• Independent Civil Marriage & Family Celebrant
• Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Renewal of Vows
• Baby Naming Ceremonies

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I am an Independent Civil Celebrant and as such I perform and assist in the arrangements of a range of non denominational celebratory services including weddings, renewal of vows and naming ceremonies. I have successfully completed training in Marriage and Family Celebrancy and I am a member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants. People who use a wedding celebrant normally choose to do so in order that they may have a much more personal wedding / civil partnership ceremony that reflects t

Marriage & Family Celebrations

I am a Marriage and Family Celebrant here to help you have a wonderful occasion. I can conduct your ceremony whether it's a Wedding, Civil Partnership, Renewal of your Wedding Vows, or a Baby Naming Ceremony. You can involve children and family members into the ceremony, making something really unique and special which you, your family and friends will remember forever. Each ceremony I create and officiate is unique. It is a joy and pleasure to prepare and conduct a celebration that honours the love that you share on this important day in your lives.

Your ceremony will be as unique and special as you are. It should reflect your individuality and personality and allow you to create a very personal, sensitive, beautiful ceremony for you both to share and enjoy with your family and friends

You're a What?

You're a what?
This is the reaction I get from about 95% of people when I tell them I'm a celebrant. Some think I'm confessing about my lack of love life (celibate) or I'm a celebrity. For those of you who don't know, a celebrant is a person who conducts weddings, civil partnerships, renewal of vows, baby namings, funerals... basically anything which requires someone to lead a service or ceremony.
I mainly concentrate on the weddings, civil partnerships and renewal of vows side of things; some of my fellow celebrants only conduct funerals. I am a member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants. Unfortunately in this country, anyone can set themselves up to be a celebrant, without any training or signing up to a code of ethics. Being a member of the Fellowship means that I have signed up to a code of ethics, I have professional indemnity insurance, and I am fully trained.
A lot of people get confused by the difference between celebrants and registrars when it comes to a wedding or civil partnership. I've done up this table which hopefully helps somewhat in explaining the difference.
Registrar
1. Delivers an off the shelf ceremony
2. Cannot allow any religious music or readings
3. Is allocated to your ceremony with no input or choice from you
4. Only deliver in registry office or registered venues. Registered venues have to be permanent static structures with four walls and a roof
5. Deliver a standard ceremonies which last only 10 to 15 minutes
6. Arrives just before ceremony starts
7. Will not do a rehearsal


Celebrant
1. Delivers a fully bespoke ceremony
2. Will allow any religious music, readings, rituals or references
3. Is chosen by you and develops a relationship in the run up to your ceremony
4. Can hold ceremony in your garden, your favourite park, on a boat, in a hot air balloon, on a bus, by a pool, in another country, in a marquee, in the grounds of a stately home – the choices are never-ending
5. Can deliver a service which is as short or as long as you would like
6. Arrives an hour prior to ceremony and ensures all readers, bridal party members including best men, women, etc are all aware of what they need to do.
7. Does a rehearsal, usually a day or a few days prior to the ceremony, and runs through the ceremony with the couple to ensure they feel assured as to what they need to do, and when
8. Will look at the venue where the ceremony will be held and uses their skills to consider where couples would be best placed so guests are able to see them throughout the ceremony and the photographer and videographer are able to capture the best shots.
9. In most cases, celebrants charge less than registrars, yet offer so much more.
I'm always happy to answer any questions about celebrancy or have an informal chat. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have some queries or would like further information.

Naming Ceremonies

What is a Name Giving Ceremony?

The Naming Ceremony is a fulfilling and meaningful ceremonial experience for all concerned.
It may be an occasion when a new birth is celebrated and the child is welcomed in to the family. Family relationships are deepened and parents become more aware of their responsibilities. So too, do grandparents / god parents / guardians / mentors. The Naming Ceremony is an excellent occasion for the cultural expression of joy, hope and acceptance. Many people do not believe in infant baptism or for whatever reason, choose not to access a house of worship at his time, so choose this celebration leaving the child free to make their choices later in life.
Your ceremony could be simple, sincere and brief: more traditional to include poetry or other readings by grandparents or mentors: a ceremony with some spirituality provided by candles or readings.
Ceremonies have structure and if guidelines are followed as closely as possible, a ceremony with interest, variation and natural flow will be the end result. The more original material you add, the more personalised it will become. Every aspect of the ceremony can be personalised and must reflect you as a parent (one or two), your style, your feelings, aims, dreams and wishes for your child.
Where and when can you have your ceremony?
Most ceremonies are performed in or around the home, the meaningful expression of nurturing, love and togetherness. Informality is usually the order of the day. A weekend day is often chosen, usually late morning or early afternoon, or at a time and day that suits the needs of both you and your child.
How do I go about making a ceremony?
I will help you to create your own personalised and truly inspirational ceremony ... one that reflects your ideals, beliefs, true feelings, your hopes and desires for your child and most of all, gives your child a wonderful welcome in to your family.