This is the question I get asked most, and as someone who spent a decade as a Deputy Superintendent Registrar, I can answer it with real authority. At this time of writing, a celebrant ceremony is not legally recognised in England and Wales in the same way a register office or Church of England ceremony is. However, this does not mean it cannot be your real, meaningful, deeply personal wedding. What most couples do — and what I will guide you through — is complete a simple civil registration at your local register office, which takes around 15 minutes and can happen days before your celebration, or even on the same day. This takes care of the legal paperwork quietly, while your ceremony with me is the one that matters: the one you will remember, talk about, and cherish forever. It is worth noting that the UK Government announced in October 2025 its intention to legally recognise celebrant-led ceremonies in England and Wales. Change is coming — and this is wonderful news for couples who have always wanted a ceremony that truly belongs to them.

A registrar conducts a legal ceremony within a licensed venue, following a structure set by law. It is professional, official, and important — but it is not designed to tell your story. A celebrant ceremony has no such restrictions. It can take place anywhere. It can include any rituals, readings, music, or moments that are meaningful to you. It can be funny, emotional, spiritual, or entirely secular. Most importantly, every single word is written specifically about you and no one else. I spent ten years as a Deputy Superintendent Registrar before becoming a celebrant, so I understand both worlds deeply. I made the move because I saw, again and again, what was possible when couples were given complete freedom with their ceremony — and I wanted to be the person helping them create it.

It begins with a call — just a relaxed, no-obligation conversation so we can meet each other, you can ask everything you want to ask, and I can hear a little about your plans. Most couples tell me they felt at ease within the first few minutes. If we are a good fit, here is how it unfolds from there: We book your date and I begin learning everything about you both. We meet again — in person or virtually — and I listen. Not just to the big moments, but to the small, specific, irreplaceable details that make your relationship yours. From there, I write your ceremony script and your bespoke poem, sharing drafts with you so we can shape it together until it feels completely right. I also support you with your vows if you would like help writing them. On your wedding day, I arrive early, calm, and completely prepared. I will make sure you, your wedding party, and anyone with a role in the ceremony all know exactly what to do and when. And then I lead your ceremony: with warmth, presence, and everything we have created together. Afterwards, your bespoke poem is printed on high quality paper and framed as a keepsake for your home.

Yes, without exception. For every couple I work with, I write a completely original poem — between 12 and 16 stanzas — based on your love story, your personalities, the way you speak about each other, and the details only you two would know. It is performed as part of your ceremony, in front of everyone you love. The poem is not a template. It is not adapted from something I have written before. It is written from scratch, entirely about you. Every single one I have written has been completely unique, because every couple is. After your wedding, your poem is yours to keep — beautifully printed and framed as a permanent reminder of your ceremony. Couples tell me it is the thing guests always stop to read when they visit their home.

Yes. I am able to deliver your ceremony in BSL, ensuring that every guest — whatever their hearing — is fully included in every moment. This is something I feel strongly about, and it is part of my commitment to making every ceremony genuinely accessible and welcoming to all. If this is something your wedding would benefit from, please do mention it when we speak and we will talk through how to make it work beautifully

Always, and without question. Every couple deserves a ceremony that celebrates exactly who they are and exactly who they love. LGBTQ+ couples are as welcome here as any other — this is non-negotiable and always will be.

I am UK based and available for ceremonies across the length and breadth of the UK — from Scotland to Cornwall, Yorkshire to Wales, London and everywhere in between. I also travel internationally for destination weddings across Europe and beyond. If you have your heart set on a ceremony somewhere in the world, please do get in touch and we will work out the details together. I love an adventure.

Absolutely. A celebrant-led ceremony can include anything that is meaningful to you — prayers, blessings, rituals from your cultural heritage, symbolic ceremonies such as handfasting, unity candles, or sand pouring, readings from any tradition, and moments for family members to participate. My ceremonies are fully inclusive by design. Whatever your backgrounds, beliefs, or traditions, I will find a way to honour them beautifully within your ceremony

Yes, and I would love to help you if you would like support. Many couples want to write their own vows but feel daunted by where to start. I offer vow writing guidance as part of our work together — helping you find the words that are honest, personal, and exactly right for the two of you. If you want to keep your vows a surprise from each other until the ceremony, I can also hold both sets and gently check they complement each other in tone. You will not lose the element of surprise; you will just be in safe hands

Alongside wedding ceremonies, I lead: Vow Renewals — a beautiful way to reaffirm your commitment, mark a milestone anniversary, or celebrate your love with the people who matter most. Naming Ceremonies — a meaningful and joyful way to welcome a new child into your family and community, whatever your beliefs. Commitment Ceremonies — for couples who want to celebrate their relationship and their love with a full, heartfelt ceremony. Elopements — intimate, just-the-two-of-you ceremonies that are no less meaningful for being small. Some of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever led have been elopements. Each of these comes with the same level of care, the same bespoke approach, and the same poem.

Every ceremony I lead is completely bespoke, so my fees reflect the depth of work involved. I would love to talk you through what is possible within your plans on our intro call. To give you a starting point, please do visit my Contact page to book a no-obligation call, and I will share full details with you there.

The best first step is always a conversation. Drop me a message via the [Contact page] with your date and a little about your plans, and I will come back to you promptly. I take on a carefully selected number of couples each year so that every ceremony receives the time and attention it deserves — so if your date is close, I would encourage you not to wait.