Who’s the right fit for your wedding ceremony?
Who’s the right fit for your wedding ceremony? Planning your dream wedding day means making a decision between a celebrant or a registrar. In England, you’ve got choices, two being a registrar or a wedding celebrant. Here’s a clear, short , practical, and focused guide to help you make the correct choice for you. What…
Planning your dream wedding day means making a decision between a celebrant or a registrar. In England, you’ve got choices, two being a registrar or a wedding celebrant. Here’s a clear, short , practical, and focused guide to help you make the correct choice for you.
What does a wedding celebrant do on the day?
A wedding celebrant designs and leads a personalised, romantic and dreamy wedding, ceremony, crafted around your story, values and your life style.
Why Choose a Celebrant?
- Because a celebrant can create a ceremony that encapsulates your love story. With Bespoke vows, romantic readings, and beautiful promises.
- Because a celebrant can officiate in gardens, barns, woodlands or tipis or anywhere you want. A celebrant-led ceremony means that a venue wedding licence isn’t at all necessary.
- Because a celebrant has the creative freedom to create a ceremony without time limits or wording restrictions. Ideal for blending cultural, spiritual or non-traditional elements, as well as being able to involve members of your family, including children, family or even pets.
Considerations
- Legalities are separate: Book a quick signing at the Registry office for a basic 2+2 ceremony. No rings, wedding dresses or even guests at this stage.
Or should I opt for a registrar?
A registrar is a government-appointed official who conducts legal marriage ceremonies.
Why Choose a Registrar?
- You’re married as soon as you sign.
- Simple & structured short ceremony: A set script keeps things straightforward.
- A Registrar can only marry you at legally licensed venues.
Considerations
- Limited personalisation: Readings, vows and rituals are restricted.
Quick Comparison
- Legal marriage during the ceremony?
Registrar: Yes | Celebrant: No (legalities done separately) - Personalisation & storytelling?
Registrar: Low | Celebrant: High - Venue flexibility?
Registrar: Licensed venues/registry office | Celebrant: Absolutely anywhere (home garden, rustic barn, woodland clearing)
Choosing The Correct Fit
- Want the legal moment during the main ceremony? → Choose a Registrar
- Dreaming of a personalised wedding ceremony with your voice and style? → Choose a Celebrant
- Planning a wedding ceremony at a non-licensed location? → Choose a Celebrant-led ceremony with quick registry office signing at a different time.
Make It Yours
I’m Anita Scott, a wedding celebrant based in Bedfordshire who will travel to where I’m needed. I create relaxed, modern, full filled wedding ceremonies (no templates), help with vow writing, and suggest readings and rituals that you might want to consider. If you’re weighing registrar vs celebrant, let’s chat about what will make your day unforgettable.
Get in touch – and bring the dream to life! Contact me and let’s talk everything weddings x
