What is an Independent Celebrant?

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What is an independent celebrant?

Celebrants offer unique ceremonies tailored to your needs. Choosing a celebrant is more common in Australia and the US but is growing in popularity in the UK offering non-religious funeral services (something we don’t currently offer, but please enquire for a recommendation), naming ceremonies, weddings – anything that marks a time for reflection or celebration. With the growth of alternative wedding ideas and the progress of LGBT+ rights, a celebrant can now offer all sorts of ceremonies tailored to your needs.

Whether you want a traditional wedding or one with a twist, a civil partnership or a handfasting to mark your relationship - it is your celebration. Working with an independent celebrant allows you to develop a celebration which is directed by you. An independent celebrant is trained to provide a custom-made ceremony which is unique and personal, separating the legality from the commitment celebration.

By working with an independent celebrant there are no legal limitations, or restrictions on what you can include in your ceremony. It can be kept to a simple 15 minutes or a more elaborate ceremony with music, readings and symbolism. You can include or exclude religion, faith or spirituality and you’re not restricted to ‘registered venues’ - you can use your garden, your house, a field, a community centre – anywhere!

Please note, an independent celebrant cannot complete the legal aspects of a civil partnership or wedding, this must be completed separately to the celebration and is something we’re happy to advise you on.

How do the legalities work?

Local Authority Registry Offices offer services within a standard framework, with restrictions on what can be said, for instance, it cannot contain any reference to religion or faith (including in music or readings). Registrars may take ceremonies outside of the Registry Office, but these must be at an approved place of worship or a ‘registered venue’ (this may change after the November 2018 budget announcements).

Amethyst Celebrant Services, Notts