FAQ

Celebrant Ceremonies by the sea

Legal – Fun – Surprising – Informative

It is important that you get to know me and feel that I am somebody who understands your values, humour, vision, story.

I offer a free, no obligation thirty-minute call or zoom for all my ceremonies, in order that you can gain a sense of whether or not you would like me to write and conduct your ceremony. This is your time to ask questions, explore ideas you have (no matter how whacky you may think they are!), and to get a feeling for me.

Please use this opportunity to explore your ideas by calling me on 07736 062976 or filling out my contact form. I look forward to chatting and getting to know you!

Legal Necessities

Will we be legally married if we have a celebrant ceremony?

In a word no … HOWEVER, at any time before (or after) your wedding ceremony you can go to a local registry office and have the basic paperwork legalise your marriage or civil partnership in law. The same as you would do to register a birth or death. This can take as little as 15 minutes, should cost as little as £46 (current 2021/2022 price in West Dorset and Devon). You do NOT have to exchange rings, say your vows or go to a special licensed venue. All you need is two witnesses to obtain the legal paperwork.

Note: These cheaper basic slots at registry offices can be limited, so make sure to book one as soon as you possibly can, once you have decided this is the path you would like to follow. Additionally, not all local authority offices offer the basic fee package so be sure to check well in advance.

Fun

Can I bring my pet?

Please do, but I’m not very good with snakes…

I would like my friends to sing and dance as part of my ceremony, is that possible?

Absolutely, when you book me, we will sit down and gather all your ideas and dreams and make it happen. Whatever they are, I can help make it happen.

Can children, my older relatives or friends be involved?

Yes. It is delightful to incorporate all generations in your ceremony and I have many suggestions, such as children being involved with the ribbons for your handfasting or memory stones for lost loved ones. The symbolism of colour and / or scent can also be incorporated to link families through time.

Surprising

Can we get married anywhere we want or does it have to be a licensed venue?

When you choose to have your wedding, vow renewal or naming day ceremony with a celebrant, it can take place absolutely anywhere you want. You may want to hold the ceremony at the same venue as your reception party which may not have a licence, however that’s fine as you don’t need a licensed venue to have a celebrant ceremony. You may want to have it on a cliff top, in your favourite pub or restaurant, in a campsite or holiday home.

The sky is the limit…

Can you incorporate some of my religious aspects into the ceremony as its important to me to reference the symbolism of my faith?

I specialise in fusion weddings where couples may choose to incorporate religious, cultural or faith elements into their ceremony. So, absolutely yes!

I want to have my wedding at home, is that possible?

Increasingly the trend to have a wedding at either your home or a family home is increasing, as more and more people recognise the intimacy and relaxed atmosphere this entails. And with a celebrant, you can celebrate your wedding at home.

Informative

What is included in the cost for weddings and vow renewal ceremonies?

– Two meetings either face to face or by zoom (wherever possible face to face)
– Your ceremony written and conducted by myself
– A choice of symbolic rituals
– A rehearsal at your venue the day before (up to an hour)
– Continual support and guidance from the minute you book me by email, zoom or telephone
– A presentation copy of your ceremony and vows
– A chance to sign an agreement together at the ceremony on a bespoke certificate (note this is not your legal certification of marriage but is wonderful to have as a memory and a photograph!)

Great! I want to book you; how do I go about this?

A £200 deposit holds your day with the balance due four weeks before the ceremony
For ceremonies booked within the twelve-week period prior to the ceremony, full payment is due on booking.

Are there any extra hidden costs?

No extra cost will be incurred unless stated in your contract with myself, with the exception of the following:

– Mileage of 45p per mile over 35 miles from DT7
– Travel and overnight accommodation costs for destination weddings either in the UK or abroad
– Alcohol if required to perform a wine or cocktail ceremony (hic!)

I’m not confident writing my vows, will you write them?

I’d love to either write them or assist with that. There will be a small additional cost dependant on the amount of time and work taken on an individual cost basis.