Currently Celebrants cannot conduct a legal marriage ceremony. Don't let this put you off! I suggest a simple 'statutory ceremony' with your local registrars, followed by a celebrant led wedding ceremony.
Every registration district is required to offer a simple statutory marriage ceremony (the couple and 2 witnesses). This is a 'no-frills' ceremony. They are usually priced around £60 but can differ according to the area in which you live.
Simply do the legal bit (preferably before the wedding), but celebrate your wedding on a different day with all your guests and your celebrant.
I'm more than happy to explain the process further or you can also visit
www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships for more details of how to legally marry in the UK.
Can a Celebrant legally marry you?
More InfoNot yet!
At the moment in England and Wales you can only legally marry via the Church or by use of a Local Government Registrar (either at a Register Office or at a licensed premises)
There is currently a government review of marriage laws in England and Wales, but any changes are unlikely to happen quickly.
More more info visit my blog post - Can a Celebrant Legally Marry You?
What is a Statutory Wedding Ceremony?
More InfoA Statutory wedding ceremony is also known as a 2 + 2 ceremony. Every registration district is legally obliged to offer these ceremonies. They are very low key, quick ceremonies which take place with just the registrars, couple and 2 witnesses present.
They are a functional and very cheap way to marry.
Couples choosing a celebrant led ceremony frequently choose this type of legal wedding ceremony. This can be completed either before or after your celebrant wedding.
Should I use a Registrar or a Celebrant?
More InfoThat decision is yours!
Both have benefits.
A Registrar ceremony is legally binding but is conducted by a local government officer and offers very limited opportunity for personalising your ceremony. It must take place at a licensed premises.
A Celebrant ceremony is fully personalised, offers flexibiltiy in terms of location and timings and most importantly - in my opinion - your officiant will be someone you've got to know and trust.
My blog post on whether to chose a regsitrar or a wedding celebrant can be read here.
How do I give notice of marriage?
Find out more about Wedding Law Reform
Wedding Law ReformThe campaign for supporting the inclusion of independent celebrants in wedding law for review would love your support.
If you’re searching for wedding celebrants who offer something a little more personal, you’re in the right place. As a Bedfordshire celebrant working closely with couples across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, I specialise in creating relaxed, heartfelt ceremonies that truly reflect you.
You might be wondering, what is a celebrant and how is it different? A celebrant wedding ceremony is completely bespoke, designed around your story, your style, and the atmosphere you want to create. There are no rigid scripts or formal expectations, just a meaningful experience that feels natural and enjoyable from start to finish.
As a friendly celebrant, my aim is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely excited about your ceremony. Whether you’re planning something lighthearted and fun or simple and heartfelt, I’ll guide you through the process with care and ease.
Many couples looking for Buckinghamshire celebrants or Bedfordshire celebrants want a ceremony that feels like them - not something generic or impersonal. That’s exactly what I offer: a warm, engaging ceremony that sets the tone for the rest of your day and becomes a moment you’ll always remember.
