For my first blog, I wanted to answer a commonly asked question – what is a celebrant and what can a celebrant do?
I just want to start by saying, whilst there are many celebrants out there, each brings something different to the table. Take your time choosing, just to make sure you are the right fit for each other.
A celebrant is ‘a person who performs or officiates ceremonies’. These ceremonies include Funerals, Weddings, Baby Naming’s, Vow Renewals and Memorials, to name a few. With a celebrant led ceremony you have freedom – the freedom to choose the location.
For example a wedding ceremony can take place anywhere, indoors or outdoors, whether your venue holds a marriage license or not. Unlike a registrar, there is no legal limitation or restriction as to what you can include in a celebrant ceremony. You have the freedom to create a ceremony which is appropriate to you and your way of life, This means you can celebrate in a more meaningful way with a bespoke ceremony which encapsulates your love and personality.
What can a celebrant do?
My first job as a celebrant is to take time to get to know the couple or family. This process is best started face to face and then can be either via phone or email with a couple more visits before the ceremony takes place.
I may ask questions to help you tell a story, you could share memories that would illustrate the different aspects and interests of their life and your lives together.
A celebrant is there to write and lead the ceremony, so the more time spent getting to know each other the better. All my ceremonies are bespoke, written just for you.
They can include religious or spiritual content, with a prayer or a hymn, but each ceremony is tailor made, no scripts or templated words. Many people choose a celebrant to conduct their loved one’s funeral as the service can be custom made to best reflect the wishes of the family and the life of the deceased.
A celebration of life can include readings, poetry and music to help express emotions that are otherwise difficult to formulate. An experienced celebrant can help make suggestions of suitable readings, poems, and music, but of course the choice always remains with the family.
On the day of your ceremony, the celebrant will meet you at your chosen venue at the appointed time and proceed to officiate the service to celebrate in the best possible way or indeed give thanks for loved ones in a respectful manner.
In a nutshell…
A celebrant is someone who can:
- Lead a fitting ceremony, maybe at an emotional time and in unfamiliar circumstances
- Be flexible and sensitive to everyone’s needs
- Listen and empathise with you
- Contribute from experience to create the most wonderful and beautiful occasion or indeed a dignified and respectful send off
- Create a suitable atmosphere at this formal occasion, to celebrate in the most appropriate manner
Above all, a celebrant is there for YOU – to be guided by you and work with you to create something beautiful and memorable, no matter what the occasion.
PLEASE NOTE: A Celebrant Wedding ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony. For a couple to legalise their marriage, they must book an appointment to visit their local registry office to register their marriage. The couple will not need to say their vows or exchange their wedding rings when signing the marriage register. There is NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT for the registrar to attend the couple’s wedding venue or be present at Celebrant Ceremony.