marriages in the area you choose.

Arrange your legal marriage ceremony whenever you want - before or after your wedding ceremony – on the day itself.

The marriage ceremony at the Register Office will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

A short statement about marriage will be given and you will be required to repeat a legal declaration.

The marriage register is then signed by you both and your two witnesses.

Will you co-officiate with another celebrant or clergy of a different faith?

Yes. I will happily work with Rabbi's, Imams, and other religious leaders.

What time will you arrive at the location?

I usually arrive at least an hour before the Ceremony, allowing plenty of time for last minute checks. I'll make sure your Musician knows all of their cues and I will run through the Ceremony with your Photographer so they can get the best shots possible. I make sure that anyone who has a role to play knows what they need to do and when. I'll also make sure we know where the rings are! If you have a wedding planner we will work together to make sure the ceremony is more than you could ever wish for.

What if you are suddenly taken ill, or have an accident and can't make the ceremony?

Being a member of the Fellowship of Independent Celebrants Ltd (FOIC) celebrants are always available to stand in for each other. And as we have been trained by the best, you can be assured your day will be just as you'd planned.

Can we include elements of different religions and traditions in our ceremony?

Definitely! This is what having an Independent Celebrant is all about. Working with you to create a truly bespoke ceremony and allowing you to both include your beliefs.

Can I include religion at a celebrant led funeral service?​

Yes we have the freedom to include religion if you wish. Some families are not overly religious but find The Lords Prayer comforting. We can include as much, as little or non at all, it's entirely up to you.