Question 1

What type of celebrant are you?

Accepted Answer

I am an independent, master celebrant. In short, I can officiate weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies. Independent celebrants cater to all faiths and none so your wedding, vow renewals or elopements can be as spiritual as you like, or not at all. It’s up to you. Please note that if you work with a humanist celebrant, there will not be space for religious or spiritual elements.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

celebrant can create a bespoke ceremony with freedom on style, content and location. Unfortunately, independent celebrants are still unable to legally marry couples in the UK - watch this space though - changes are happening! You will still be obliged to have a civil ceremony with a registrar either before or after your ceremony with me.

Question 3

Do you officiate LGBTQ+ weddings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely I do! Please be assured that I believe everyone should feel loved and celebrated.

Question 4

How long does a celebrant-led ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

Ceremonies last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. It depends on what you want to include in the way of readings, music, symbolic elements, vows etc. It’s your ceremony so you decide - I can tailor it all to your preferences.

Question 5

Where can we have a celebrant-led wedding?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere! How exciting is that?! As an independent celebrant I am not limited to a licensed venue as is the case for registrars. You can have it at home, in your garden, on your favourite beach, indeed, any location that is meaningful to you.

Question 6

Will you travel for ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

I would be delighted to lead your wedding/vow renewal/elopement in the UK or in any EU country of your choosing. I am passionate about travel and visiting new locations.

Question 7

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course. Having your voice and emotions expressed is hugely important. I can offer you light support but if you discover, as time goes on, that writing is not your thing, then I will happily step up. If you are planning on keeping your vows a surprise until the big day, it’s a good idea to keep me in the loop and I can gently assist from behind the scenes. It means we can avoid a mismatch in tone and content!

Question 8

Do you help with speeches and readings?

Accepted Answer

I will help anyone who is feeling the pressure of having to get up and speak in front of your guests! This can work in a number of ways. I can provide you with a script, whereby I produce the content of your ceremony and someone else delivers it on the day. If, on the other hand, members of your wedding party would like some assistance with their speeches, I can do that too. I’m also on hand for any presentation coaching if they feel a need for a boost beforehand. Whatever works.

Readings, oh how I LOVE readings! I am always up for a deep dive into this and I can help your readers with any tips on presentation style too.

Question 9

And what about rehearsals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rehearsals are always a good idea. Anything that helps you feel prepared and relaxed on the day is invaluable and I’ll be with you every step of the way so you feel calm, confident, and ready to go.

Question 10

What are your fees and availability?

Accepted Answer

For enquiries about availability, UK and EU destination wedding quotes and any other questions, please do get in contact.

Question 11

What type of celebrant are you?

Accepted Answer

I am an independent celebrant which means I am able to include religious, spiritual, or secular elements in your ceremony, based on your wishes. Please be aware that Humanist Celebrants conduct strictly non-religious, atheist, or agnostic ceremonies.

Question 12

What is the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?

Accepted Answer

This can be quite hard to define these days so bear with me. A funeral is conducted in the immediate weeks immediately after someone’s passing. It is generally formal and more serious in tone. A celebration of life tends to be more informal, relaxed and lighter in its approach. It can also be conducted in the weeks after your loved one’s passing, in place of a funeral, or you can wait for an appropriate time where, for example, it could be combined with scattering the deceased’s ashes at a memorable location.

The landscape has certainly changed in recent years and continues to do so. Ultimately, it is up to you. Some families want something humorous and warm; others I know want more formality. Whatever, I will be there to shape your memories into words and capture the details that made that life unique.

Question 13

What is your role as a funeral celebrant?

Accepted Answer

I will be there as a support in those difficult weeks leading up to your loved one’s ceremony and guide you through the process. I will meet with you to discuss your wishes as well as gather stories and memories in order to produce a bespoke ceremony script, and suggest appropriate poems, readings, and music. I will liaise with your funeral director and any other service providers you have chosen. On the day, I will deliver and guide the funeral service, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and gracefully. My purpose is to bring meaning and help you reflect on your loss, whilst acknowledging the love, the legacy and the connection.

Question 14

Where do you work?

Accepted Answer

I officiate at ceremonies at crematoriums and burial grounds, including natural burial grounds. If you are looking at a celebration of life that will revolve around the scattering of ashes, I am happy to travel, within reason, to a location of your choosing.

Question 15

Who writes the eulogy?

Accepted Answer

Usually a member of the family will write and deliver the eulogy but I am here to take the strain - I can write and deliver it, or be available to support whoever has the task in hand. You will always be in charge of reviewing and approving any script I produce.

Question 16

How can we hire you for our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

You can either contact me directly or I can also be hired via your funeral director - whatever is easiest for you at this time.

Question 17

Will you travel for funerals?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Hampshire and, within reason, I am happy to make the journey into Berkshire and Surrey. Please be aware that this may incur extra costs.

Question 18

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

All ceremonies start from £300. For enquiries about pricing and also my availability, please do get in contact.

Question 19

What is the difference between a naming ceremony and a christening?

Accepted Answer

Unlike a traditional christening, a naming ceremony is generally secular and offers more flexibility, although you should feel free to add in any religious elements such as hymns, readings or prayers.

Question 20

Can one appoint godparents?

Accepted Answer

Well, no, it’s not a christening! The modern, secular alternative would be ‘supporting adults’, ’guideparents’ or ‘guardians’. They are usually close friends or family who commit to supporting your child through life, though they hold no legal responsibility.

Question 21

What age can a child be?

Accepted Answer

Naming ceremonies can be held at any age. They are often held within the first year, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity in later years to welcome adopted children or stepchildren.

Question 22

Where can we hold the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Within reason, absolutely anywhere you like: your home, garden, the beach, local woodland, anywhere that matters to you as a family.

Question 23

How long will the ceremony take?

Accepted Answer

It’s usually around 20 to 30 minutes, but it can be longer or shorter - there is always flexibility.

Question 24

What happens during the naming ceremony?

Accepted Answer

That is ultimately up to you - my job is to bring it to life! During the ceremony we can talk about your baby or child’s arrival and the impact that it has had to your lives. You can share the meaning behind their name and the reasons for your choice. You can also make promises to your child. If you want to include guideparents, they, too, can make their own vows. There is also the opportunity for symbolic elements such as a time capsule or tree planting, for example. Really, the world is your oyster!

Question 25

How far will you travel?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Hampshire and but always happy to travel for a naming ceremony. Please be advised though that this will inevitably impact on costs.

Question 26

What are the fees?

Accepted Answer

Ceremonies start from £600. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs further.

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