Sat, 03 Oct 2026 05:43:43 +0100WeeblyThu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/breaking-glass
The idea of breaking a glass or vase is used in a number of different cultures and countries. 

The more pieces  the glass or vase breaks into the more years the couple will live happily together.

Top tip here - put the glass or vase into a sturdy bag before jumping on it.

​ ]]>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/the-ringing-of-bells
In church ceremonies the bells are often rung to celebrate a marriage and back in time they were also thought to ward off evil and ensure harmony.

Even if you are not marrying in a church setting you might wish to incorporate bell ringing in your special day.

There is an Irish tradition that includes putting bells into the bouquet, as a reminder of the vows that have been made.  An idea which could be easily incorporated into a modern ceremony,

Or may be at the end of the ceremony you could give each guest a bell which they could ring as you lead them on to n=the next part of your day. What a joyful noise that would be!


For more ideas about what you can include in your ceremony why not contact me ?

]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/wedding-customs-from-far-and-near

The joy of being a Wedding Celebrant is that I can create ceremonies which are a little different.

I can include customs from around the world and make them relevant and significant to you as a couple.  This month I am featuring in my blog a selection of customs from around the world.
]]>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:18:25 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/proposed-changes-to-the-wedding-laws
The government has set out its proposals to reform marriage law and it includes allowing celebrants to conduct legal marriage

The proposal is to authorise the celebrant and not the building and there will be different types of celebrants (they will be actually called officiants) - belief celebrants, non belief celebrants (like humanists) and independent celebrants.

The reforms only apply to England and Wales – not to Scotland or Northern Ireland. 

Although these are just proposals at this time, and a public consultation going on, it is  possible we may see these changes coming into force during 2027.


​ ]]>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-register-office-celebrant-and-an-independent-celebrant
Many Register Offices now offer and enhance service by providing a Celebrant to lead the ceremony.

A Celebrant provided by the Register Office has to work with the framework as laid out by law.  Generally this means that the ceremonies are fairly short and have limited choices.

For a truly personal ceremony then I would advise couples to engage an Independent Celebrant, who has an appropriate qualification (NVQ level3 Families and couples celebrant)

You will still need to register your marriage at the Register Office but this is a formality and can be done in an office with witnesses, all Register Offices are required by law to provide this service and it should cost less than £100.

If you would like further information about this please make contact via my contact page.


]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/why-choose-to-have-a-celebrant-lead-ceremony
The reasons for choosing a Celebrant-led ceremony can be as diverse as the couples who choose them.  However, the one thing which connects all of them is the wish to create a ceremony which is meaningful and personal. 

Choosing a Celebrant-led ceremony gives a couple more choice about the content to be included.  It also means there are fewer restraints on time and place.  So if you wish to celebrate your event at home, at an unusual venue or outdoors - a Celebrant-led ceremony would be ideal. Possibly, you would like to hold your ceremony as the sun rises, or weave together two different cultural or religious heritages.  All things are possible.
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When considering the person who will lead your ceremony my advice would be to have a discussion with a number of Celebrants and then choose the person who you feel you can work with.   Each Celebrant has their own style and approach so it’s just a case of finding the person you have a connection with. 
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If you would like to discuss your ceremony please feel free to contact me.

]]>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:30:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/the-four-most-popular-types-of-celebrant-led-celebrations
The most common types of Celebrant led celebrations are Weddings, Namings, Commitment and Renewal of vows.
 
Weddings

A wedding celebration  is conducted after a couple legally marry.  Registering your marriage should be done at a Registry Office in the presence of two witnesses. 

There are a number of reasons why you might choose to marry and then have a wedding ceremony including the freedom to celebrate where, when and how you wish. 

Every ceremony I conduct is tailor-made to each couples requirements.   The wedding celebration ceremony can be held in a location of your choice, at a time to suit you and there are no limits to the number of people who can be present.

Your choice of music, poetry and readings can be woven into the ceremony.
Symbolic actions such as exchanging rings, lighting candles, a sand ceremony, releasing doves, exchanging love letters  or creating unique items to cherish are just a few of the things that can be included.

If you choose an Independent Celebrant then you can also include some religious elements, if you wish.
 


Naming Ceremonies and Welcoming ceremonies

A naming ceremony is suitable for children of all ages.  It is an ideal way of bringing family and friends together to formally welcome the newest member or members to the family.  It is also an appropriate way to welcome an adopted child or children from a previous partnership.

During a Naming ceremony parents make promises to their child or children and share their hopes and dreams for their futures.  Other adults too can pledge their support some as Supporting Adults who will play a significant part in the child or children’s lives.

A naming ceremony is a wonderful family occasion and can include elements such as tree planting, lighting a candle, a circle of support or gifts.

A Welcoming ceremony is very similar to a Naming ceremony and such ceremonies are often used to welcome an older child whose has been adopted.  The aim of the ceremony is to acknowledge the new relationship and for the child  or children to be welcomed into their new family and community.
 
 
Commitment Ceremony

You may not wish to be married but do wish to announce your commitment to each other.  A Commitment ceremony is a great way to do this.   At the heart of the ceremony is the witnessing by others of your commitment to each other without undertaking any legal contract.

A Commitment ceremony can also be conducted before a legal marriage has been undertaken and may be used as a signpost to future intentions.

Traditionally, couples might have had a Handfasting ceremony and these are still popular as an element of a Commitment ceremony.
 

 
Renewal of vows

Where a legal marriage has taken place a couple might choose to have a Renewal of vows ceremony to celebrate a significant wedding anniversary.
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A Renewal of vows can also be incorporated into a family occasion to celebrate a Marriage which may have taken place abroad, normally more than twelve months previously.
 
 
​]]>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/how-can-i-achieve-the-wedding-of-my-dreams4371608
I believe it is possible to have the Wedding of your dreams and not have to compromise.  A Celebrant led ceremony gives you the opportunity to have your ceremony when and where you wish.  It also gives you the opportunity to express your personalities by choosing any genre of music, writing your own promises and vows and involving others.

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Each of us have a different view about the perfect wedding, for some it might be an extravagant fairy tale event whilst others would prefer to make their vows in shaded woodland.  You may have two guests or two hundred; however the most important thing is that it is a day where life long memories are created and a day where your love shines brightly.

]]>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/civil-partnerships7507244
Many people do not wish to have a Marriage but want the legal protection offered to a couple.  Often they will decide to have a Civil Partnership.  This means that their partnership is recognised under the law.

 
An Independent Celebrant can led a Celebration ceremony following the completion of the legal declarations at a Registry office in the same way that a Marriage can be celebrated with a Wedding Celebration.

Within a bespoke ceremony the couple may wish to express their commitment to each other, make promises for the future and exchange rings or gifts. A Celebration ceremony can also include music and unity actions.  These can be drawn from different cultures, beliefs and countries.

If you are considering a Civil Partnership and would like to discuss this further please complete a contact form and we can start by having an informal chat.

]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMThttps://www.christineomalley.com/blog/can-i-have-a-celebrant-led-ceremony-in-a-licenced-venue6456473
There is no reason why you cannot have a Celebrant led ceremony at a licensed venue.  The venue has paid a fee to hold Marriage Services which are conducted by a Registrar. This fee should be stated separately to other costs, as different Local Authorities make different charges and you can opt out.

A Celebrant led ceremony can be conducted anywhere within the venue meaning you are not restricted to the areas which are licensed.  So if the venue has woodland area or grotto or fabulous garden these can be used (weather permitting).

Please remember that to ensure your Marriage is legal you will need to undertake the legal requirements at your local registry office. All offices conduct statutory services which are very simple, cost effective ways of undertaking the legal requirements.  I would suggest contacting your local authority for an informal chat.

If you wish to know more please feel free to contact me via the contact page on my website.

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