We may not have it all together,but together we have it all!
If you are planning a Wedding or Handfasting ceremony CONGRATULATIONS on finding THE person who makes you feel like you “have it all”.
Your outward declaration and promise to cherish each other, throughout all the seasons of your lives, may well be the culmination of months, sometimes years of careful planning, and deserves to be marked in a unique Wedding or Handfasting ceremony in a way that reflects you as individuals and honours your shared values. Independent Celebrant-led ceremonies are game-changers, because they afford you freedom to celebrate your day your way. You deserve a ceremony of distinction without restriction!
"With this cord, we bind our hearts together"
Handfasting, is a beautiful, symbolic Celtic ceremony, widely accepted as being one of the oldest known unity rituals, where couples’ wrists were bound together, to mark an engagement, lifelong union or commitment to one another, representing their commitment and bond to one another (effectively ‘tying the knot’). The colours used in the ties themselves each have a symbolic meaning, blessing and strengthening the connection of the union. Handfasting is a ceremony in its own right, however the physical act of Handfasting itself, can also be incorporated into a Wedding ceremony or any other ceremony that unites individuals as one.
While Wiccan and Pagan ceremonies take place in a circle, drawing in nature-related rituals where the elements of fire, water, earth, and air are symbolically recognised, reaffirming the couple’s connection to the earth, the circle of life, and the unbreakable infinite bond of their union, growing popularity is making way for more modern interpretations, as more couples embrace bespoke Celebrant-led ceremonies. Certainly, the film Braveheart and the Game of Thrones series, with scenes depicting handfasting ceremonies, may also have contributed to the increasing appeal in what is a simple but beautiful romantic gesture, and ritual ceremony dating back thousands of years.
What's makes Special Days? Whatever matters to you!
Spiritual and Sacred
Spiritual and Sacred
Spiritual and Sacred
If you are a spiritual being, weaving in elements of spirituality, sacred scripture or faith, blending different beliefs representative of your individual wishes or those that honour those dear to your families might be the perfect choice for you
Timeless Decadence
Spiritual and Sacred
Spiritual and Sacred
Historic houses and castles are quintessentially romantic; 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 Settings
Spiritual and Sacred
Intimate Settings
Do you yearn for a 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!)
Old meets New
Spiritual and Sacred
Intimate Settings
Like the idea of a 'traditional wedding ceremony that brings in a touch of the rituals of old? Why not incorporate a modern bespoke Handfasting ceremony when you tie the knot?
Informal & Chilled
Fabulously Flamboyant
Fabulously Flamboyant
Not keen on formal or traditional ceremonies?Independant Celebrant led ceremonies give you the freedom to celebrate your special day your way, without pomp and ceremony - unless you want it.
Fabulously Flamboyant
Fabulously Flamboyant
Fabulously Flamboyant
There is making an entrance, and there is making an entrance! This fabulously flamboyant couple certainly made their mark, in a ceremony filled with colour and all things fabulous!
Pets & Paw Prints
Fabulously Flamboyant
Pets & Paw Prints
Is your faithful friend your beloved pooch? Why not involve them in your special day. Darcy the Collie, was the perfect ring bearer at M&C's wedding and the most welcome and cuddled guest
Party Atmosphere
Fabulously Flamboyant
Pets & Paw Prints
If you love to party, bring the party and the feel good factor. There is no time like the present to start dancing, singing or even raving through life if that what moves you!
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, choosing the right Celebrant for you will make a big difference to your special day. 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,BUT the big difference is that you get a ceremony that is completely unique bespoke ceremony of distinction'.
My fees for East Sussex based bespoke Wedding and Handfasting ceremonies start from £650. 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. If you email me, check your spam or junk mail so you dont miss my reply!
Pleased to meet you!
Hello, I'm Emma, an Award winning Independent Civil Celebrant, creating bespoke ceremonies of distinction across Sussex, the UK and overseas.
Sharing your story, a love story, a life story, someone elses story, in a way that brings meaning into a significant life event is an important but often overlooked decision. Choosing the right Celebrant to help you do that is an important, so allow me to introduce myself...