We may not have it all together,but together we have it all!
If you are planning a Wedding ceremony (which is very possible if you are reading this) CONGRATULATIONS on finding THE person who makes you feel like you “have it all”.
Your outward declaration and promise to love and cherish each other, throughout all the seasons of your lives, may well be the culmination of months, sometimes years of careful planning, and there is nothing more soul destroying then seeing such a pivotal moment in your lives - all the love you hold for each other - marked in a way that is 'less' than befits your lifelong commitment! You deserve a ceremony as unique as you are as individuals and as a couple. You deserve a ceremony of distinction!
The Sky's the Limit....
Independent Celebrant-led ceremonies are ‘game-changers’, because they afford you freedom to celebrate your day your way; giving you a 'ceremony of distinction' without restriction, that sets your day completely apart from the many other wonderful weddings you may yourself been lucky enough to be part of!
Spiritual or Sacred?
Weaving in elements of spirituality, sacred scripture or faith, if that is something that resonates with you, and also blending different beliefs representative of your individual wishes or those that honour those dear to your families are another reason Independent Civil Celebrant-led ceremonies are gaining popularity
Timeless Elegance or Divinely Decadent?
Historic houses and castles are quintessentially romantic; the echo of footsteps on well worn floors and the elegance of the surroundings that have been the setting to beautiful ceremonies throughout history...it's no wonder they are so sought after when it comes to taking your own historic journey together...
Intimate Woodland or Lavishly Grand?
Your special day (or night) can be celebrated anywhere and any time, so if you want your ceremony under the willow tree in your garden, the beautiful setting of woodland or even on board a yacht, you can! (subject to some legal or safety considerations of course!)
Classicly Cool or Fabulously Flamboyant?
Being able to write a ceremony that mirrors who YOU are as a couple and individuals is just such a joy...so whether you are 'too cool for school', elegantly traditional, unashamedly romantic or fabulously flamboyant...you can have a ceremony to match!
It's all in the detail....
As an Independant Celebrant, I can include whatever resonates with you into your service, so, whether that is weaving in beautiful mini ceremonies such as handfasting, spiritual words, traditions from any faith - a blend of all of these elements or none! - it’s your choice entirely!
Legal Aspects of Independent Celebrant-led wedding Ceremonies.
Your Celebrant-led service or ceremony is not deemed lawfully binding unless you have followed the legal process for marriage which can be done in a few easy steps. You will need to contact your local registry office and explain that you only want a ‘basic’ legally binding marriage registration, (without the full ‘pomp and ceremony’). This process usually costs around £80-£120 as opposed to the full wedding ceremony fee which can cost anywhere from around £450 upwards depending on where you live.
You must adhere to the legal requirements outlined by the registrar, entering a notice of marriage, at least 28 clear days before your wedding ceremony; you will both need to attend an interview to get the legal paperwork, and you will need to take your passport, driving license and proof of address which needs to be within the same calendar month that you are entering the notice of marriage. If you have been married before, you will also need to present your decree absolute.
You can then book a ‘registration of marriage’ which takes place at the register office. The ‘legally binding’ marriage, (which will be done in the presence of 2 witness’ who you will need to bring with you) is where you say the lawful verbal declaration, which forms the legal contract for your marriage. The registrar will tell you what you need to say (you will not need to exchange rings or your personal vows as this will be done at your wedding ceremony)
You can have your Celebrant-led wedding ceremony before or after you are legally married, however your chosen Celebrant cannot lawfully pronounce you ‘married’on the day of your wedding ceremony unless you have completed the legal process above) It is not unusual for couples to have their ceremony sometimes weeks before or after they 'legally' marry to ensure they have their ceremony on the day they specifically want. This information is subject to change - You must speak to your local Town Hall/Council Registrar service for full and current details.
East sussex wedding celebrant creating unique ceremonies
Next Steps; What can you expect from me?
Our biggest life events evoke so many expectations and emotions so getting to know you as individuals and as a couple, before your big day, (initially having an informal chat without obligation to book my services) followed by meeting in person (or Skype call if a face to face meeting is not possible) to create a ceremony that is perfect for you, is so important. I can of course offer guidance and ideas that can be interpreted in your own way if you are looking for a little inspiration on how to make your special day as individual as you are...it’s no less than you both deserve!
The investment you make in your ceremony, is often the same (or similar) price that you would pay for a registrar to come to your chosen venue, yet you get a ceremony that is completely unique and bespoke! Ultimately, you are investing in a unique 'ceremony of distinction'
My fees for East Sussex based bespoke Wedding ceremonies start from £550. I also work across Sussex, the UK, and overseas. For all my services, please feel free to call or email me for a personal (without obligation) quotation.