Top Note Ceremonies at your service
with Steve Pritchard-Jones
Wedding
Ceremony Package
From £600
The legal aspect of Celebrant led wedding
To be legally married in England and Wales, you must sign the marriage license in front of a Registrar or an ordained minister, however, you don’t legally have to have your Wedding Ceremony performed by them because the exchange of rings and vows is purely ceremonial and not a legal requirement. A wedding service led by a Registrar is usually a set script and not personalised because they are restricted by content. Your ceremony may not include anything related to religion, or information about your journey to your wedding day unless, of course, the Registrar breaks a few rules! The registry office ceremony is usually pretty quick with a set time limit.
A wedding led by a certified Celebrant.
I will offer you the chance to have your ceremony exactly how you’d like it. Bespoke, personal, about you at a venue of your choice. Couples no longer have to stick with licensed wedding venues and I can officiate your special day in licensed and unlicensed venues including up a mountain, in the middle of a field, on a boat, at home, or on the beach! Because the legal part is done separately to your ceremony, you can choose where you’d like to exchange your vows. You have the freedom to decide and choose somewhere that’s meaningful to you. No restrictions!
Tell YOUR story
Every couple’s journey is different and extremely special. Everything you’ve ever dreamt your wedding to be, Top Note Ceremonies can turn your dream into reality. Your wedding ceremony is a celebration of your journey, as well as, your continuing adventure in life together. I will start by exploring your requirements, your wishes and the chance to truly reflect on why you want to get married. I will meet with you, then write a ceremony for you. Personal and tailored to you. It will be beautifully constructed, as traditional or non-traditional as you wish and with added personality. So if you wanted a ceremony that reflected your humour with stories of your crazy adventures together, no problem. If you wanted a ceremony that added, readings, poems, personal stories that combine your backgrounds and heritage, and even live music, no problem. It’s your ceremony! It’s your special day! Leave it to Top Note Ceremonies to make it happen!
Something different – The personal touch
Ever thought about adding something special and unique, how about a unity candle ceremony, handfasting or sand ceremony, to name just a few? I will explore even more ways of making your service personal to you as a couple. It’s truly an exciting time!
Top Note Ceremonies give you the freedom of choice. Choice of location, choice of time and choice of text. You can have a ceremony that is created together by you and Top Note Ceremonies to reflect your love for each other, your personal beliefs and lifestyle.
In a nutshell......Frequently asked questions
Can I be legally married by a celebrant? No, as the law currently stands, celebrants don’t have the legal right to marry people in the UK. In England and Wales, Celebrant led weddings are officiated separately to the legal signing of the register. You’ll just need give your notice and book in at your local registry office to do the paperwork but you can save the personalised and important stuff like the vows and exchange of rings for the big day. This is usually done prior or after the wedding ceremony and won’t affect your Celebrant Ceremony at all.
Most couples do prefer to register their marriage before the Celebrant Wedding Ceremony. However, if you would prefer to register your marriage afterwards, that’s OK too.
Do I need to register my marriage on the same day at the same venue as my Celebrant Wedding Ceremony? No.
Why choose Steve Pritchard-Jones - Top Note ceremonies for your special day?
Every ceremony is bespoke to your requirements and a total price will be given before any commitment is made.
Travel expenses (50p per mile after 30 miles) and hotel fees will be charged additionally if applicable.
Commitment Ceremony
Ceremony Package
From £600
A commitment ceremony with Top Note Ceremonies is a symbolic event where a couple publicly declares their love and commitment to each other without the legal implications of marriage or a civil partnership. Here’s a breakdown of what a commitment ceremony involves:
Key Features
Personalisation:
The ceremony is bespoke. The couple can include any elements that reflect their personalities, values, and love story.
Non-Religious:
The ceremony is secular, focusing on the couple’s personal commitment rather than religious rites.
Flexibility:
There are no legal constraints, so the couple has the freedom to design the ceremony exactly as they wish.
Non-Legal Nature:
Unlike weddings or civil partnerships, commitment ceremonies do not have legal status. They are purely symbolic and personal.
Civil Celebrant:
A civil celebrant is a professional who conducts the ceremony. They are experienced in crafting and delivering personalised, non-religious ceremonies.
Purpose
Celebration of Love:
A commitment ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate and honour the couple’s love and dedication to each other, regardless of legal status.
Inclusivity:
It’s an inclusive option for couples who may not wish to marry or enter a civil partnership for personal, legal, or financial reasons.
A commitment ceremony with a civil celebrant allows couples to celebrate their bond in a meaningful and memorable way, surrounded by family and friends.
Ceremony Structure (example only)
Welcome and Introduction:
Steve welcomes guests and sets the tone for the ceremony.
Introduction of the couple and a brief overview of their relationship journey.
Personal Reflections:
The couple shares their story, including significant moments, challenges overcome, and their journey together.
Friends or family members may be invited to share stories or give speeches.
Exchange of Vows:
The couple exchanges vows, expressing their promises and commitments to each other. These can be personalised and heartfelt, reflecting their unique relationship.
Exchange of Rings or Tokens (Optional):
The couple may exchange rings or other meaningful tokens as a symbol of their commitment.
Readings and Music:
Selected readings, poems, or excerpts from literature that are meaningful to the couple.
Musical performances or songs that hold special significance.
Unity Rituals (Optional):
Symbolic acts such as lighting a unity candle, sand pouring, handfasting, or other rituals that represent the union and commitment of the couple.
Signing of a Commitment Certificate (Optional):
Although not legally binding, the couple and celebrant can sign a certificate of commitment as a keepsake.
Closing Remarks:
The celebrant concludes the ceremony with final words and well-wishes for the couple’s future together.
Celebration:
The couple and their guests celebrate with a reception, which may include food, drink, dancing, and other festivities.
Every ceremony is bespoke to your requirements and a total price will be given before any commitment is made.
Travel expenses (50p per mile after 30 miles) and hotel fees will be charged additionally if applicable.
Renewal of Vows
Ceremony Package
From £300
What does a vow renewal ceremony entail?
A vow renewal ceremony is very similar to a traditional wedding ceremony. The couple will enter through a short processional, exchange vows, before continuing on to the celebrations. Some couples may wish to include rituals, readings etc. The ceremony may, or may not include guests.
Why do couples renew their wedding vows?
Renewing your vows is a lovely way to show how much love you and your partner have for one another.
Some couples choose to renew their vows to rejoice the birth of a child, or when family members who were absent at the first wedding return back home, or when one partner has overcome a serious illness or injury and the couple want to celebrate what they see as a second chance in life.
Some couples may choose to renew their vows so that their children may witness the occasion, and
some may want to do it just because they want to!
Here are a few examples why couples choose to renew their vows…
- Landmark Anniversary
- Surviving some ups and downs
- It’s time to have the wedding of your dreams!
- Reassessing your vows in your relationship
- A romantic gesture
Where can a renewal of wedding vows take place?
Having decided to renew your vows, you now need to decide where to hold your ceremony. Perhaps it will be at the original wedding venue or you may choose the family home, your favourite place, or a favourite hotel, in a park, or down the pub! The choice is yours!
Here are some ideas:
– On the beach
– At the same location you had your wedding
– Overseas
– Dream holiday destination
– At home
– In a park or garden
– In a library or museum
How long is a vow renewal ceremony?
The length of a vow renewal ceremony depends on the elements you choose to include like readings, stories, and the length of the vows themselves. Typically, a vow renewal ceremony will last between 20 and 30 minutes.
Is it legal to renew wedding vows?
A vow renewal has no legal standing or implications as it is purely ceremonial in nature. As such, you are free to orchestrate it as you wish without any legal or religious matrimonial restrictions to adhere to.
So when is the right time to renew your wedding vows?
As a vow renewal ceremony has no legal standing and is purely ceremonial, it can be done at any time after the wedding. For some couples, there is no better way to commemorate a milestone wedding anniversary such as the 10th (tin), 25th (silver), 30th, (pearl), or even a 50th (gold), than with a vow renewal ceremony.
In essence there is no right time as it is entirely up to the couple!
Who can officiate a vow renewal ceremony?
As a vow renewal is not a legal ceremony, essentially anyone can officiate it. You can ask a family member or friend, or you can Steve at Top Note Ceremonies, or even book the same celebrant who officiated your wedding!
The beauty of a vow renewal ceremony is that you can structure it an extravagant event or an intimate ceremony just shared between you and your partner. There are no rules or restrictions, and as you’ve already experienced your wedding day, you don’t have to include traditional wedding elements like bridesmaids, flowers etc, if you don’t want to.
Renewing wedding vows is a beautiful way to celebrate a lasting marriage. The ceremony can be tailored to reflect your unique love story, with various elements to choose from based on your preferences, the setting, and the type of event you envision.
Here is an example of a Top Note Ceremonies vow renewal ceremony. Keep in mind that all ceremonies are bespoke, so this serves merely as a framework to give you an idea.
- Welcome and Introduction
- Opening Remarks
- Acknowledgment of Guests: The couple thank their guests for joining and acknowledge the special people in their lives, including any children or significant family members.
- Personal Reflections (Love story)
- Sharing Memories: The couple may share cherished memories from their marriage, reflecting on their journey together.
- Renewal of Vows
- Introduction to Vows: I introduce the vow renewal portion with words about the importance of vows and their meaning to the couple.
- Exchange of Vows: The couple exchanges vows, which can be the same as their original vows, modified versions, or entirely new ones written for the occasion. These can be traditional or personalised to reflect their journey and future together.
- Exchange of Rings (Optional)
- Explanation: I explain the significance of the wedding rings.
- Ring Exchange: The couple may choose to exchange their original wedding rings again or exchange new rings to symbolise their renewed commitment.
- Ceremony Enhancements (Optional)
- Unity Rituals: These can include lighting a unity candle, pouring sand into a unity vase, or other symbolic acts representing their unity. For more ideas on rituals, you might want to check out my blog at www.pjtopnote.co.uk.
- Special Readings: Poems, scripture, or excerpts from literature that are meaningful to the couple.
- Closing Remarks
- Celebration Announcement
- Declaration: I formally announce the couple's renewed commitment.
- Kiss: The couple shares a kiss, followed by applause from the guests.
- Recessional
- Exit: The couple exits the ceremony space, often to the sound of music, followed by their guests.
- Reception (Optional)
- Celebration: A reception may follow, which can include a meal, dancing, toasts, and other celebratory activities.
Additional Tips:
- Personal Touches: Customise the ceremony with personal touches, such as displaying photos from your life together, incorporating meaningful music, or having your children participate.
- Setting: The setting can be anywhere meaningful to you, from your backyard to a beach or a formal venue.
- Attire: You may choose to wear your original wedding attire, dress up formally, or opt for something more casual and comfortable.
Whether you choose an intimate ceremony or one with guests, I'm here to help make your day special. My fee for a vow renewal ceremony in Shropshire and neighbouring counties next year will be £300.
Please let me know if you’d like to schedule a discovery call to discuss your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you!
The package includes:
Every ceremony is bespoke to your requirements and a total price will be given before any commitment is made.
Travel expenses (50p per mile after 30 miles) and hotel fees will be charged additionally if applicable.
Commitment
Ceremony Package
From £250 up to £550 depending on the type of ceremony.
History and Meaning of a Commitment Ceremony
Commitment ceremonies have long been used as an alternative to a wedding ceremony and these types of ceremonies and informal unions have been happening for hundreds of years, due to same-sex couples being forbidden to marry by many religions or just being frowned upon by certain cultures.
There are many reasons modern couples opt for commitment ceremonies instead of legally recognised marriages. Only 31 out of 190 countries allow same-sex marriage.
What Is a Commitment Ceremony?
A commitment ceremony is a ceremony or service that allows a loving couple to commit to one another without legal rights or responsibilities. You can still say vows include readings, poems, or stories, have music, include beautiful rituals such as handfasting, unity candle or sand ritual, and exchange rings, sign a certificate, but the service isn’t legally binding and your marital status will not change.
Ceremonies can range from
– a marriage ‘style’ (without the legal bits) ceremony
– renew your vows after many years of a loving relationship
Maybe you had a basic religious or legal marriage in the past, but now you want to enjoy the full ceremony and celebrate your love for each other with friends and family members.
You also don’t require anyone to bear witness to either the signing of the certificate or the ceremony itself, unlike at a legal wedding, so if you’re dreaming of a secluded elopement a commitment ceremony could fit the bill.
After pledging your commitment to one another, exchanging rings and vows, you will sign a commitment certificate that I will present to you.
Every ceremony is bespoke to your requirements and a total price will be given before any commitment is made.
Travel expenses (50p per mile after 30 miles) and hotel fees will be charged additionally if applicable.