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I was delighted to receive these photographs this morning, from Thomas Demol (photographer).  On such a dull day it is wonderful to be transported back to Marie and Edan's special day in July.

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Many couples are choosing to have a series of events to celebrate their marriage.

For couples who have married abroad in a small intimate ceremony with a few close friends and family in attendance the opportunity to have a larger event upon their return has a great deal of appeal.

Importantly, as you are legally married you can hold your ceremony anywhere, at any time and there are no restrictions on content.

It may be, that due to the circumstances prevailing in the last eighteen months, that there wasn't the opportunity to have a "big day" with everyone you wanted to be present.

Perhaps you made personal promises to each other and would like to reaffirm these in front of a wider group of your friends and family.  

Alternatively, you might wish to consider a Renewal of Vows ceremony on your first anniversary.

The simple answer to this question is anything !

Whatever type of ceremony you are planning you can include anything you wish

• Music
• Poetry
• Readings
• Prayers
• Symbolic actions*

Your ceremony - your way.

* Looking for inspiration about Symbolic actions then why not visit my facebook page and look in the notes section for more ideas.

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I often work with Staffordshire Registration service in delivering Combined ceremonies (see website page for more details) and I was very concerned to be told that on one occasion the Registrar and Celebrant from the service,  had arrived at a venue just as an Independent  Celebrant concluded their ceremony.

The couple and their guests believed they had just taken part in the "official" ceremony and that the Registrar was just there to "complete the legal paperwork". 

I was disappointed that  a Celebrant would "hoodwink" their clients in this way.   The bottom line is that all ceremonies undertaken by a Celebrant are non-statutory.  

Unfortunately, as a profession Independent Celebrants are still awaiting introduction of legislation which will ensure that all Celebrants reach an agreed level of competence and hold a recognised qualification.

My advice to anyone looking for an Independent Celebrant is to ask about their training and qualifications.  

Just as each couple is different so are Celebrants and it pays to interview a couple of people to see who you think understand you as a couple and will therefore tailor your ceremony to reflect this.



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When considering your Wedding ceremony couples can now choose from a number of options.

​You can have a traditional wedding in a place of worship or a non-religious ceremony led by a registrar in a licenced venue.  

However, if you wish to have a ceremony that truly reflects you as a couple you may be looking for something a little different.  The answer may be to complete the legal requirements in a "two plus two" service offered by the registry office and then plan your big day which includes a Celebrant led ceremony.

This option means that you are then free to have  a bespoke ceremony which reflects you as a couple, your interests, your beliefs and your love.

Contact me for further information.

Micro ceremonies are ones with less than twenty guests.  They offer a more intimated experience as everyone can have a part within the ceremony and be fully involved. They are suitable for all types of ceremony but are particularly suited to Weddings, Commitments and Namings.

​A Celebrant led ceremony can be held anywhere and at any time.  They can be outdoor or in, at a venue or within your own home.

If this type of ceremony appeals to you why not contact me to discuss your plans ?

I look forward to speaking to you.