✨ What Does a Celebrant Actually Do? (& Why So Many Couples Are Choosing One)

Planning your wedding and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices? You’re not alone! When it comes to the ceremony itself, many couples don’t realise just how many beautiful, personal options are available—especially when you work with a celebrant (like me!).

So, let’s clear things up: What exactly is a celebrant, and what can we do for your big day?

💍 So, what is a celebrant?

A celebrant is someone who creates and delivers a bespoke ceremony that’s all about you.

Unlike a registrar, who has to follow a legal script and can’t personalise things too much, a celebrant-led ceremony is completely flexible. Want to walk down the aisle together? Say your vows over pizza and prosecco? Involve your dog, your nan, or your Dungeons & Dragons group? Let’s do it.

Photo credit @emma_and_rich

🧡 Here’s what I do as your celebrant:

• Get to know you as a couple—your story, your vibe, your vision

• Write a ceremony script that’s totally unique (and not cheesy or cringey—promise!)

• Offer ideas for readings, rituals, and symbolic moments like a handfasting ceremony or a unity candle ceremony

• Help with vows if you want a little guidance

• Lead your ceremony on the day with warmth, fun, and a few happy tears

  
  

📌 What’s the difference between a registrar and a celebrant?

Registrar	Celebrant
Must follow a legal script	Ceremony can be fully personalised
Must be a licensed venue	Any location you like—beach, forest, back garden!
Short & formal	Meaningful, emotional, and often full of laughter
Can be a bit ‘standard’	No two ceremonies are ever the same

👉 You can do the legal bit at the registry office earlier in the week (it takes 10 minutes and costs around £60), then have the ceremony you actually want in front of your friends and family.

✨ Why couples love celebrant-led weddings

• “We truly felt in such safe hands which is so important on such a special day.”

• “It was relaxed and personal, we got so many comments from friends and family about how beautiful our ceremony was!.”

• “I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful, personal ceremony. It was magical. Rebecca captured our love perfectly and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room!"

(These are things my couples have told me—and I never get tired of hearing them.)

photo credit @lissaalexandraphoto

💡 3 Quick Questions to Ask When Choosing a Celebrant:

1. Do they really get us and our story?

2. Do we feel comfortable and excited when we chat?

3. Can they help make our ceremony feel relaxed, meaningful, and fun?

Ready to start dreaming up your perfect ceremony?📩 Get in touch at rebeccahallcelebrant@outlook.com or follow me on Instagram @rebeccahallcelebrant for more real weddings, ceremony ideas, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.

Want to know more about me to decide if we would be a good match? Check out my previous blog post!