What is a Celebrant?

A celebrant is the way forward for modern authentic storytelling in ceremonies. Whether that be at Weddings or Celebrations of Life and Funerals, a celebrant will ensure that each ceremony feels deeply personal; thoughtfully and intrinsically planned to reflect the unique personalities of couples or loved ones.

Though celebrants may not have the authority to legally marry couples in Wales and England, their role is pivotal in creating an unforgettable day. That’s where I come in, ‘Cerith the Celebrant’; I am your hypeman, your confidant, your narrator of truth and joy. I will help structure and create a completely original celebration where anything is possible - with the focus being on that very word ‘celebration’ (for Weddings, Celebrations of Life and Funerals). I will write the most beautiful, touching and personal life story ‘salute’; that will shout across the rooftops about who you are as a couple or who your loved ones were.

I will deliver this ‘honouring’ with unashamedly feel good humour and complete sensitivity; never dropping a beat, ensuring I include all who is special to you / guests to create an incredibly intimate experience like no other.

I will engage whole heartedly with understanding of each individual celebration. Whilst I always remain professional, I hope it feels like you’ve got a friend there cheering you on.

Are celebrant led wedding ceremonies legally binding?

At present, no, celebrants cannot legally marry couples in Wales and England.

(In Scotland and Northern Ireland however, Humanist celebrants can.)

The legal options to get married are as follows:

~A religious ceremony in a church, officiated by a priest or vicar.

~A civil ceremony at a register office, officiated by a registrar. 

~A civil ceremony at a licensed venue, officiated by a registrar.

Why choose a celebrant?

Couples may choose a celebrant because they want the flexibility the legal ways don’t always offer them. A couple once asked me if a celebrant led wedding was real? The legalities are completely necessary and needed but they don’t (in my opinion) make it real. A celebrant led celebration will bring life to your ceremony.

Performing on the wedding day after months of collaboration, a myriad of things will ring true; whether that’s music, sing alongs, poems or dance offs. At Celebrations of Life and Funerals too, after weeks of preparation; colour, joy filled memories spoken in song, poetry or simply meaningful words will embrace your day.

Unlike the previously mentioned legal ways of getting married (although respectfully beautiful in their own right), some can feel impersonal. A celebrant led ceremony is not just another formality or one size fits all approach. They encapsulate the power of personalisation and hone in on what a Marriage or Celebration of Life and Funeral really means to you / your family.

How do I get legally married but also have a celebrant led ceremony?

You begin, by scheduling a civil ceremony at a register office and requesting a ‘basic legal ceremony’.

Once this is all booked in, you’ll then need to ‘give notice’; which means signing a legal statement announcing your intentions to get married. This needs to be done at your local register office at least twenty nine days before the legal ceremony.

The legal ceremony involves repeating some simple but legally binding words before signing official marriage documents with your witnesses. You’re not obliged to do any vows, ring exchange or the kiss, meaning you can keep all the magical parts purely for your celebrant ceremony / wedding day shared with your nearest and dearest.

All in all it’s over quite quickly but it’s still incredibly special and adds to the excitement.

How far do you travel?

I’m based in the Gower Peninsula (the first place in the UK to be given the title of ‘Outstanding natural beauty’), in the beautiful fishing village of Mumbles, South Wales. For Celebrations of Life / Funerals; I officiate a lot in Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. For Weddings; as well as locally in Wales, I tend to cover South West England and Cotswolds… But I’d be honoured to travel far and wide to any village, town, city or country to lead your ceremony.

Are you insured?

Yes I am. I have public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

How much does it cost?

​I keep my pricing as simple as possible. Please fill out your details on my contact form and I can send you my investment brochure with the full information.