FAQs
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REGISTRAR AND A CELEBRANT?​
A registrar works for the local county council and legally marries the couple, ensuring certain words are said, that witnesses are present and paperwork is completed. A registrar-led civil ceremony cannot include prayers, hymns or religious readings.A celebrant is an independent professional who designs, creates and then leads a highly personalised ceremony that is unique to that couple.
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WHY WOULD I CHOOSE A WEDDING CELEBRANT RATHER THAN A REGISTRAR FOR THE CEREMONY?
Unlike registrars who are bound by strict legal requirements and standardised formats, celebrants offer unlimited creative freedom, so your ceremony can be as quirky or traditional or unconventional as you like.
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DO CELEBRANTS GET INVOLVED WITH ANY LEGAL WORK?
The simple answer is No, so you will need to be legally married before the celebrant can conduct the ceremony. Most couples will do this one to two weeks before their wedding day, either in a register office or a place of worship.
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IS A CELEBRANT-LED CEREMONY NON- RELIGIOUS?
It can be non- religious but it doesn’t have to be. As a celebrant, I have a lot more flexibility, so your ceremony can be fully secular if you wish, which typically means that the language used centres on human values such as love, commitment, family and community, without religious wording. You can include spiritual touches and incorporate readings, blessings, prayers or symbolic rituals. It’s totally your choice.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CELEBRANT IS SICK ON THE DAY?
It’s not ideal obviously, so let’s hope that never happens! However, you don’t need to worry. Because I trained with the International College of Professional Celebrants, I know and have access to alot of very good celebrants who will step in and do an excellent job if I am unwell.
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HOW MUCH WILL YOU CHARGE TO BE OUR CELEBRANT?
Prices vary depending on the ceremony you require, but as a guide weddings start at around £650 and naming ceremonies at around £450.
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WHERE CAN WE HAVE OUR CELEBRANT-LED WEDDING?
The short answer is pretty much anywhere! Your ceremony can be held in a garden, a woodland, a beach, a barn, a field, a cliff or any recognised venue. You just need the landowner’s permission. But you will need a celebrant! (Hello).
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WHAT ASPECTS OF OUR WEDDING DAY / SPECIAL DAY DO YOU WORK WITH US ON?
I will work on the whole of the ceremony with you. Finding ways to reflect your relationship and story throughout. We will start with an initial meet up where I can get to know you better and advise on readings and poems or symbolic rituals you might want to include, even what music will work well. I will then script the running order of the ceremony, providing help (if you'd like it) as you plan the wording of your vows and what you would like to say during the ring exchange. I will be there in good time on the day to guide you through the whole service and to help with any last minute nerves (Just breathe!). I will also make myself available for any rehearsals (although this will incur a small extra cost).
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I DON'T KNOW OF ANY READINGS, POEMS OR RITUALS TO INCLUDE IN OUR CEREMONY!
Don't worry! I know lots and can help you choose.
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DO WE NEED TO CHOOSE GODPARENTS IF WE ARE HAVING A NAMING CEREMONY?
A naming ceremony is non-religious and as such, does not require god-parents to attend. However, most couples ask two adults (usually close friends) to act as guardians or mentors. They will pledge to support and guide the child throughout his or her life.
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HOW DO I GET STARTED?
That's easy! Once you have a date and a venue, just drop me an email at enquiries@sarahthompsonceremonies.com
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