It’s a good question, but I believe there’s a few crucial reasons. For these reasons, I chose to train as an independent celebrant, not a council employed registrar…

1. THE PERSONAL TOUCH - Having a celebrant craft your ceremony is so much more personal than a registrar. We will meet a few times together and establish a relationship of trust and confidence. On the day, I’ll check in with you both, as well as key people involved in your ceremony. When you walk down “the aisle”, you’ll be looking towards someone you already know and trust, instead of someone you may not yet have met before, such as a registrar. I really love investing time and energy into couples beforehand as it makes a massive difference to the energy and intimacy of the ceremony.

2. YOUR LOVE STORY SHINES - The reason you have gathered together the most special people in your lives is so that your unique love story can be celebrated as the shining star of your day. I will take the time to write that story for you and deliver it with creativity, care and fun. Hand on heart, it makes such a difference for you and your guests. Registrars will incorporate elements such as handfasting but being your storyteller is not part of their service. This is where I can offer you so much more of a bespoke experience.

3. FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Unlike a registrars’ ceremony, celebrant led ceremonies have no rule book, templates, or must-do structures. It’s really liberating to get to know your celebrant and be able to say exactly what sort of elements you want in your ceremony and what sort of order feels more natural to you. It’s the most bespoke wedding ceremony service that you can possibly get. This makes it completely unique to you, instead of a more tick-box exercise.

4. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - literally, wherever you fancy as long as the permissions are given. This may work especially well if you want a more intimate experience, maybe you’re on a tighter budget, or you just want somewhere that is very special to your love story.

5. MY OWN THOUGHTS - as a former History teacher of over twenty years, the importance of telling personal stories in a creative, honest and engaging way is second nature to me. I will support you throughout the time we craft your ceremony and I’ll take pride in being part of that journey. Being an independent celebrant gives me that opportunity to invest time in you as a couple, instead of being part of a larger “wedding factory” that many councils have tried to create.