Weddings & Civil Partnerships
Couples want to use a Wedding Celebrant for many reasons - they want to personalise their wedding ceremony and vows, they don’t want a generic Registrar script, or they want a combination of the 2, they got married abroad and want to celebrate their marriage with friends and family here in the UK, they want to get married in an unlicensed venue like a restaurant, their home, a castle or a stately home, or outside in a garden, on a beach or in a woodland, or they want a particular day and time which a Wedding Celebrant can accommodate for them.
What ever the reason may be, more and more couples want to make their wedding day as unique and individual as they are. Couples want choice and the freedom to make their wedding day special to them, and one size doesn’t necessarily fit all these days. You may have different religions, and want to combine an element of both, embrace different cultures, incorporate a symbolism that is meaningful to you, or a ritual, choose your own music, readings, poems. Where ever your wedding takes place, it will be captivating, heartfelt and inclusive.
As your Wedding Celebrant, I want to get to know you as a couple, your values and beliefs, and your wants and wishes for your special day. I will write and create a bespoke ceremony for you that will reflect your personalities, humour and relationship. I can help you write your own vows, write them for you or you can hand write your own, you can proof read the ceremony until you are completely happy with it, I will join you for a rehearsal to make sure you get the best choreography for your venue, deliver the ceremony on the day, and give you a presented keepsake copy of your service, as well as a commemorative marriage certificate to mark your special day. (This is not legally binding) Together we will make your wedding day a day to remember for you, as well as your friends and family.
Renewal of Vows
A renewal of vows can take place anywhere, any time with anyone conducting it. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm your love for one another, or your commitment or re-commitment after a period of separation, to mark a special anniversary, or due to ill health your partner won’t be with you for much longer for example. It’s a chance to include your children in your celebration with them doing readings, poems, playing music or simply walking you down the ‘aisle’ or giving you away. You may want to revisit your original vows, or show how your relationship has evolved by exchanging new vows, rings can be exchanged and symbolisms and rituals introduced. It’s entirely your choice, and your have the freedom to incorporate whatever sentiment and meaning you would like to portray. As your Wedding Celebrant I can help you create your beautiful and bespoke ceremony that includes all of your wishes and desires and deliver it on the day, in a way that truly represents your love, commitment and lifestyle. You get a presented keepsake copy of your service and a commemorative certificate on the day too.
The Legal Bit!
What is not so commonly known or understood in this country is that only the 'declaratory & contracting' words have to be said in a Registry Office or licensed venue, in order for your marriage to be recognised in the eyes of the law and for a marriage certificate to be issued. You will need a Registrar and 2 witnesses for this bit happen.
Declaratory words - I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I may not be joined in matrimony.
Contracting Words - I call upon these persons here present to witness that I do take thee to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.
You will then both be asked to sign the marriage register, along with the Registrar and your 2 witnesses. You are then legally married.
The other elements of marriage like exchanging of vows and rings are purely celebratory, and can take place literally anywhere the couple would like.
Rituals
Some couples chose to add a ritual into their ceremony, as a symbolism of their love and unity to one another. Some popular rituals can be:
Handfasting - The couple will bind their hands together during the wedding ceremony (before, during, or after reciting their vows), often to symbolize their connection and devotion to one another. Several different coloured ribbons are used, each representing something meaningful to the couple.
Unity Candles - The couple ignites a joint candle, from their own individual candles to symbolize the joining of two hearts, minds, people & lives.
Unity Sand - The couple pours different coloured sand in to a joint vessel, as a keepsake and to symbolize the joining of two hearts, minds, people & lives.
Testimonials
Anne & Cliff Willis' Wedding at RNLI College, Poole Harbour | August 2018
"Everybody said what a lovely and unique service, and how beautiful the story was. It worked so well, and Louise got the entry and exit music cueing perfect too!
Louise is warm, cheerful and very affable. Its impossible not to like her!
Louise's wedding business deserves to grow from strength to strength, and hopefully we can use her again (rather a family wedding than funeral though!!)"
