FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

An Independent Celebrant is a professional who creates and leads bespoke ceremonies for weddings, vow renewals, funerals, naming ceremonies, and other significant life events. Unlike religious or humanist celebrants, independent celebrants are not restricted by any faith or belief system, offering complete flexibility to design a ceremony that is truly personal and meaningful.

Not yet! Unfortunately, independent celebrants in England do not currently have the legal authority to marry couples—though this is under review in Parliament, so stay tuned! In the meantime, couples can complete the legal formalities with a simple civil ceremony at a registry office before having a celebrant-led ceremony. This approach allows them to personalise their wedding, celebrating their love in a way that truly reflects their story, values, and vision for their special day.

With an independent celebrant, your ceremony isn’t just an event—it’s a meaningful experience, crafted with love, care, and attention to every detail.

• A Ceremony as Unique as You – Every ceremony is custom-written to reflect your story, values, and vision.
• Complete Freedom – Include as much or as little religion, spirituality, or symbolism as you wish.
• Personal Touch – A focus on storytelling, ensuring your ceremony is heartfelt, engaging, and memorable.
• Flexibility on Location – Hold your ceremony anywhere, from a beautiful outdoor setting to a cozy, intimate space.

A celebrant-led funeral is a non-religious or semi-religious service that focuses on celebrating the life of the person who has passed. It can include personal stories, tributes, poetry, music, and symbolic gestures to honour their memory. Independent celebrants can incorporate prayers, hymns, or blessings, or keep the service entirely secular—it’s all about what feels right for the family.

A celebrant-led wedding is designed entirely around you. It can include personal vows, meaningful readings, music, symbolic rituals (such as handfasting or a sand ceremony), and any other elements that reflect your relationship. Unlike registrar-led ceremonies, there are no restrictions on content or location—you can have your wedding anywhere, in any style you choose!

• Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremonies – Typically last 20-45 minutes, depending on the elements you choose to include, such as readings, rituals, and personal vows.
• Funerals & Celebrations of Life – Usually run between 30-60 minutes, with timing influenced by readings, music, tributes, and any special moments you wish to incorporate.
• Naming Ceremonies – Generally around 30 minutes, though this can vary based on your preferences and any special touches you’d like to add.