Can a celebrant marry you?

A civil celebrant can conduct a wedding ceremony, however not the legal marriage. Notice of marriage, a legal marriage and entry into the marriage register has to take place before the wedding ceremony; however these formalities can be completed at the registrar’s office for a small fee, without a ceremony.

What’s the difference between a celebrant and a registrar conducting a wedding ceremony?

A civil celebrant can conduct a wedding ceremony anywhere you choose, and it will be created totally for you. You have full control and choice (please note, this is not the legal marriage - see question “can a celebrant marry you”). Registrars have the power to marry you in the eyes of the law. Registrars’ offer a range of packages which have to be held in specific approved venues, and you have no say on who will be your registrar on the day, so you will probably not have met them before the ceremony. The majority of registrars’ packages offer you alternatives and some choice, rather than the complete flexibility to make your special day truly bespoke, as a celebrant can.

Where can celebrants conduct funerals/memorials?

A civil celebrant can hold funerals and memorials just about anywhere. Crematoriums and cemeteries are the most usual venues, however a ceremony can be conducted at your home, at a hotel or other venue, outside at a favourite place, in simple terms anywhere where the landowner gives permission.

Can celebrants conduct burials / interments?

Yes, in council or privately owned ceremonies and burial grounds. Over recent years there has been a an increase in natural and woodland burial grounds where a celebrant can conduct the ceremony for you.