Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything legally before the ceremony?
Yes. A celebrant-led ceremony in England and Wales is a celebration rather than a legal registration of marriage. You'll need to book a separate civil ceremony at your local register office. Many couples do this quietly beforehand and then have their full celebrant ceremony as the main event. Simple, and completely worth it.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can. Summer dates fill quickly and it's always better to have your celebrant confirmed early so we can start the creative work together without any pressure.
Can I include religious or spiritual elements if I'm not formally religious?
Absolutely. I have a deep respect for all spiritual and religious traditions and love weaving meaningful elements from any faith or practice into ceremonies, purely as a heartfelt expression of who you are.
What if we want something really unusual?
Even better. Unusual is where I thrive. Get in touch and let's talk it through.
A Few Questions About Vow Renewals
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to do anything legal?
No. A vow renewal is a celebratory ceremony rather than a legal registration. You're already married, and this is purely a celebration of that fact.
Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely. I can help you craft them if you'd like support, or I can incorporate vows you've written yourselves. Either way, they'll feel completely authentic to you.
A Few Questions About Elopements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need witnesses?
For a celebrant-led elopement, there are no legal requirements around witnesses (your legal marriage happens separately at the register office). If you'd like a couple of close people there, absolutely. It's entirely your ceremony to design.
Can we keep it completely private?
Yes. I handle all communication with complete discretion and will never share details of your ceremony without your permission.
How long does an elopement ceremony take?
That's entirely up to you. A simple, heartfelt ceremony can be as short as fifteen minutes. We'll agree the shape of it together in advance.
A Few Questions About Naming Ceremonies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a newborn naming ceremony a legal document?
No. It's a celebration rather than a legal registration. Your child's birth registration happens separately at the register office. Parents must register the birth within 42 days at a local register office or hospital. This is necessary for the child to receive a birth certificate, which is required for various official purposes.
Does renaming an adult in ceremony produce a legal document?
No. A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. If you’re 16 or over, you can make a deed poll yourself and start using a new name (called an ‘unenrolled deed poll’). If you’re 18 or over, you can apply to put your name change on public record through the High Court (called an ‘enrolled deed poll’).
An enrolled deed poll costs £53.05.
When should we hold the baby naming ceremony?
Whenever feels right. Some families hold the ceremony when the baby is a few months old; others wait until the child is older. There are no rules and no pressure.
What if our family has mixed beliefs?
That's exactly where I thrive. I create ceremonies that feel inclusive and genuinely welcoming to everyone, regardless of faith, background or worldview.