Question 1

What is your ceremony style?

Accepted Answer

For weddings and vow renewals I would say "relaxed and fun with a sprinkle of romance!" I like to put all of my couples at ease and have some fun with telling your story and involving your guests, but I also like to make sure we keep a sense of occasion and recognise the meaningful side too. It is your wedding / anniversary after all!

For funerals I offer Celebration Of Life ceremonies. We focus on your loved one's incredible life story and what made them one of a kind. We will share happy memories and celebrate the wonderful times you shared.

For naming ceremonies - relaxed fun and engaging! I love to get your guests involved in the ceremony and give everyone a celebration to remember forever!

Question 2

What type of ceremonies do you offer as an independent celebrant?

Accepted Answer

Great question! I create and deliver beautiful, personal and meaningful ceremonies for all of life's big moments. Weddings, Vow Renewals, Naming Ceremonies, or Celebration Of Life ceremonies (or funerals if you like!) - I am here to give you a celebration and tell your story in a way that feels real, relaxed and totally you.

Question 3

Will you help us write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Of course! I offer a vow writing service to every couple I work with to help create something truly special. I will work with you individually and give you all the support you need but I will also look at your vows together to make sure that they are a similar length and tone. We don't want one of you pouring your heart out and the other delivering a one liner!

Question 4

Can we include cultural or religious elements in our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - if it's meaningful to you it matters to me. That is why I chose to be an independent celebrant so that I can honour all faiths, cultures and religions in my ceremonies. I also love to learn about new family traditions so it would be an honour to hear all about yours!

Question 5

Do you perform same sex and LGBTQ+ ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Of course! I am proudly inclusive and celebrate love in all it's beautiful forms. I work with all couples and families to create ceremonies that celebrate them and their story.

Question 6

Can we include symbolic elements in our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Of course! These are a great way to add something special and deeply meaningful to your ceremony and they are also a great way to get your guests involved. From handtyings and wine box ceremonies, to shots, group vows and singalongs, I will discuss all of the options with you to see which one(s) feels right for you.

Question 7

We want something personal but we're not really in to the symbolic elements is that ok?

Accepted Answer

Of course!! A lot of my couples like to have a ceremony that has a traditional feel to it, but done in a way that is completely unique to them.  You don't have to include any extra elements, you can still have a personal and meaningful ceremony without them. Instead of adding unity candles, handtyings or tree plantings we focus on you, your story and the reasons why you're committing to forever - what is more special and unique than that?

Question 8

Are your wedding ceremonies legally binding?

Accepted Answer

In short - no. In the UK, a celebrant led ceremony isn't legal by itself (yet!) Most of my wedding couples register their marriage legally at the registry office a week or two before the wedding. That way, there are no rules, restrictions or pre written scripts and you can have the exact ceremony you want on your wedding day.

If you need help with the legal side of things, I offer help and support to all of my couples along the way and I also have a video on my website which explains your options in more detail.  Click below to watch!

Question 9

How long will the ceremony be?

Accepted Answer

On average, my Wedding, Vow Renewal and Celebration Of Life ceremonies are around 30 minutes depending on the level of detail you'd like to  have and whether or not you are including readings and / or symbolic elements. I have written ceremonies that are a lot shorter or longer on request so we can discuss this together to see what feels right for you!

For naming ceremonies, particularly if they are for a baby or a child I recommend a running time of around 20 minutes to make sure the little ones don't get too fidgety! I am a mum of two little ones myself so I know how hard it can be to keep them entertained for long periods of time!

Question 10

Do you travel for ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

100% yes - I will go anywhere for love! In fact I love discovering new venues and going on a wedding road trip (or a plane ride - yes I do destination weddings too!). I am based just outside Mickleton in the North Cotswolds but I travel all over the UK and beyond for weddings. Venues within a 30 mile radius are included in my travel zone and anywhere further afield I just add a small travel charge of 50p per mile.

If you are getting married abroad then please ask for an individual quote to include flights and accommodation.

Question 11

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

You can find all of my current prices on my website. Just click on the type of ceremony you require under 'ceremonies' and you will see the package fees listed on each page.

Question 12

What happens if you're sick or can't make our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I can promise you now in all of my years as a celebrant and after the countless ceremonies I have done, this has never happened. I even performed a ceremony 5 weeks after giving birth to our first son! BUT if the unspeakable did happen and for some awful reason I couldn't make it to your ceremony, I work with a network of incredible celebrants who I can call upon to step in at the last minute and come to the rescue if needed.

Question 13

What is the booking process like?

Accepted Answer

I always encourage you to book in for a complimentary enquiry call to see if I am the right celebrant for you. It is important you choose a celebrant you click with as we spend a lot of time getting to know you and of course we are there for the big moment on your actual wedding day!

If you decide I am the celebrant for you, I ask for a non refundable 25% booking fee to reserve your date. I only ever take one booking per day so once you have paid the booking fee that date is yours. I also ask you to complete a service agreement or contract if you like to make sure that you are happy with all of the terms.

Once you are booked in, we start to work together around 6 months before your date or of course if it is a funeral service we will start working together straight away.

Frequently asked questions