Can a Celebrant legally marry you?
Well, before I give you the details, when do you think the legal part actually is???
Could it be the VOWS? The exchange of RINGS? How about the first KISS?
It might surprise you to know that NONE of these things are legal elements! MIND BLOWN!!!
They are actually all ceremonial activities, things that do not need to be carried out by a registrar.
I know from conducting many, many ceremonies, that these things listed above are the things that evoke emotion, cause tears of happiness, cheers of joy, and are the parts of the ceremony that people remember.
"I think my family just wants to see us ACTUALLY getting married."
The above quote is something I hear a lot, and whilst it is absolutely their choice to marry how they want to, I do feel that sometimes concerns from family are misplaced. I think they might all be as surprised as you were to find out that the things they associate with a wedding are not the parts that are legally required at a ceremony.
The "Transactional" bits
The two things that must happen for it to become legally binding, are to hear (and respond to) the declaration at the beginning (which includes stating that the setting is licensed and that you are free and able to be married), and then the signing of the paperwork. Possibly the two least romantic parts of the whole event!
Now, don't get me wrong, I had a registrar-led wedding myself, and there are some fantastic government-employed officiants out there, who do a great job, but they are bound by restrictions (and lots of outdated laws) that prevent them from creating something more personal.
Also, the lack of time is a huge factor as they have to fit so many in the same day that they cannot possibly dedicate time to getting to know couples, and then writing bespoke and unique ceremonies, so they HAVE to be standardised wording and template scripts.
I know from speaking to many celebrants, they feel that, now they know more about this lovely way of doing things, they wish they could have had a celebrant themselves!
My husband and I cannot remember anything that was said during our ceremony, but, I do remember how handsome he looked and how overwhelmed I felt because I couldn't say his name without the tears flowing!
DID YOU KNOW: You can complete the legal elements separately for around £50
at the register office and then save your vows, rings and kiss for your ceremony day!
What are our first steps to making this all happen?
1) It's so easy! Everyone, no matter whether they are having a celebrant or registrar, needs to register their INTENT TO MARRY with their local register office. This ensures a legal record can be made of your marriage, and you begin your admin process towards this with the registration service.
2) Then during this call, you advise them that you do not need a registrar to attend your venue as you are having a celebrant ceremony, and you make arrangements to book your LEGAL SIGNING. This is carried out in a small office, takes ten minutes, and requires two witnesses. It involves the two legal elements that we mentioned above and is usually carried out the week before or a few days before your actual wedding ceremony. Click here for more details on the government website.
3) Book your celebrant - this usually involves having a consultation meeting or call, and then securing the date and writing with a deposit and signed booking form.
4) Now you are free to begin planning!! We have got your back, and you can relax knowing we will guide you through each step on the journey towards your big day!
Know your ceremony options . . .
We realise that the celebrant option isn't for everyone, and so we work hard to ensure couples understand their options.
Here is a handy blog that outlines all EIGHT options for your wedding ceremony. Yes, that's right, there are 8!
Drop us a line to chat. We are here and happy to help you.
