What is a wedding celebrant?

This is a question I am so often asked as well as what's the difference between you and a registrar? 

Firstly - Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’re likely in the exciting whirlwind of planning a wedding. Between choosing the perfect venue- that is right for you, crafting an eye-catching invite list- a bespoke list of people you love, and selecting an unforgettable menu- that suits your vibe, you might be wondering about one important aspect of your big day: who will officiate your ceremony- a ceremony that really captures who you are and the values you hold and includes the people you love the most to celebrate your big moment with you? Enter the independent wedding celebrant. 

All the trends this year are making your day personal. Your ceremony is the most important part of the day. Nothing should be more personal than that. 

Most venues tell you that the first thing you have to do is book your registrar. Not true. Currently - the registrar in a licensed venue it will be a legally binding ceremony and a formulaic ceremony. You won’t know them or have met them but it will be legal.  Now I say currently, as marriage reform is in the air. That may mean that celebrant weddings may soon be legal too and then you will be free to be married by an independent celebrant legally - wherever you like and whenever you like. More on that in my next blog. 

So, what exactly is a wedding celebrant?

In simple terms, a wedding celebrant is a trained professional who will create and conduct personalised wedding ceremonies tailored to your unique story, your values and will capture just who you are. Unlike officiants who work for religious institutions, celebrants are creatives and totally dedicated to capturing every aspect of you and your friends and family. As an independent celebrant that means that there are no limits to what can be done. If you want fun, humour, dignity, gravitas, romance its all yours to create and as an independent celebrant there are no rules about having religious touches if that is what you want. It also means that you can marry wherever you want without the cost of a licensed venue. A beach? A park? Your home? One of the many beautiful wedding venues we have in this wonderful country?

What does a Wedding Celebrant do?

A celebrant’s role is multifaceted. First and foremost, they’ll sit down with you to discuss what you envision for your day. We listen and listen some more. We ask questions you may not have thought of. We read between the lines. This initial meeting is all about connecting with you and understanding your love story—how you met, what makes your relationship special, and any personal touches you want to include in your ceremony. The goal is to craft a ceremony that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Your ceremony will move you. Because nothing is more powerful than a story written for you and about you. We capture your life so far, We thank the people who have helped you get to this point. E honour those who are not there. We hear you. 

You then get quizzes and more meetings and unlimited communication though your own personal hub. We help with speeches, We contact everyone involved in the wedding, we support you in every aspect of the day. 

Nothing is off the table 

One of the best things about hiring a wedding celebrant is the flexibility they provide. Whether you envision a grand, romantic ceremony on the beach, a cozy gathering in a garden, or an intimate affair in your own home, a celebrant can accommodate your wishes. They can also incorporate cultural or spiritual traditions to make the ceremony the real start of your marriage.

Personalisation is everything. It is your day. 

Personalisation is where a celebrant shines. From writing personalised vows to including readings or rituals that resonate with you, the options are virtually endless. You can involve family and friends in the ceremony, whether that means having a loved one read a poem or sharing a special memory or joining in a handfasting, lighting your way with unity candles, singing with you or making a cocktail to toast your moment.  Your wedding day should be a reflection of your journey together, and a celebrant is there to ensure that happens beautifully.

Celebrant vs a Traditional Officiant

While traditional officiants often follow a fixed script and framework dictated by their religious beliefs, wedding celebrants have the freedom to think outside the box. This means you have the liberty to blend traditions or skip features that don’t resonate with you. Want to include a sand ceremony? A handfasting ritual? Or how about a lighthearted anecdote about your first date? How about they add a letter to a time capsule? A celebrant can help you celebrate your uniqueness, making your ceremony a memorable and cherished experience for both you and your guests.Imagine being in a wedding where you are mentioned, you share the experience? How special would that wedding be to you?

Celebrants take care of the details 

Once the ceremony has been carefully crafted and rehearsed, your celebrant will guide you through the big day with grace and professionalism. Their presence ensures that everything flows smoothly. They connect with all your suppliers. They leave no stone unturned. Leave the organisation to them. They’ve got you. 

And their delivery of the ceremony will be a delight. They know the people you want mentioned and you won’t notice this but they will be introducing themselves to all those people as they arrive. 

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you have a better understanding of what a wedding celebrant is and how they can enhance your special day, why not take the next step? I would love to help you craft a one-of-a-kind ceremony that you and your guests will never forget. Most of our work comes from people who have seen a celebrant in action. Once you've seen a celebrant ceremony you will know that when it comes to your turn, its the only way to go.  

Contact me 

Feel free to visit allyrosaliecelebrant.com to learn more about my services and how we can create something magical together. Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable! Contact me for a FREE consultation and receive a slide show full of ideas you will love.