Question 1

Can you legally marry us?

Accepted Answer

A celebrant-led wedding is beautiful, bespoke and meaningful, however it is not legal. You'll need to do the legal part at a registry office (cost is around £56), any time before or after your ceremony. Think of it like registering a birth or a death, it's the wedding admin.

Question 2

What's the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

Accepted Answer

Celebrants are creative and empathetic people who create a personalised, bespoke wedding ceremony tailored to a couple's specific wishes, while a Registrar is a government official who legally marries couples using a standard script and is limited to performing ceremonies in licensed venues. If you'd like to know more, have a look at here at a blog I have written on the subject.

Question 3

Where can I get married?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere you like! Unlike a legal wedding which needs to happen in a licensed venue, a celebrant-led wedding can take place wherever you like. In your garden, on the beach, up a mountain, at your favourite pub or restaurant.... wherever feels perfect for you.

Question 4

Can you help us with our vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I know it seems like a daunting task and I am more than happy to help you with this. Or I can give you guidance so that you can write your own. Have a look here for some tips on how to write your vows.

Question 5

Can we include a symbolic ritual in the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes, yes yes! Again, this is YOUR day and you can include anything you like. Take a look at my blog for some suggestions.

Question 6

My faith is important to me, can we include elements of it in the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

This is your ceremony and you are welcome to do exactly as you want. I am happy to include any religious elements you would like, or you can invite a friend or family member to do it and I will incorporate it into the ceremony.

Question 7

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

I am in Kent but will happily travel to wherever you need me. My expenses will need to be covered, but we can discuss that when we chat.

For more information about the grief morning, Sitting with Grief, click here

ARABELLA WILDE

Independent Celebrant

WEDDING FAQs