Question 1

What exactly is a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

A celebrant is an independent ceremony leader who creates and conducts bespoke ceremonies for life's important moments. Unlike registrars or religious ministers, I'm not bound by legal or religious restrictions, which means your ceremony can be completely personal to you. I craft every word specifically for your story, your values, and your vision.

Question 2

What's the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

Accepted Answer

A traditional registrar handles the legal side of things – they take care of registering your marriage in law, making sure all the paperwork is in order. But when it comes to the ceremony, it’s a bit more standardised, formal and less personal.

A celebrant, on the other hand, is all about creating a ceremony that’s totally about you. While celebrant-led ceremonies aren’t legally binding (that part is done separately, and there are plenty of ways to sort that out), they offer way more flexibility and freedom. You won’t be restricted by rules – you can have a ceremony that’s personal, creative, and totally unique. Whether you want to include special rituals, tell your story, or just make it your own, a celebrant can do all that for you.

Question 3

Can you legally marry us?

Accepted Answer

No, I cannot conduct the legal marriage ceremony, but this actually gives us incredible freedom. You'll complete a simple legal signing with a registrar (usually 15-20 minutes), then we can focus entirely on the meaningful, celebratory part of your day without any restrictions.

Question 4

Where can ceremonies take place?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere that's meaningful to you. Gardens, beaches, historic venues, your own home, village halls, farms, forests – if it's accessible and legal to gather there, we can make it work. You don’t need a licence and this freedom is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a celebrant.

Question 5

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible! Popular dates get snapped up quickly, especially in wedding season. I take bookings on a first come, first served basis. But even if it’s short notice, do contact me: I might be able to accommodate your needs and wishes.

Question 6

What's included in your packages?

Accepted Answer

All my packages include initial consultation, bespoke script writing, venue visit (where possible and appropriate), communication with other suppliers, and delivery of your ceremony. Wedding packages also include vow writing assistance and optional rehearsal. Full details are provided when we book.

Question 7

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, particularly for weddings. We can arrange a payment schedule that works for your budget, typically with a deposit to secure your date and the balance closer to your ceremony.

Question 8

What happens if you're ill on our ceremony day?

Accepted Answer

I maintain a network of trusted celebrant colleagues who can step in if absolutely necessary. This is extremely rare, but I always ensure your ceremony goes ahead as planned.

Question 9

How long do ceremonies typically last?

Accepted Answer

Wedding ceremonies usually run 20-30 minutes, though this varies based on elements you wish to include. Funeral ceremonies are typically around 30 minutes. Family naming ceremonies are often 15-25 minutes. We will plan the perfect length for your specific celebration.

Question 10

What about music and readings?

Accepted Answer

You can include any music or readings that are meaningful to you – there are no restrictions. I can suggest options or help incorporate family favourites, from classical pieces to contemporary songs, religious readings to poetry you've written yourselves.

Question 11

Can we include cultural or religious elements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I love learning about and incorporating traditions that matter to you, whether they're cultural, religious, or completely personal to your family. These elements can make ceremonies deeply meaningful as well as beautiful.

Question 12

What if the weather doesn't cooperate?

Accepted Answer

I always work with you to create a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies. Sometimes this means moving indoors, sometimes it means embracing the British weather with umbrellas and wellies – I've conducted ceremonies in all conditions.

Question 13

What's your background?

Accepted Answer

I come to celebrancy with a background in education, acting and an English degree. I spent 25 years as a primary teacher after training as a professional actor, which gives me strong public speaking skills and deep experience in supporting people through important life moments. You can read my full story on the About page.

Question 14

What's your ceremony style like?

Accepted Answer

My style is warm, joyful, and often includes delightful touches that keep everyone engaged. I love weaving traditional elements with quirky personal details. I'm comfortable with everything from elegant formal ceremonies to completely unconventional celebrations – it all depends on what feels right for you.

Question 15

Do you work with all types of families and couples?

Accepted Answer

Most definitely YES. I work with people from all backgrounds, beliefs, and family configurations. Whether you're a traditional couple, same-sex partners, blended families, or any of the variations that make up modern families, you're welcome here.

Question 16

How quickly can you arrange a funeral ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Usually within 24-48 hours of first contact. I work closely with your chosen funeral directors to fit their timings and schedules and keep them informed about how we would like your funeral ceremony to run.

Question 17

Can funeral ceremonies and memorials be held anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though practical considerations like facilities and accessibility often influence the choice. I conduct ceremonies in crematoria, burial grounds, community halls, and family homes.

Question 18

Will you include religion in your ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I am delighted to weave prayers, blessings, hymns and extracts of religious texts into your ceremony. However, please remember that I am not ordained as a member of any formal religion.

Question 19

What if our family has mixed religious beliefs?

Accepted Answer

This is actually very common, and I will craft a ceremony that honours different beliefs, respectfully. We can include elements that speak to various traditions while ensuring no one feels excluded.

Question 20

Are there any hidden costs?

Accepted Answer

No, I believe in transparent pricing. Your package price includes everything outlined in your contract. The only additional costs might be travel expenses for venues over 25 miles from Cambridge, which are discussed upfront.

Question 21

How do we book you?

Accepted Answer

Just get in touch via my website, phone number or social media, and we’ll have a friendly chat. If we’re a good fit, we’ll get your date secured and start planning your ceremony.

Question 22

What if we need to change our date?

Accepted Answer

I understand that sometimes circumstances change. I work with families to accommodate changes, wherever possible.

Question 23

Still Have Questions?

Accepted Answer

Every situation is unique, and these FAQs cover the most common ones. If you have specific concerns or needs that aren't addressed here, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm always happy to chat through any aspect of ceremony planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Celebrant Ceremonies

About Celebrant Ceremonies