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What does a celebrant do? A celebrant will work with you to design and write a ceremony that suits you and your style. That can include discussing the traditional formula and adjusting as needed, incorporating symbolic elements that feel personal to you and getting creative with the telling of your story. To me, this looks like getting to know you, your vibe and a little bit about the people attending your ceremony. Whether we keep it traditional yet personal, or get creative together and find new ways to customise - my job as your celebrant is to help make your day everything you wished for and more. From moving chairs and shepherding guests to writing and perform a ceremony you will cherish forever, I am on hand to make sure that you get to feel amazing, be present and enjoy your big day as much as possible.
What’s the difference between a celebrant-led ceremony, a civil ceremony and a religious marriage? A celebrant-led ceremony is entirely customisable, and I mean entirely. Readings, ceremony length, symbolic elements - you name it. Your celebrant is able to get to know you as a couple and individually and create a completely unique script that speaks to your love story. We are not limited by strict timings, licensed venues or religious constraints - so we have the freedom to create something perfect for you and your guests. With a civil ceremony, you can have your marriage legally performed and recognised, but there are a few important things to note. You will be limited to only using the approved locations and your ceremony may feel more formal or restricted. This is because both your timings and the content of the script are regulated and need to adhere to the legally mandated format with little room for personalised elements. As this is a non-religious ceremony, you also be restricted in incorporating any religious content. With a religious marriage, you will be led in ceremony by a religious officiant in a legally binding ceremony in accordance with the faith’s framework. Your wedding will need to take place in a place of worship and the readings, symbolic elements and vows you do will need to follow religious traditions.
Can a celebrant legally marry us? In short, no. Often, couples will do the legal bit beforehand and then have their celebrant-led ceremony as the real celebration with their family and friends. Doing it this way allows more freedom with the venue you pick, no ties to religious constraints and the opportunity for complete customisation of your ceremony. In the UK, celebrants cannot (currently!) perform a legal marriage. A legal marriage can only be performed by registrars or religious officials in licensed venues such as churches or registry offices.
Do we have to stick to a traditional script? Absolutely not! If traditional is what you wish for, we can work our magic to put as much of your story into something that feels classic and beautiful whilst still being personal to you. But also, one benefit of having a celebrant-led ceremony is that we can be completely flexible and get creative. I will walk you through the traditional ceremony set-up and from there we can discuss which parts you want, any you don’t and anything you may want to add!
Where can we do our ceremony? Anywhere you want! Unlike with civil ceremonies or religious weddings, celebrant led-ceremonies aren’t limited to licensed venues, though we can host there too!
Where can I find your pricing? You can find more information of what I offer on the services page, but as a rough breakdown: Wedding ceremonies: from £500 Script coaching: from £250 Script writing: from £350 Vow and speech coaching: from £100, or £150 for couples Please note, there may be additional costs for ceremonies taking place outside of London to cover travel and, if necessary, accommodation. For anything else, please feel free to reach out via the contact form.
Do you do rehearsals? Through our time together we will be able to discuss and get comfortable with the proceedings of the ceremony in detail, but should you wish to do a rehearsal alongside that I can absolutely be available to run through any areas that feel unclear.
How far in advance should we book you? For the sake of us having time to create a ceremony that feels truly aligned with what you wish for, the sooner the better. But I understand life gets in the way, so even if it is shorter notice please reach out via my contact form! When I take a booking, I will only ever take one on that day so I can be entirely present and flexible with the couple who I am with. If I am unavailable for your chosen date, I am more than happy to connect you with a fellow celebrant that I can recommend.
How do we book you? Just drop me a message via my contact form, email or on social media and we can get a no-commitment call booked in to see if are the right fit!
Do you do vow renewals? Absolutely - To discuss what you’re looking for further, please feel free to reach out via the contact form on this website or email me at [info@marrymeamelie.co.uk](mailto:info@marrymeamelie.co.uk)
Can you help us with ceremony/vow/speech writing? Yes! Please see the ‘services’ page on this website and if you’d like to discuss further drop me a message via the contact form on this website or email me at info@marrymeamelie.co.uk
Can you write us a script for our friend or family member to present? Yes! Please see the ‘services’ page on this website and if you’d like to discuss further drop me a message via the contact form on this website or email me at info@marrymeamelie.co.uk
We would like our friend/family member to be our celebrant, do you offer coaching? Yes! Please see the ‘services’ page on this website and if you’d like to discuss further drop me a message via the contact form on this website or email me at info@marrymeamelie.co.uk
Where are you based and where do you cover? I am based in South-East London and able to travel anywhere for your ceremony! Please note that ceremonies taking place outside of London may have additional costs to cover travel and, if needed, accommodation.
How does payment work/what is the payment plan? For wedding ceremonies and vow renewals, to confirm your booking a 50% deposit is payable, with the remainder paid upon receipt of the final ceremony script. For all other services, payment is due upon booking. If this is a barrier, please reach out via the contact form and we can discuss alternative payment plans that feel more accessible.
Do you know any good photographers/venues/performers? Absolutely! I am fortunate to know many talented friends and fellow vendors. Drop me a message via the contact form and I can send any recommendations I have for you direct to your inbox.