FAQs
General
Some general questions that apply to any type of ceremony you may be looking to hold.
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How far do you travel for a ceremony?
I am based in Hertfordshire but I am happy to travel far and wide if I am available for the date you have in mind.
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How far in advance do we need to book you?
Clients will generally contact me as soon as they know they are planning a special celebration. This is generally 6-18 months before the big day. You can drop me an enquiry as an initial contact to see if I am available for the date(s) you have in mind.
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Do you supply the music or the equipment?
Generally the venues will have the music system, I can certainly help you to source the music and liaise with the venue about the timings of the music for your ceremony.
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Can a ceremony be outside?
Yes it can. Working with an Independent Celebrant enables you to have the ceremony wherever and whenever you would like it to be. If you are in a very remote location then we would need to consider how we play any important pieces of music but it is all possible.
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What is a Unity Ceremony - isn't that meant to be religious?
A unity ceremony is made up of a sequence of activities involving symbolic gestures, words, actions, or objects. Nowadays couples are looking for a more "felt sense" experience to mark their special milestone. A unity ceremony can achieve this in a way that the spoken word can't. Please have a look at my unity ceremonies page to get a feel for the different ones you can use within a ceremony and I can also work with you to create something different based on your own ideas too.
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How much do you charge?
If you are interested in booking me as your celebrant I offer a free of charge online consultation for 15 mins. After this, I will quote on a case by case basis but I will cost into the service all the different elements you require so you will have a breakdown of each element when I invoice you.
1. Planning meeting
2. Script development (includes unlimited redrafts
3. Performance of the ceremony
4. Copy of the ceremony (commitments only) and certificate (where applicable)
5. Materials purchased (if applicable)
6. Travel (if over 40 miles away from me at 45p a mile). etc. If under 40 miles round trip I do not charge for travel.
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If you are planning a ceremony out of England we would need to discuss this separately because of the different travel costs and travel time.
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What isn't included in your fee?
1. Any props for your ceremony, generally couples want to purchase their own. If you would like support with this we can discuss it at our initial consultation.
2. Master of Ceremonies duties after the ceremony. I am able to perform these duties for an additional fee.
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If you are planning a ceremony out of England we would need to discuss this separately because of the different travel costs.
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What is your style?
For me a memorable milestone is a moment in time you want to relive forever and a day and if it is for a funeral service you want it to be one you are proud of on behalf of your loved one. I am kind, caring compassionate and fun.
I use story telling, special moments that use poetry or symbolic gestures and if possible to include some humour. I always encourage clients to include friends and family and for you to bring any ideas you have so it all holds meaning for you.
Please read my testimonials to see what others have said.
Beginnings
FAQs for Naming celebrations, Welcome to the World, Blended families joining, Adoption of a child
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Although we chose not to have a christening can we include any religious prayers or prose?
Yes you can, this is your own personal celebration welcoming your new little person into your world. You can include all the elements listed on my website religious and non religious.
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Is there an age limit for a Baby Naming | Welcome to the World | Adoption ceremony?
Absolutely not. Children can come into a family at any age and I can work with you to create a ceremony that reflects the ideas you have which include the elements you feel are important to mark the memorable moment.
Committments
FAQs for Weddings, Civil Partership, Renewal of Vows, Married abroad ~ celebrating at home, career celebrations.
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Are you performing a legal marriage / civil partnership?
No. I have previously worked as a registrar and I have performed legal marriages and civil partnerships but as an Independent Celebrant we are creating a unique ceremony that take place wherever you like without the restrictions of a legal marriage. Many people are turning to this option so that they can include ritual, personalised touches and have a ceremony that is filled with all the elements they would like. It's an anywhere, anytime, any place approach.
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The Law Commission is currently undergoing changes and if you would like to read more about this please visit their website.
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Would you take part in a themed wedding?
Absolutely, whatever you both have in mind I am open to being involved and taking part. I have no issues with a bit of flair and silliness, but I will always ensure the ceremony and service itself is dignified and in keeping with the sincere vows you say to one another.
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What is the difference between a register office marriage or civil partnership?
A marriage or civil partnership at a Register Office or one of their licensed venues will be legal, they will have many venues to choose from but it has to be one that is licensed for marriages and civil parternships.
With a professional Independent Celebrant the ceremony will not be a legal union but it does offer you a chance to do it your way at a venue of your choice. This means you can enjoy the ceremony in the location that is special to you, there are no restrictions on your time and you can use some of the many symbolic gestures outlined on my Unity Ceremonies page.
The law for marrying or forming a civil partnership with a council does not allow for the inclusion of ritual, prayer, religious music or prose and they are often shorter because the registrar will often need to go on to another ceremony after yours. An independent celebrant is committed to your ceremony only on your special date. So from the moment we begin speaking I will be planning with you all the way and arrive early on the day with no time constraints. Please see my webpage on What happens next for an outline of the planning process?
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To be legally married or to have legally formed a civil partnership can attend a Register Office for a small fee. You can then plan your bigger occasion with an Independent Celebrant so the day includes all the special elements you would like in a place that matters, it can even be your own home.
Having been a registrar with a County Council I can talk you through this process so you know you've done everything you need to do legally.
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Can we write our own vows?
Yes you can. Whether you are preparing a wedding, civil partnership, renewal of vows celebration or a wedding at home after marrying abroad, you can write your own personal words to one another. I can then say them for you to then repeat them, or you can learn them, or hold a card with the words on them.
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If you wanted to include a unity ceremony as part of the occasion we could also incorporate the exchange of words within this element as well. Please see my page on Unity Ceremonies.
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If we have you as an Independent Celebrant can we still include religious prayer or poetry?
Yes you can. That is the advantage of working with an Independent Celebrant, they will work with you to create a ceremony that fully reflects your values and beliefs in a location of your choice.
Farewells
Here are some questions I am often asked when supporting families when planning a touching goodbye or farewell.
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Can family carry the coffin?
Yes, we can speak to the funeral directors and let them know. If you have only two people that would like to do this, that is no problem, the funeral directors will guide you and also provide you with the extra bearers.
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Do I have to write the Eulogy?
No, but if you wanted to that is absolutley fine as well. An independent celebrant is there to support you in creating a warm and affectionate service that captures the essence of your loved one. Through careful questioning and time with you I will be able to help put together a service you can cherish.
However, clients very often feel certain that they would like to write the eulogy, I can fully support you with this and I am there on the day to read it for you should you decide you can't when the day arrives.
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Can we take something of theirs on the day?
Absolutely, very often there are special teddies, photos, hats, roller skates DM boots that will be placed on top of a coffin in memory of your loved one. It brings a smile at a difficult time because everyone associated that person with that item. It means a lot.
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Can we sing a hymn, say a prayer, choose religious poetry or prose?
Absolutely, an Independent Civil Celebrant does not come with a particular faith, they support the family in an independent way that supports the beliefs of the person who has passed away so you can include anything religious and equally you can have a service that doesn't include any religious elements at all. A Civil Funeral Service really is the most unique type of service you can arrange for someone.
