Blog Post

The ABC Guide To Your Wedding Ceremony : Using a UK Wedding Celebrant

Sharon Allam • 10 March 2025

How to choose a wedding celebrant

Choosing a wedding celebrant

Are you recently engaged and feeling overwhelmed by the endless options for your wedding? You’re not alone! After speaking with couples at wedding fairs, it’s clear that navigating the marriage system in the UK can be quite confusing. Fear not! Here’s a very simple guide into your organising your wedding ceremony.


Select Your Wedding Venue


Once you’ve chosen your venue, it’s time to consider how you want to tie the knot. If you’re getting married in a church, your officiant will be a religious leader. However, if you’re opting for a licensed venue, you have another exciting choice: a wedding celebrant!  Celebrants offer a personalised touch to your ceremony, allowing you to express your love story in a unique way.


Why choose a Wedding Celebrant


Why consider hiring a wedding celebrant? Here are some fantastic benefits:


Personalisation: A celebrant can create a ceremony that reflects your personalities and values, making it truly one-of-a-kind.


Flexibility: Unlike registrars, celebrants can officiate at any location—be it your own garden, a field, or even on top of a mountain! If you’re dreaming of a picturesque setting in Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes, a celebrant is your best bet.


Creative rituals and traditions: Celebrants can incorporate unique rituals and wedding traditions that resonate with you, adding depth and meaning to your ceremony.


Inclusivity: Celebrants create ceremonies that are welcoming and inclusive, ensuring that all your guests feel valued and part of your special day.


Emotional connection: With a personalized approach, celebrants foster a deep emotional connection during the ceremony, making it a heartfelt experience for everyone involved.


Stress-free experience: On your wedding day, you deserve to relax. With a celebrant, there are no strict rules to follow, and you won’t have to undergo an interview. You’ll know the person officiating your ceremony, making it feel more intimate and familiar.


A pinch of sparkle: Wedding celebrants often bring a special flair to the ceremony, adding that little bit of sparkle that makes your wedding day truly magical.

The Legalities


While a wedding celebrant can create a beautiful ceremony, it’s essential to note that they can’t legally marry you. Here’s a simple process to follow:


Statutory Ceremony:  You can have a statutory ceremony at any registry office, just the two of you and two witnesses. This service is typically priced at around £60. All register offices are obliged to offer this option, but it isn’t always advertised on their websites. Sometimes, you’ll need to contact the office directly to book one.


Timing:  Completing this statutory ceremony means that by your wedding day, you will already be legally married. If you prefer, you can even do this part after your celebratory wedding ceremony with the celebrant!


By taking care of the legalities ahead of time, you can fully enjoy your wedding day without any legal worries. PLUS they’ll be no registrar interviews on the day, no strange faces at the end of the aisle and you’ll know exactly what to expect.

 

 

Choosing your wedding celebrant and how it all works


The beauty of working with a wedding celebrant lies in the collaboration. Together, you’ll create a ceremony that resonates with you. Here’s how to get started:


Have an informal chat: by phone, WhatsApp, Zoom or in person. It’s a great indicator of whether you gel with that particular celebrant and whether they can be your ‘person’ one of the biggest days of your life. It could be worth checking their experience, their knowledge of your venue, have they worked with your other suppliers before, do they have excellent reviews, what are their payment terms and do you like their vibe.


The getting to know you:  different celebrants work in different ways but I love getting to meet and know my couples. Along with these conversations,  I use a couple’s questionnaire to extract just a little more about your personalities and preferences.


Script time:  your celebrant will draft a personalised ceremony script tailored to you, including vows, readings, and music selections. This can be discussed, altered and changed until you are 100% happy.


Rehearsal: If you’d like, a rehearsal can be arranged to ensure everyone knows their roles. This step can help ease any pre-wedding jitters!


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I also understand that wedding ceremony planning can feel overwhelming. That’s why I strive to make the process as easy and fun as possible. I’m here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way, ensuring your ceremony reflects your personality and values. I will also liaise with other wedding suppliers to ensure the process is seamless for you.


Most Importantly – Enjoy Your Day!

The pressure is off. It’s time to enjoy every moment of your wedding day. With a celebrant by your side, your special day is bound to be a memorable celebration of love.   A majority of my wedding ceremonies take place in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and London but I am happy to travel anywhere to help you create lasting memories and kick off your wedding day in style.

by Sharon Allam 10 March 2025
How to do the legal bit
by Sharon Allam 27 February 2025
Recently, I had the joy of visiting a stunning London venue to officiated a wedding ceremony for a cosmopolitan couple. Let me tell you, it was an experience to remember! With high ceilings, rough plastered walls, and bare floorboards, the space was sooooo chic. It was just THE perfect location for this couple to hold their wedding. Not only did the venue compliment the couple’s love story but it was centrally located. Some for bride's family had traveled from across the Atlantic to celebrate their wedding day, leaving behind sunny skies for a stylish, albeit rainy, London wedding. The wedding guests were such a lovely group and their happiness flooded the room. This energy made the celebration even more memorable. They certainly raised the roof when the couple were introduced as Mr and Mrs! As a wedding celebrant, covering Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and London, I know how important it is to find the right setting for your wedding day. While I captured my own snapshots of this beautiful wedding (featured here), it was the talented duo Elle and Ben (Insta: @winningtoncoe and @ben.winnington) whose photography and videography truly brought the day to life. They captured the vibe of the day perfectly. Another special highlight was the stunning floral arrangements by florist Rebel Rebel, which (I'm reliably informed) featuring exquisite Icelandic poppies and aromatic jasmine. Being part of this wonderful wedding celebration at Old Sessions House was an absolute delight. If you’re dreaming of a city wedding or looking for a wedding celebrant, I would love to help you create your dream wedding day. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!
by Sharon Allam 8 February 2025
When it comes to weddings, I firmly believe that every couple should have a ceremony as unique and special as their love story. One beautiful tradition that can add a meaningful touch to your big day is handfasting—an ancient ritual symbolizing love, unity, and commitment. With so many ways to personalize it, from the materials you use to the words you speak, handfasting can be a truly magical part of your wedding ceremony. So, What Exactly is Handfasting? Handfasting is a symbolic act where a couple’s hands are gently bound together with cords or ribbons, representing their union and the joining of their lives. Ever heard the phrase “tying the knot”? Well, this is where it comes from! With deep roots in Celtic traditions and other ancient cultures, handfasting was traditionally performed outdoors, celebrating the couple’s connection to nature. It was seen as a sacred bond, intertwining two destinies and marking the beginning of a new journey together. Why Choose Handfasting? Handfasting is more than just a beautiful ritual—it’s a powerful metaphor for love and commitment. As the cords are tied, they symbolize the couple’s lives, dreams, and futures becoming one. The knots serve as a reminder of the strength of their bond, promising support through life’s adventures. But what makes this tradition truly special is its flexibility! Handfasting allows couples to showcase their personalities through the choice of cords, colours, and styles. For example: ❀️ Red symbolizes love, passion, and energy πŸ’™ Blue represents patience, trust, and devotion πŸ’š Green embodies growth, renewal, and harmony Incorporating Handfasting into Your Ceremony If you’re thinking of adding handfasting to your wedding, here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours: 🌟 Choose Meaningful Cords – Select colours that resonate with you or incorporate fabric from a cherished family heirloom. πŸ’¬ Personalize Your Vows – Work with your celebrant to weave in heartfelt promises or readings that reflect your journey together. πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§‍πŸ‘¦ Invite Loved Ones to Participate – Having family or friends wrap the cords around your hands can symbolize the support of those closest to you. πŸŽ€ Create a Keepsake – After the ceremony, save your handfasting cords as a lasting memento—perhaps framing the knot or keeping it in a memory box. As your Sunflower wedding celebrant, I’d love to help you craft a handfasting ceremony that feels authentic, meaningful, and seamless within your special day. If you’d like to explore this tradition further or discuss how to incorporate it into your wedding, just reach out—I’d be delighted to help! Looking forward to hearing from you! πŸŒ»πŸ’›
by Sharon Allam 5 February 2025
As you may already know, I’m Sharon, a wedding celebrant operating in Bedfordshire and the rest of the UK. Setting up a business raises the tricky task of choosing a name I should operate under. Oh my goodness, that took a while! After tossing back and forth a number of ideas I settled on Sunflower Ceremonies – in tribute to my favourite flower. Here’s a few reasons why I decided the sunflower perfectly reflected me and my role as a wedding celebrant. The Meaning Behind the Sunflower Sunflowers, known scientifically as *Helianthus annuus* (oooh get me and my latin!) hold a special place in many cultures. Their name is derived from the Greek words "helios," meaning sun, and "anthos," meaning flower." This connection to the sun is not merely historic; sunflowers are renowned for their ability to turn their heads toward the sun. This characteristic symbolizes loyalty, adoration, and unwavering faith - qualities that are integral to many life ceremonies, particularly weddings. Brightness and Joy The vibrant yellow of sunflowers is often associated with happiness and positivity. This cheerful colour can uplift spirits and brighten even the cloudiest of days. As a Bedfordshire Celebrant, I love to incorporate sunflowers into ceremonies, as they evoke feelings of joy and celebration, making them the perfect floral choice for weddings, naming ceremonies, and other significant life events. Resilience and Strength Sunflowers are also a symbol of resilience. They thrive in various conditions and stand tall even in the unpredictable British weather. This quality resonates with many of us as we navigate life's challenges. A sunflower’s journey from seed to full bloom reflects the human experience of growth, transformation, and the beauty that comes from overcoming obstacles. In the context of sunflower ceremonies, this symbolism can be particularly poignant, reminding us of the strength found in love and commitment. Symbol of Friendship and Loyalty Beyond their beauty, sunflowers are often seen as symbols of loyalty and friendship. Their ability to follow the sun is a powerful metaphor for the support we offer to one another through life's ups and downs. This makes them a meaningful addition to any celebration of love, friendship, or family, highlighting the bonds that hold us together. Whether you're planning a renewal of vows, a naming ceremony, or wedding in Bedfordshire or the rest of the UK, I’d love to hear about your plans and, just maybe, Sunflower Ceremonies, can be the add energy and sunshine to your wedding day. I am an experienced Bedfordshire based wedding celebrant with a warm, supportive and friendly style. I’m happy to travel UK wide and I’m always delighted to chat weddings. Go to ‘ Contact me’ to get in touch.
by Sharon Allam 8 January 2025
SO, ARE YOU CURIOUS? Well….. 🌻 Let’s start with the most important part ~ I get to know you! Together, we’ll build a relationship and co-create your ceremony. I want to learn all about your likes and dislikes, how you envision your special day, and in turn, I’ll figure out how to add that extra sparkle to it. 🌻 I’m your officiant & storyteller ~This day is all about YOU. My ceremony will revolve around your love story, your passions, and your future together. 🌻 Adding those personal touches ~ We can incorporate elements that truly reflect YOU. Whether it’s including your furry friends, involving your children, adding readings or singalongs, or even playing games and raising a glass of bubbly—let’s decide what fits your style (and it doesn’t have to be any of these!). Want a llama as your ring bearer? Let’s do it! 🌻 Vow Writing Assistance ~ I’m here to help you craft your personal vows. We can aim for heartfelt, sprinkle in some humor, and even elicit a tear or two from even the most stoic relatives. The tone is entirely up to you. 🌻 Ceremony Coordination ~ While I might not don a hi-vis vest, I can manage your crowd with ease. I’ll be there to direct guests to their seats and line them up for those memorable confetti shots. 🌻 I come prepared! ~ I always come ready with tissues—no one wants a snotty wedding! 🌻 The calming influence ~ Wedding day nerves are completely natural; it’s a big occasion! I’ll be your friendly face at the end of the aisle, ensuring you know you’ve got this! What’s essential to remember? No two weddings are the same, and my goal is to help create the day you envision, supporting you in every way I can!
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