The choice of whether to marry or live together is a personal one but there are some implications in law.

Many couples choose to live together rather than marry; by doing this they may forfeit their legal status as a couple. So if you do not wish to marry then a Civil Partnership may be the answer.

Couples who enter into a Civil Partnership are regarded in the same way as a married couple. The position of civil partners in relation to financial arrangements mirrors that of spouses. 

The laws governing wills, administration of estates and family provisions applies to civil partners in the same way as to spouses. 

Although we rarely like to consider what will happen when a life partner dies it is worth discussing the financial position.  When a person dies without a valid will their property must be shared out according to certain rules.  These rules are called intestacy.

Only married couples or civil partners and some other close relatives can inherit under the rules of intestacy.

Cohabiting partners who are neither married nor in a civil partnership cannot inherit under these rules.

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I believe it is possible to have the Wedding Ceremony 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.

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.

All Celebrant led ceremonies are non-statutory and for a marriage to be legal you must undertake the legal and contractual part  at a registry office.

If this is not something you wish to do then I offer Commitment ceremonies.

Please contact me if you wish to discuss either of thiese options.

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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.
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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.

If you would like to discuss your ceremony please feel free to contact me.
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For the last three years I have been part of the training team working with Civil ceremonies Ltd.  

I really enjoy my role working with people who wish to become Independent Civil Celebrants and gain their National Qualification. Not only am I able to share my expertise and experience but I consider this a wonderful way to keep up with new trends and continue my own professional development.