💬 Thinking about hiring a celebrant? Here’s what you need to know!
by Steve Pritchard-Jones
As a celebrant I get asked these questions all the time — so here’s a quick guide to the most common ones:
1️⃣ What is a celebrant?
A celebrant designs and leads personalised ceremonies for weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, vow renewals, and more — telling your story, your way.
2️⃣ Celebrant vs Registrar – what’s the difference?
This is the current situation, but it may change in the future. Registrars’ services can also vary, so it’s always best to check with your local registrar’s office for the most up-to-date information.
- Celebrant: Personalised, flexible, any venue, any style. (In England & Wales, you still need a separate legal registration.)
- Registrar: Legal marriage in a licensed venue, following a set script — no religious/spiritual content allowed.
3️⃣ Can a celebrant marry us legally?
- England & Wales: No — you’ll need to register separately.
- Scotland & Northern Ireland: Humanist celebrants can legally marry you.
4️⃣ What can a celebrant do?
✨ Weddings
✨ Vow Renewals
✨ Naming Ceremonies
✨ Funerals / Celebrations of Life
5️⃣ Why choose a celebrant?
💍 Personalised ceremonies
🌳 Freedom to choose your venue
🌈 Inclusive for all beliefs & backgrounds
💖 Deeply meaningful and heartfelt
6️⃣ What does it cost? Every celebrant is different — here’s what I currently charge so you
know exactly what to expect.
💐 Funerals: £250
💍 Renewal of Vows: £300 Weddings: £600 (£650 with live piano music)
👶 Baby Naming Ceremonies: £300
7️⃣ How do I choose the right celebrant?
✅ Check their style & personality
✅ Ask about experience & testimonials
✅ Discuss your vision, rituals & cultural elements
✅ Confirm availability & booking process
✨ Whether it’s saying “I do,” welcoming new life, or celebrating a loved one’s story, a celebrant helps make it unforgettable.
