Why I Became A Celebrant: A Story-Teller’s Point Of View

Why I became a celebrant is a story that began long before I ever knew the word “celebrant”
existed. Becoming a celebrant wasn’t something I planned or even imagined as a career.
Yet, over time, it became something of a natural progression. Today, I feel honoured to help people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments through personal, heartfelt ceremonies.

Although celebrancy has been around for many years, it’s only recently that more families,
couples, and individuals have begun to choose it. Many now want non-religious, interfaith, or
personal ceremonies that reflect who they are. Some prefer something a little different,
even a little quirky, and that’s where a celebrant can make all the difference.

The Seed That Grew Into My Celebrant Journey

My entry into the world of celebrancy began more than twenty years ago when my family organised a non-religious naming ceremony for my first child. We gathered in a local community hall surrounded by flowers, food, and laughter. Around sixty of our family members and friends came together to welcome our son into the world.

We chose music and poetry that were meaningful to us, and the celebrant beautifully wove our choices into a ceremony full of love and significance. We also selected close friends to act as ‘guide parents’: people we knew would support our child as he grew.

I didn’t realise it then, but that day planted a seed that would one day become my craft.

Storytelling Has Always Been My Thread

Stories have always been at the heart of who I am. I trained and worked as a professional
actor, performing in theatres, schools, museums, and open-air spaces. Acting taught me
how to hold an audience, how to bring words to life, and how to find emotion and truth in a
story.

Later, I became a teacher and discovered a new kind of storytelling. I learned the power of listening carefully to people’s hopes, dreams, and life experiences. As a mother, there were even more stories to be found in moments of love, laughter, and learning.

All these experiences shaped the celebrant I am today.

Stepping Into Celebrancy

When I finally stepped into celebrancy, it felt completely right. This work allows me to honour
life, love, and loss in all their forms. It combines storytelling, empathy, and connection, and it
brings together everything I value most.

For me, being a celebrant is not about reading from a script. It’s about creating something
personal and unique, something that captures the spirit of each person, couple or family. I pay
attention to the small details: a glance, a laugh, an unspoken word, the little things that make
people who they are.

These moments are what make every ceremony deeply meaningful.

Celebrancy Is About Story

To me, celebrancy is far more than a profession. It is about love, respect, understanding, and
story. Every ceremony is a reminder that behind each milestone lies a story waiting to be
told.

Why I became a celebrant is simple. I believe everyone deserves a ceremony that reflects
their story and celebrates humanity in all its diversity.