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David Christopher

The Ultimate Guide to Celebrants and Celebrant-led Ceremonies


Cat Arnott
Cat Arnott Updated:
4th of September 2023

Humanist weddings and celebrant-led ceremonies have risen in popularity hugely in the UK. Over 1,000 occur in England and Wales each year. Lots of couples are now considering these as an alternative to a civil ceremony. Here we will guide you through everything you need to know about celebrants and celebrant-led ceremonies.  


Jennifer Patrice leading Sarah and John's wedding ceremony

Image by David Christopher from Sarah and John's Real Wedding, featuring Jennifer Patrice Celebrant

What is a Celebrant?

A wedding celebrant is a professionally trained and fully insured officiant who performs formal ceremonies such as weddings. Celebrants have the skills and experience to help couples tailor bespoke ceremonies that reflect their personalities and love for each other.

What’s the Difference Between a Civil Ceremony and Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremony?

A civil ceremony is performed by a registrar, either in a registry office or a wedding venue that is licensed for ceremonies. While they are both non-religious wedding ceremonies, there are significant differences.

Civil ceremonies are legally recognised, but are bound by restrictions regarding the words spoken during the ceremony. For example, there can be no religious aspect at all. 

On the other hand, a celebrant-led wedding is bespoke and meaningful, guided by a celebrant who delivers a personalised ceremony. There are no limits to gender, race, sexual orientation, size, ability, or circumstance for the couple. In ceremonies performed by an independent celebrant, religious aspects can be added to represent the couple's individual and combined beliefs.

Outdoor wedding ceremony

Where Can I Have a Celebrant-led Ceremony? 

Celebrants are essentially able to perform a wedding anywhere. So, they can be anywhere, indoors or outdoors. It is entirely up to you what you want your ceremony backdrop to be. As well as location, there is no restriction on time slots. So, a celebrant-led wedding ceremony offers couples complete flexibility.

Can we write our own vows? 

One of the aspects that couples love is that the Celebrant will get to know you before the ceremony and help you decide on key elements and rituals within the ceremony. As part of this, they'll help you to write your own vows if you choose to. You’ll normally meet them in person or over a video link and they will ask you questions and take notes to understand more about you and give the ceremony a really personal feel. The celebrant may help you pick out readings, music, and show you the different symbolic acts you can pick. 

The celebrant will craft a ceremony script based on your personalities and preferences and will check that you are totally happy with it. They will also be on hand to guide you through the process and discuss or adjust the ceremony all the way up to the wedding day.

Is a Celebrant-led Ceremony a Legally Binding Marriage?

Unlike in Scotland and Northern Ireland, celebrant-led weddings are not yet recognised in law in England and Wales on their own. However, it is likely this will change as the Law Commission recently announced their wedding law reform recommendations. The Law Commission is recommending that the officiant become licensed to perform ceremonies, rather than the location as the law currently requires. So, couples of the future (likely around 2024 / 2025) will hopefully be able to have a legally binding wedding ceremony performed by a celebrant.

For now though, the ceremonies will remain symbolic. So, couples often go to the registry office to be legally wed before or after but there is no reason that you can't combine a celebrant-led ceremony with a church or civil ceremony or partnership.

There’s no rule that the certificate can only be signed after the ceremony. It can be signed beforehand so you’re technically married before the ceremony even begins. So, as long as you have a signed wedding certificate your wedding will be legal and valid – it’s the paperwork that makes it legal, not the ceremony.

Making Memories by Gerri celebrant

Image by Mark Gray Wedding and Event Photography featuring Making Memories by Gerri

How Much Does a Celebrant-led Ceremony Cost?

There’s no set fee structure; it’s dependent on geographical location, experience, and local supply and demand. The general guide price can vary between £450-£1,000, however, we have found that most people pay between £500 and £600 which is the same you would pay for a typical church wedding or for the registrar's attendance at a civil ceremony. 

What is a Humanist Ceremony?

A ‘Humanist’ is someone who chooses to live a good life without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists believe that moral values follow on from human nature and experience. A humanist, non-religious wedding ceremony gives you the opportunity to marry where, when, and how you want. Each ceremony is written specifically for the couple; there is no set format. As a guide, a typical wedding might include readings, poems or music as well as personal anecdotes about the couple. The couple will make vows or commitments to each other and often exchange rings.

Humanist celebrants offer secular/non-religious ceremonies only, as they have no-religious beliefs. So, do not include any religious acts of worship in their ceremonies. However, humanist ceremonies can include religious content if it occurs in readings, hymns, or music originally written for praise. 

Is there a Difference between a Humanist Celebrant and an Independent Celebrant?

Whilst Humanist ceremonies are always non-religious and are based on an atheist belief system, an Independent Celebrant has the flexibility to include religious and/or spiritual elements if the couple wish to have them. Indeed many couples choose an Independent Celebrant because they have faith but are not a part of any organised religion. They may have faith but are divorced, or be of mixed faiths and therefore want a ceremony which includes an element of more than one religious which a celebrant can include. They are also often same-sex couples whom the church have actually turned away for their wedding.

White Rose Ceremonies

Image by Paul Nelson Photography featuring White Rose Ceremonies

What Happens at a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?

Each ceremony is completely bespoke and personal to you. However, here is a basic outline of an example ceremony structure

  • Arrival of the couple (individually or together)
  • Introductions and welcomes
  • Words about love and commitment from a non-religious perspective
  • Reading or poem
  • The couple’s story – how they met, their shared values, hopes for the future
  • What marriage means to the couple
  • Reading, poem, hymn or song
  • The couple’s promises/vows
  • Meaningful symbolic act (e.g. handfasting or sand ceremony)
  • Exchange of rings
  • Pronouncement as married
  • Words of well-wishing
  • Closing and departure

There are also several symbolic acts that are an incredibly meaningful part of both humanist and celebrant-led wedding ceremonies. For example, swapping garlands, jumping the broom, gift-giving, and wine or flower rituals. We have outlined the most popular below.

What is Handfasting? 

Handfasting is when a cord or sash is used to tie the hands of a couple together. Then, they recite words expressing their commitment to one another. It’s where the phrase ‘tying the knot’ comes from!

What is a Hand-holding Ceremony?

A hand-holding ceremony is when couples face each other, hold hands and look into each others’ eyes as a blessing is spoken over them. Sometimes you’ll cross your arms over to form an infinity symbol that represents a love that will go on forever.

What is a Candle Ceremony?

A candle ceremony is when each of you lights a candle representing your separate lives. Then, together you use two tapers to light a third, different coloured candle to symbolise joining your life together in marriage. 

What is a Unity Sand Ceremony?

A unity sand ceremony is where the couple each pour different coloured sand into a third container indicating the intertwining of their lives in marriage.

Religious Elements

The ceremony can include religious elements if the couple choose an Independent Celebrant, for example, words honouring deceased loved ones and how they may be spiritually present in this moment or watching over the couple on their special day. Some couples choose to include hymns, prayers or specific rituals that they would like to involve in the ceremony to honour their religion.

Wedding Ceremonies

Image by Jasmine Andrews Photography, courtesy of Perfect Words Ceremonies

How Do I Choose Content for a Celebrant-led Ceremony?

Celebrants work with you to ensure that the content accurately reflects who they are. There are no restrictions when it comes to music or readings during your celebrant ceremony. So, you can opt for something that you both love, and not feel limited in your choices. You can also add elements of religion, acknowledge your cultural background or even a family tradition. 

Celebrant-led ceremonies often use one of three styles of vows. The traditional “I do”, the ‘repeat after me’ vows or personal vows written by the couple. It’s your day so be as creative as you wish, and have a truly personal day. Using a wedding celebrant means you will have a beautifully bespoke ceremony, created just for you, so make the most of the opportunities this by having vows that reflect your feelings.

How Long is a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?

This depends on the content of your ceremony. On average, most celebrant-led ceremonies are around half an hour, very similar to any other wedding ceremony. Of course, it depends on the length of your readings and any rituals you wish to include.

Should I Have a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?

Celebrant-led ceremonies weddings are perfect for couples who would like a meaningful ceremony but think traditional wedding structures are not for them. Celebrants can ensure you have more of a say over what you want to include and exclude in the ceremony and are generally more versatile. 

Your bespoke ceremony is performed by a celebrant who has become close to you as a couple and knows your story. Celebrants can do more than just preside over the ceremony. They can stay by your side throughout the entire wedding process. Celebrants can also assist with paperwork, writing of vows, and even wedding planning.

Celebrants are also open and inclusive, welcome same-sex and interfaith couples. So, they are an option for everyone. Humanist celebrants undergo gold standard training by Humanists UK, and the service includes public liability insurance. Most independent celebrants are trained by the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants.

With a celebrant-led ceremony, the event is all about the two of you. Just like your partnership, your wedding should be unique to you as a couple. There are no restrictions on where the ceremony can take place. So, it gives you the flexibility to create a personal ceremony that is unique. 

How Do I Choose a Celebrant? 

Thinking about having a celebrant? The best thing is to get to know them, to see if they're a match for you! We asked some of our favourite celebrants what they think a celebrant brings to a wedding. Here, in their own words, they describe why a celebrant might be right for you. 

Jennifer Patrice

Jennifer PAtrice leading a wedding ceremony

Image courtesy of Jennifer Patrice Celebrant

A Celebrant conducts a Wedding Celebration Ceremony, which has all the elements of a wedding, apart from the legal formalities (which are carried out at a couple's local Register Office within a year of their giving notice of intention to marry). Having a Celebrant means that the couple (having met them anything from two years to three months prior to their wedding day and getting to know them) have a ceremony that is unique to them and very personalised. It can be the way they want it to be: after all, it is their day so it should reflect them in every way. I've been told that my ceremonies are loving, full of emotion, sincere, and fun; it actually brings me personal joy to work with a couple and be able to create their perfect ceremony with them.

Rachael Meyer Humanist Wedding Celebrant

Rachael Meyer Humanist Celebrant North Yorkshire Officiating a Ceremony

Image courtesy of Rachel Meyer Humanist Wedding Celebrant

As demand for unique weddings grows, brides and grooms are starting to inject the same amount of personality, inclusivity and detail into their wedding ceremony by having a humanist celebrant conduct their ceremony. With a Humanist ceremony that is religion-free, highly personalised and totally non-boring, couples can include their own vows, their own thoughts on love and marriage, their shared values, their love story and any amount of other ideas that the celebrant can suggest. 

Making Memories by Gerri

Image courtesy of Making Memories by Gerri

Wanting to create a special day for you, I can assure you your guests will be in awe over your ceremony. I understand that no two couples are the same and I work off of that to ensure your ceremony is tailored to you, making it unique, personal and special. The words spoken at this occasion will be remembered for a lifetime and I want to make sure you have the best memory to keep with you. Celebrants can add a personal touch to your wedding by getting to know you as a couple so it feels like they've know you for years and that connection will be radiated around the room. 

Julia Hawkes Independent Celebrant

Julia Hawkes Celebrant

Image courtesy of Julia Hawkes Independent Celebrant

Electing to have a celebrant led wedding ensures that you can involve everyone that matters to you in your ceremony. Imagine if all of your friends and family could be active contributors to your ceremony rather than just passive observers. The options are many: family unity candle ceremonies, friends and family promises, call and response moments, wishing trees, promise stones, or something uniquely created by your celebrant linked to your ideas, personalities, and passions. All things are possible with a celebrant!

Ana Kelly Celebrant

Image courtesy of Ana Kelly

As an experienced 5* Celebrant with an MA in Poetry and a HEAP of writing and presentation experience, Ana Kelly would be a brilliant choice for your wedding ceremony. Ana specialise in laid-back, joyful, funny and sometimes quirky ceremonies, which are ALWAYS unique and personal. 

Sonal Dave

Image courtesy of Sonal Dave

I am one of only a few female Asian Toastmasters in the UK, I provide the professional quality a couple looks for in a toastmaster. With many years of experience in this industry I can ensure your day will run smoothly so you can relax and enjoy your special day. Your guests will be treated with the utmost respect and your day will be full of class. A celebrant will work with your wedding planner to make sure they know exactly what is going on throughout your day so everything looks professional, from your first entrance to your big send of as a happy couple. 

White Rose Ceremonies®

Image courtesy of White Rose Ceremonies®

Having a celebrant at your wedding gives you the reigns to have a completely bespoke ceremony. There isn't anything that needs to be included in this service, it is entirely up to you and what you want. White Rose Ceremonies® deliver wedding ceremonies wherever you want them. The ceremonies can be simply traditional, delightfully quirky or calm and spiritual and they can be at any location, with no restrictions. We fully support all faiths and beliefs but believe that the most important thing is that our couples have a ceremony that reflects who they really are. We work closely with our couples to prepare the script for their wedding ceremony and combine three magic ingredients - the promises, fun and love.

Perfect Words Ceremonies

Image courtesy of Perfect Words Ceremonies

Because every ceremony is unique, couple-focused and story-led, there really is no standard ceremony style, it can be romantic, light-hearted, serious, fun, traditional or quirky, but my organised, easy-going nature will ensure that everything runs smoothly and you enjoy every moment. I have conducted weddings in many different styles in a variety of places; woodlands with marquees, fields with tipis, beaches, family gardens as well as the more traditional hotels, wedding venues and barns and I have loved every single one, I really do love the job that I do!

True to You Celebrancy

Image courtesy of True To You Celebrancy

Welcome to True to You Celebrancy. My name is Deborah and I am a celebrant registered with The Fellowship of Professional Celebrants (FPC). A celebrant is able to help you design and lead the celebration as you want it to be, using the symbols and traditions that are both personal and important to you. It is an honour and a privilege to work with individuals, couples and families and to hear your unique stories, hopes and requirements. In doing so I am able to bespoke a ceremony that is 'True To You'.

Erica Harley, The Ridgeway Celebrant

Image courtesy of Erica HarleyThat moment has arrived! You and your partner have decided to make your relationship legal. However, you want your ceremony to be unique and reflect your relationship in all its aspects. I have the skill to create an atmosphere between the couple and the guests, a warm and intimate occasion and I have the experience to help you choose the most appropriate vows and readings that reflect your love for each other and that reflect the quality of your relationship. Each ceremony is totally different and that is why they have to be bespoke to you!

Perfect Promises

Image courtesy of Perfect Promises

We will work together to create your bespoke ceremony until you are happy that it is absolutely perfect, and you can rely on me to provide as much - or as little - advice and guidance as you need. As a previous Registrar of Marriage, I have vast experience in the logistics and choreography of ceremonies, so you can be assured that everything will run smoothly, leaving you to relax and enjoy every moment. You will have the opportunity to sign a commemorative certificate, along with two witnesses, and will also receive a beautiful souvenir copy of your personal ceremony.

Ruth Mackman Celebrant

Image courtesy of Ruth Mackman

Have the day of your dreams with a wedding ceremony written just for you. Ruth offers a friendly and professional service for celebrations in Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire. It's Ruth's pleasure to help you make your special day just perfect. Turning ideas into a wonderful occasion that you'll remember for all the right reasons. Ruth will listen to what you want, offer advice and guidance, and will work with you to create a special, very personal ceremony. Ruth is friendly, professional and enthusiastic, and will do everything to ensure you enjoy the preparations leading up to your day, and the day itself.

Celebrant Sam Goodchild

Image courtesy of Sam Goodchild

Working with Sam Goodchild, you have complete freedom. Together you will create the mood you want, anything from light-hearted to romantic to humorous or spiritual. Maybe you’d like to include a sprinkling of religion, or none at all. Sam will work with you to discover what you really want and to bring your ideas to life.

Francesca Foulsham Celebrant

Image courtesy of Francessca Foulsham

Francesca Foulsham is a professional, Independent LGBTQ+ friendly wedding Celebrant based in Norfolk & Suffolk. Francesca Prides herself on her highly bespoke, beautiful ceremonies which focus on the finer details of your wedding day.

Noel Thompson Toastmaster and Celebrant

Image courtesy of Noel Thompson

Noel Thompson Toastmaster & Celebrant allows the wedding party to simply relax and enjoy the wedding day, secure in the knowledge that the event is being run smoothly and efficiently. 

Ceremonies by Nicola West

Image courtesy of Ceremonies by Nicola West

Book a wedding Celebrant and have a truly beautiful, bespoke and individual ceremony that is created especially for them.

Tracey the Celebrant

Image courtesy of Tracey the Celebrant

Tracey has a relaxed but enthusiastic approach to my ceremonies. She likes to make you feel at ease and help with the burden of all that a wedding entails. Tracy has a passion for bringing couples' stories alive and representing your vision of your day. What is special to you? Let's include it. She has great versatility and is able to think outside of the box. 

Pure Silk Ceremonies

Image courtesy of Pure Silk Ceremonies

If your dream is to have your ceremony in a place that is meaningful to you, maybe on a beach, a castle, a historical building or your favourite venue, with no restrictions on licensing or timings, then a Celebrant-led ceremony is for you. Your ceremony can be modern, traditional or a beautiful blend of both.

William Freeman Toastmaster and Celebrant

Image courtesy of William Freeman

As your wedding toastmaster and celebrant, William Freeman is your wedding officiant but also your MC and event 'choreographer', your ‘fixer-of-problems’ and ‘calmer-of-nerves’. He makes sure things run exactly as planned and that problems are solved without worrying you or your friends. 

Simply Ceremonies

Simple Ceremonies

Image courtesy of Simply Ceremonies

Simply Ceremonies think a Celebrant brings a sense of comfort to the ceremony. Because they work hard to get to know our couples and build a relationship with them, they are no longer strangers when they arrive on the day. 

Sara Price Celebrant

Image courtesy of Sara Price

The heart of your wedding day, and what makes it a wedding and not just a great party, is your ceremony, and it doesn't have to be boring or stuffy and definitely not something to endure before the fun. It can be as traditional or quirky as you want, so together let's make your ceremony happy, fun, beautiful, meaningful and so totally amazing that the two of you and your family and friends will treasure it and talk about it for years.

Stephen Eggleton Toastmaster and Celebrant

Image courtesy of Stephen Eggleton

If you wish to design your own wedding ceremony, then let Stephen act as a Celebrant for you and you can work together to tailor your ceremony to fit your wishes. Have it wherever you want, and at a time and place to suit you - there are so many alternatives!

Christina Snell Community Celebrant

Image courtesy of Christina Snell

Christina Snell works with you to create a ceremony that reflects your wishes and personalities as a couple whilst capturing the spirit of the occasion.

Emily Rawlinson Celebrant

Image courtesy of Emily Rawlinson

Emily is an award-winning celebrant, who wants to put you first. Emily Rawlinson will listen to you and what you want from your wedding ceremony and then will help you design your ideal moment.

Perfect Day Ceremonies by Fiona

Image courtesy of Perfect Day Ceremonies

Perfect Day Ceremonies help you design the exact ceremony you want, knowing it is the most important part of your day, it should be unique and bespoke to you and your love story. Whether you want beautiful poetry, intimate symbolic gestures or personal vows, they can do it all.

Liz Bagley Celebrant

Image courtesy of Liz Bagley

Whether you want a formal ceremony or an unusual, quirky ceremony, Liz Bagley will ensure it is perfect for you. She will meet with you before your special day to ensure you're comfortable with everything!

Maxine Ward - Celebrant

Image courtesy of Maxine Ward

Maxine Ward wants your wedding to be very special, reflecting every brilliant, amazing and unique element of your love story.

Fun Loving Ceremonies

Image courtesy of Fun Loving Ceremonies

Fun Loving Ceremonies give 110% dedication and will ensure your ceremony is truly bespoke. Wherever you want your ceremony to be, however you want it done, they will make it unforgettable. 

No Ordinary Service

Image courtesy of No Ordinary services

With 6 years of experience leading ceremonies and over 20 years in the wedding industry, No Ordinary services will listen to you and what you want, offering advice rather than instructions. Whether you want something quirky or something simple, your day will run smoothly with No Ordinary services.

Alison Scott Celebrant

Image courtesy of Alison Scott

When it comes to hiring a celebrant, your wedding can be as bespoke as you wish. Whether you want your dog to play a role or include handfasting, your wedding will be exactly how you've always imagined.

Cat Arnott

About the author


Cat Arnott

With a Masters degree in History, Cat is the best person to consult if you need wedding facts and information fast. Her passion for weddings has led to her having a broad and up to date knowledge of trends and traditions and she is here to research on your behalf to find the answer to any wedding related problem.

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