An independent celebrant creates and conducts bespoke ceremonies for life’s big moments; weddings, vow renewals, celebrations of life. They are not bound by legal or religious restrictions so are able to create magical ceremonies that are completely unique to you

Registrars conduct legal marriages which have set words and strict rules and can only take place in registry offices or licenses venues.

Religious officiants (e.g. priests, church ministers, rabbis etc) perform ceremonies according their specific faith traditions.

Celebrants have complete freedom to create and conduct completely bespoke ceremonies with no restrictions, anywhere you like! (although they are not currently legally binding in England and Wales – but watch this space!)

Currently celebrant-led weddings are not legally binding in England and Wales although we are working hard as a community to change the law.

That means you just need to arrange to do the legal paperwork at the registry office (about 20 minutes). Usually couples do this a day or so before and then enjoy the ceremony and celebrations on their actual wedding day.

I m not aligned to any specific faith and am more than happy to include any particular religious elements that are meaningful for you in your ceremony.

Absolutely! We can include any rituals, readings, poems that are meaningful for you celebrating your culture, language and religion.

I would be happy travel anywhere in the world!

I am based in Kendal, Cumbria which makes me ideally placed for ceremonies in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Lancashire and down to Manchester and Cheshire.

For ceremonies over an hour away I usually charge mileage at 45p/mile but we can discuss that during our initial conversation.

Life happens.

See full T&Cs, but generally: for weddings/vow renewals, booking fees have refundable and non-refundable portions depending on timing. I will handle any such circumstances with empathy and care.

Over my 30+ year career facilitating workshops around the world I have never missed one due to illness (I hope that’s not tempting fate!) But should the worst happen I have a wide network of professional celebrant colleagues who would be able to step in at the last minute and use the script we have developed with all the necessary details.

Pretty much anywhere! For celebrant-lead weddings there is no requirement to be at a licensed venue. That said, if you fancy living it up at gorgeous hotel or wedding venue it’s no problem, and If you’d like to be on top of your favourite fell, or in the pub down the road, or by a lake, it’s all possible, you have complete freedom to follow your dreams!

When creating a beautiful outdoor ceremony, we are always imagining sunshine and blue skies but, especially here in the North West of England, that’s not always the case. We’ll make sure we have a contingency plan (or two) to make sure the rain doesn’t dampen the celebrations.

Of course! Your personal vows are a beautiful part of the ceremony and hearing your own words spoken to your loved one often brings tears to eyes of your friends and family. I’m here to help you craft them if you are struggling to find the right words.

Any friends and family members can be included in the ceremony whether it is through readings, songs, their own words or participating in a ritual. We’ll talk through how you’d like to involve your special people.

They are a key member of your family so are most welcome to participate in any way you like! (venue restrictions allowing)

The ceremony length is completely dependant upon what you’d like to include – there are no rules. Most ceremonies however are usually between 20-30 minutes including a ritual.

Yes, I hold a Wedding Celebrant qualification with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy and am a Member of the Celebrant Guild.

As soon as possible! I take limited bookings to ensure everyone gets proper attention. Weekend dates during the summer book up quickly but I can also create ceremonies with just a few weeks notice if I have availability or I might be able to recommend another celebrant if I’m not free.

Once you have decided that we are a good fit and you’d like to go ahead I’ll send you a booking form with full T&Cs. I’ll need a deposit of £250 (£100 non-refundable to secure the date along with an additional £150 which is fully refundable up to 6 months before the wedding)

The final balance is due one month before the ceremony date.

Not at all, this is a celebration of your ongoing love and commitment whether you are married or not.

There is no legal aspect to vow renewal it is purely a meaningful and joyful way to share your ongoing love and commitment with friends and family