A celebrant registrar or registrar works for the council and provides the service where your marriage is legally registered (everyone needs to do this). You’ll select your date and time slot and choose from the set words available. You can select what’s called a ‘2 plus 2’ (you two plus two witnesses) and attend the registry office for this. (You do not have to exchange your rings at this point and can save this part for your celebrant led wedding if you prefer).

You won’t be able to choose your registrar and may not meet them until the day of the service. It will cost somewhere between £50 and £100 depending on when you live (in Norfolk, Monday morning is the cheapest but you’ll need to book it well in advance!).

If you choose to have your legal marriage at your venue, two registrars will attend and the fee will be different depending on the day, time and where it is so you should check the details about this with them. It’s unlikely you will be offered support regarding your vows or other elements you want to include so be mindful that you’ll need to do those bits yourselves. Yours won’t be the only ceremony in their diaries that day so you’ll need to stick to time because they’ll need to be off to the next booking!

A celebrant is someone you will choose, possibly months before your wedding, who will get to know you both to create your ceremony, tell your love story and include any personal elements you like. I will arrive at your venue an hour or so beforehand to check in with you and any other people involved, including your photographer for those perfect photos you’ve planned to have captured. I will create a bespoke ceremony, reflecting everything you want, with the romance, the laughter and the memories you want included. With the freedom to create any type of ceremony you’ve imagined, a celebrant can make your day the most memorable one to cherish.

With a celebrant led ceremony, there are no restrictions at all: you can have it wherever and whenever you like (provided you have the landowner’s permission) so if a field or some woodland is what you’d really like, you just need to ask them to get the go ahead! Regardless of the time you want to hold your ceremony, there will be no constraints with a celebrant so you won’t have to pick a time slot-you can have your wedding whenever you like! I won’t have another ceremony on the same day either-if you engage me, I will be entirely focused on yours!

There are a huge number of celebrants to choose from…you’ll only know if you like them by getting in touch with them and seeing if they float your boat. You’ll be under no obligation until you decide to engage them. If you’d like to get to know me as your potential celebrant, please do get in touch; let’s book a call and take things from there.

Yes I am. Whilst I identify as she/her, regardless of how you identify, who you choose as your partner or what your religious persuasion is, I will respect your views and ensure whatever your chosen ceremony is, it’s a reflection of you.

A humanist celebrant is entirely non-religious so will not incorporate any form of religion in your ceremony. A celebrant will include anything you wish in your service (at least, I will!)

Regardless of my religious views, whatever yours are, I am happy to include any aspect of them in your ceremony, even if there are more than one!

There are different options, depending on your preferences. You can have a church service which will be mostly led by the relevant religious leader, with either a burial in the grounds there, or be taken to a crematorium after the service. Your family/friends can either accompany you to the crem or you’re taken just by the funeral director (the FD). Don’t worry, the team there and the team at the crem will look after you beautifully.

You can have a celebrant led service and whilst these are usually held at the crematorium or at a burial site, actually, provided you have the landowner’s permission, you can have it wherever you like! If you’re a farmer and want it in one of your sheds or on one of the fields, well ok! You’d still then have to go to the crematorium or to a burial site (there are certain legalities about burials on private land so you’d need to think carefully about that choice!)

You might want an ‘unattended’ funeral (sometimes called a direct cremation). Whilst there are companies who promote this, by choosing a local funeral director, you can meet them to discuss all your wishes and be clear about what is or isn’t involved (so you’re absolutely clear about what’s included) and you’ll be taken to a local crematorium . This is often not the case with some companies that promote direct cremations as you’re taken to a particular crematorium which could be miles away from your home.

If you want something similar to an unattended service but not quite as low key, still with little fuss and maybe one or two (or even no mourners), you can have a service with a religious person or a celebrant to say a few words so you know you’re getting a bit more of a personal service. You could have a favourite poem read or song played. Again, speak to a local FD or contact me and find out what’s involved.

You might prefer an ‘attended’ service and these can range from a private service where it’s by invitation only. (The funeral service won’t be announced in the paper or appear on the FD or crematorium websites or show in the list of services for that day) or you can have one where family, friends and work colleagues can attend.

You can have a live stream of the service (this means it’s online and accessed on a laptop/computer or phone) for anyone who can’t attend in person to join at the same time, or watch it later (it’s usually 2 or 3 days after the service itself before this is available to watch online).

A celebrant will work with you (if you’re looking to plan something whilst you’re still with us-there’s no limit to how soon you can do this) or with your family/friend to guide you through what’s involved. You can have music, poems, prayers, readings, blessings…the list is endless!

The only thing to be mindful of is the time. A service is often about 30 minutes so planning things you’d like to include might need to be considered carefully to fit things in (that’s not set in stone but it is a guide to give you an idea). If you think a service is going to take much longer because of the amount of elements you want to include or due to the number of people who might attend, a double service might be appropriate but this is something I can talk through with you. If you think it’s going to be a large service, it’s better to have a bit of time spare than need to rush. Remember, it takes time for people to take their seats then leave at the end and you want the majority of the time to be the service itself, not mourners leaving and all waiting their turn to touch the coffin, have a think about either reducing the elements or increasing the time!

Cremation or burial?

You can have either. There maybe a particular crematorium you like and would prefer the service there or, if you’re choosing a burial, either in the church or at a woodland burial site. The funeral director or I can talk these options through with you if you haven’t thought about it or made a decision yet. It’s worth going to have a look at some to see where you think you’d like to go-you don’t have to go to the one which is nearest to you. It’s entirely up to you.

Weddings start at £725 for my Ivory Package which includes:

· Our initial meeting where I’ll be getting to know the two of you, your love story and what you’d like your wedding to look and feel like.

· 2 further meetings which can be in person, in a coffee shop or somewhere you feel comfortable, or over zoom/google meets (particularly if one or both of you are currently overseas).

· Support with creating your vows so you can exchange exactly what you want to say to each other, with printed keep sake vow cards for the ceremony.

· Creating a bespoke and personal wedding ceremony.

· Changes to your script that you may want to make up until the day before the ceremony so you’re completely happy with the final version.

· A rehearsal-not necessarily at the venue but in person if you’d prefer or online if that’s easier.

· Liaising with your wedding coordinator, venue and photographer, making sure we’re all on the same page for your special day.

· Early arrival at your venue to check in with you and introduce myself to any other key people.

· Ensure everyone is settled and welcome your guests (with any key instructions you want shared) before you both take your places.

Silver package £770 is everything in the ivory package but including:

· A commemorative certificate to be signed during your ceremony

· A symbolic ritual such as a sand unity (this does not include the sand and vessel) or a ring warming /blessing.

· A rehearsal at your venue.

Naming ceremonies start from £350

Vow renewals start from £650.

Other ceremonies can be quoted for on an individual basis (for example, pet funerals, business openings or anything else you’d like to celebrate!)

I do charge mileage for ceremonies at venues more than 15 miles from my home address. I will ensure you know this prior to you confirming a booking with me.

Funerals are £275.

This includes an initial meeting to talk about the order of service (the bits you want to include and the order you want them) as well as any music/readings/poems/prayers you may like. I can help you with all these elements if you’re not sure where to start.
I’ll ask you about your loved one so I can get to know them through you. This helps me write a ceremony which feels like I’ve known them, rather than a stranger they never met.
I’ll support you through the whole process, explain any terms or words you’re not sure about and liaise with the funeral director so we’re all on the same page.
I’ll make sure you’re aware of the time we have so you’re clear about how much we can (or can’t) include. Some services are only 25 minutes long whereas others are 45. This will depend on the venue you choose. In Norfolk, some crematoria have a strict turnaround with no margin for overrunning so a venue with a longer service time may suit you better. Breckland Crematorium and Colney Woodland burial both set their time slots at 1 hour so services at those venues can be around 40 minutes-remember, it takes time for people to take their seats as well as leave afterwards and this has to be taken into consideration. St Faith’s have services on the hour, however the slot is about 45 minutes so there is less time here. Seven Hills in Suffolk have a very strict 45 minute turnaround so the ceremony needs to be 25-30 minutes and there is no gap in between services. These are all things to take into consideration when looking at which venue to choose.
I’ll create a personalised service, (there’s no regurgitating the same thing here!), either write the eulogy (or support you with it, if that’s something you’d prefer to do) and find the right words say goodbye.
I’ll send you everything that I write for the service so you know exactly what I’ll be saying (or what others are) so there’ll be no unexpected surprises on the day. I want you to feel absolutely comfortable with everything that’s being said which also means you have the final say on what I write.
If you want me to hold your hand on the day, I will do that too! (particularly if you’re reading something yourself). However, I’ll be metaphorically holding your hand throughout the whole process.
Whether you’ve engaged me directly or if it’s through a funeral director (FD), it’s likely that my fee will be included as part of the FD’s final bill which makes it easier for you, rather than having to worry about paying lots of different people at what’s already a stressful time.
I will usually ask for a testimonial (about a week after the service) as feedback is really important-your words will also help others decide whether I’m the right choice for them too so I would really appreciate this. If you prefer to do a Google review, I have a link for this but you may prefer to just send me an email which I can use words from. (I only use your initials and your area, for example, JR Wymondham).

Ash scattering/interment is £170 (or £95 if I have conducted the service).

This will include an initial meeting to ascertain what you’d like to include, even if I’ve already done the funeral service.
I will write words which are completely personal to your loved one/s and share these with you so you are completely comfortable with the ceremony. If I’ve done the funeral service, unless you want me to include anything from that service, I will, otherwise, I’ll be writing new words but which still reflect this service and your loved one/s.
I will liaise with anyone else involved at the venue where you’ll be interring your loved one/s.
I’ll send you the final request for payment directly (but a day after the ceremony) rather than through the FD as this ceremony may not involve them at all.
I do charge mileage for ceremonies at venues more than 15 miles from my home address. I will ensure you know this prior to you confirming a booking with me.
I will ask you for a testimonial about a week after the service, as I would for a funeral service. description

If you decide I’m the right celebrant for your ceremony, whatever that might be, I’m really pleased. I’d like to think that we’ve clicked and you feel I’m the right one.
Choosing the person you want to work with to make sure your celebration is just the way you want it to be is so important, after all, for a wedding, you’ll be choosing a photographer you think understands what you like (and what you don’t!) a band you know will make you happy, a venue you love, food you know you’ll enjoy and be surrounded by those you really want to be there with you. Therefore, why wouldn’t you spend the time finding a celebrant who can make your wedding a really memorable one? Someone who listens to you and hears what you’re saying. Someone who can make you feel at ease and comfortable in those stressful moments, whenever they might be. Someone who will support you and guide you throughout the process. Someone who will help you write the words you want to say to each other in a way you really love.
If you’re choosing me for a funeral service or ash interment, although this is a different type of ceremony, for many, it may still be a celebration however, I will ensure what you’d like is reflected in the service.
I am able to work in a really flexible way so responding to your emails, text/WhatsApp messages, or calls is always done pretty swiftly. I prefer to get back to you as soon as possible so you’re not left waiting for a reply.
I’m good with words! Whatever it is you want to say but don’t quite know how to put it nicely, I’m your girl! I’ve been told, I’ve a way of putting things that just hits the mark (or words to that effect!) but however it’s said, I make sure that I don’t change the essence of what you want to say so it still feels like they’re your words.
For a wedding or vow renewal, once you have chosen me as your celebrant, it’s likely that there will be at least a few months where I can get to know you both and understand the sort of wedding you’d love to have. I hope that you will share your story with me so I can create a ceremony to welcome your guests and make them feel part of your day, share your love story and anything else you want to include which really reflects who you both are as individuals, as well as the couple you’ve become.
I will help you write your vows or words of affection you want to exchange and give you as much support as you’d like and, on the day, I’ll have these ready for you to read so you don’t have to memorise them.
We can have as many meetings as you need, whether they’re in person on online. You might not be in the country (or county) or you might be in separate places but we can still make it work. When it comes to a rehearsal, this may be at your venue but it also might be in your garden or online.
There may be a variety of other people who you’ve engaged as well as me such as a wedding planner/photographer/venue/band and I will make sure that I liaise with them so we’ve all got your day and what you want in line.
For a funeral, I will help you confirm the order of service and the bits you’d like to include or not. Some people ask me which they should include and I always say, you can have whatever you like! It’s entirely your choice and it really doesn’t matter whether it’s what is ‘usually’ included. I’m often asked, ‘shouldn’t we have…’ and my answer is, only if you want it. If you’d like a hymn or a prayer, ok. If you don’t, then leave them out! Whether you want to include music, poems or readings, I can support you with these if you’re stuck for ideas.
If you’re not sure about certain words like eulogy or committal, don’t worry, I’ll explain everything and if you want to use something different (like tribute or reading instead of eulogy, that’s fine).
All my services will be entirely personal-I don’t just churn out the same script and change the name at the top! As well as writing the words from the ‘please stand’ at the very beginning to the last word of the service, I’ll write the eulogy or tribute (or help you to if you’d rather do this) as well as write the right words which really reflect the person you’re saying goodbye to. I’m very mindful that not everyone is a loved one-some families have had strained or difficult relationships and I will ensure that however you need to say goodbye, is entirely appropriate for you.
I will also liaise with the funeral director you have chosen as well as the venue where the service will be held so you know everything will be as smooth as possible.
Whatever the ceremony, I will be there for you at every stage. I want you to feel completely supported all the way through so you can feel comfortable and confident everything will be just as you want it-we’re doing this together.
Click here to read my testimonials and see what others thought…

Well, anywhere! Although I’m based near Norwich in Norfolk, your ceremony could be anywhere in this country or abroad-my passport is up to date and ready to go!

Mileage is included within a 15 mile radius; further than this will be charged at 50p per mile. (I’ll ensure you are clear about any mileage or travel costs beforehand).

I’m open to wherever you want to hold your ceremony. There maybe additional costs if it’s more than a couple of hours away from my home but all that will be made clear before you book me.

Absolutely! There would be additional travel and overnight expenses for any ceremony held abroad and I would need to set aside 2 or 3 days depending on where it is and how long the travel time is so I am at your venue in plenty of time. All this would be made clear in my fee which will be bespoke based on the location.

Oh yes I am! I’m both…I trained with the International College of Professional Celebrants and I also have the NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Civil Celebrancy in the UK.

I do! I have both. If you look on my testimonials page, you can read words which people have sent me either via email or in a card which I have added to this page. You’ll see I only identify people by their initials and the area they live. Whilst I do have Google reviews, not everyone wants to do that or has a Google account so if that’s you, I will copy and paste words from an email you send or copy out words you’ve written from a card but I will always ask you first.

I try not to make this intrusive but your experience will help others decide if I might be the right person for them too and I always really appreciate the feedback you give me.

Frequently Asked Questions