Steve Arnott  North East Family Celebrant

What is a Celebrant? 
Many people are still unsure about the role of a Celebrant and how this differs to the role of a Registrar.

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A Registrar is a government official, responsible for keeping legal records. A wedding ceremony performed by a Registrar must take place in a venue licensed for this, using specified contractual wording to legalise the union. Religious / spiritual content is not allowed in a Registrar Wedding Ceremony.

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A Celebrant is an independent individual who is trained in providing you with a custom made ceremony designed to celebrate any ‘rite of passage’ in a way which is personal to you, without legal obligation or government restriction.  There are very few limitations as to what can be included in a Celebrant led ceremony.

 

Is our Celebrant Wedding Ceremony legally binding?
No.  You will need to register your marriage in a Registry Office with two witnesses before or after your Celebrant led wedding ceremony, in order to make your marriage legally binding.

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Do we need to register our marriage on the same day/ at the same venue as my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony?
No. You can do this any day before or after your wedding day at any Registry Office in the UK. Often, it is cheaper to register your marriage at your local Registry Office on a weekday.  However, if you wish to confirm your commitment to each other without legal ties, then that’s not a problem.  A Celebrant Wedding Ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony.  It is about celebrating your love and relationship in a way that is special to you.

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Does it matter what culture, faith or religion we are?  Do you conduct same sex ceremonies?
The content of a Celebrant Ceremony is not restricted to any culture, faith, race or religion.  If you wish to also incorporate a cultural or religious tradition into your ceremony, you can.  Same sex marriages are very much welcomed.

 

Where and when can we hold our Wedding Ceremony?
Anywhere you wish! Indoors, outdoors, on a beach, at the park, by a lake, up a tree, in the forest, on a mountain, in your own garden, at the zoo or on a train.  I will officiate your ceremony on any month, day and at any hour you choose.

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Can we include a symbolic ceremony and can we write our own vows?
Yes. Celebrant ceremonies often involve symbolic elements such as Handfasting, Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies, Ring Warming, Memory Boxes, Time Capsules, planting flowers or trees etc.  Or, if you prefer not to have a symbolic ceremony, then that’s fine too!  I can write your vows for you or you can write your own. You can either repeat or recite them.

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Can we include readings, poems and music and how long will my ceremony be?
You can include whatever music, poetry and readings you wish – whether religious or non-religious, silly or sentimental.  You can even invite a guest or family member to read one out for you or to write something personal.  A typical ceremony will usually last anywhere between 20 – 40 minutes.

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What should we wear for our ceremony?
You can wear whatever you like! Some brides choose to wear a traditional white wedding dress for a wedding ceremony, but there are certainly no rules. Whether you choose to wear something traditional, or something more informal is up to you.  I even welcome fancy dress!  I will wear something smart and comfortable, or whatever is appropriate for the occasion or celebration.

 

Will we meet you before the ceremony?                        

For all ceremonies, I will meet with you a few weeks before the day to discuss your plans in full.  If we cannot meet in person, we can meet over Skype, Zoom or FaceTime instead.  I will provide a draft copy of your ceremony for you to check over before your special day and a bound Client Copy as a commemorative reminder of your special occasion.

 

Will we be able to have a rehearsal before the ceremony?
Yes. For all weddings, I will offer to hold a rehearsal with you either a few days before the wedding or on the day itself.  Depending on the ceremony location, this may come at an additional expense to cover travel.

 

What other types of ceremony do you offer?
People encounter many changes throughout their lives and we often wish to commemorate our individual rites of passage in our own unique ways.  I will work with you upon request, to provide bespoke ceremonies for all occasions which are important and personal to you, including birthdays, special anniversaries, baby naming, family blending, commitment, moving home, coming of age, retirement, divorce or anything else which you wish to commemorate.

 

How far are you willing to travel to deliver our ceremony?
I predominantly offer my services to Tyneside and surrounding areas.  However, I am always willing to consider enquiries from further afield, although please note, that travel expenses will be additional.

 

I hope that this has answered some of your FAQs.  Please contact me directly to discuss any queries you may have in more detail. E-mail: steve.arnott@uksoc.com or fill in the contact page on this website.