Question 1

Is a celebrant-led wedding legal?

Accepted Answer

Not yet in England & Wales, but watch this space! You'll need a quick registry office appointment for the legal bit (about 20 minutes), then we do the real ceremony wherever and however you want.

Question 2

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible! I take limited bookings to ensure everyone gets proper attention. Popular dates book up fast, but I've also created beautiful ceremonies with just a few weeks' notice.

Question 3

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I can help you craft them, we can write them together, or I can create them based on what you tell me about each other. Whatever works for you.

Question 4

Can we include our dog/cat/llama?

Accepted Answer

Dogs, yes. Cats, if you can persuade them to cooperate (spoiler: you can't). Llamas, I'd need convincing. But seriously, pets are family – let's talk about how to include them.

Question 5

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Always have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies. I'll help you think this through. I've got a good speaking voice, but I can't control the weather.

Question 6

How quickly can you arrange a funeral?

Accepted Answer

Most funerals happen within 2-3 weeks. I can usually accommodate your dates with a bit of notice, though the more time we have, the better the ceremony I can create.

Question 7

What if family members can't agree on the type of service?

Accepted Answer

This is more common than you'd think. I'll help facilitate conversations and find compromises that honour the person while respecting different needs.

Question 8

Can we hold a funeral anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Crematoria and burial grounds have their rules, but for celebrations of life or memorial services, the world's your oyster. Social clubs, gardens, favourite pubs – wherever feels right.

Question 9

Do you attend the burial/cremation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I'm with you through the entire service. You won't be handed off to someone else at the important bit.

Question 10

What if we don't know much about the person?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes people are private, or family members are distant. I can help by contacting friends, colleagues, or others who knew them. Everyone has a story worth telling.

Question 11

Do we need to be married to renew vows?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! You can celebrate any committed relationship. Legal paperwork is irrelevant to love.

Question 12

Is a vow renewal legally binding?

Accepted Answer

No, it's purely ceremonial. Which means complete freedom to make it whatever you want.

Question 13

Can we include our children?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many couples use vow renewals to celebrate the whole family unit, not just the couple.

Question 14

Where can we hold it?

Accepted Answer

Literally anywhere. Your garden, favorite restaurant, the beach, a woodland, your front room. If it's meaningful to you, we can make it work.

Question 15

What are your prices?

Accepted Answer

Weddings: £749 (2025) / £800 (2026)
Vow Renewals: £749 (2025) / £800 (2026)
Funerals: From £300 (single slot) / £450 (double slot)
Celebrations of Life: From £400 (individually costed)

Question 16

What's included?

Accepted Answer

Everything you need for a beautiful ceremony – unlimited meetings, complete ceremony creation, coordination on the day, sound equipment if needed, full script as keepsake.

Question 17

Do you charge for travel?

Accepted Answer

45p per mile over 5 miles from Lewisham (London) or 20 miles from IP19 (East Anglia).

Question 18

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

See full T&Cs, but generally: for weddings/vow renewals, booking fees have refundable and non-refundable portions depending on timing. Funerals are more flexible as dates can be uncertain.

Question 19

How many meetings will we have?

Accepted Answer

As many as we need! For weddings, usually 3-5 meetings. For funerals, typically 1-2, but I'm available for ongoing support. For vow renewals, 2-3 usually does it.

Question 20

Can we meet via Zoom?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Though I do prefer to meet in person at least once if possible – I'm better at reading people face-to-face.

Question 21

Will you attend our rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

For weddings, yes, if you want one. Most couples don't bother, but I'm happy to if it helps you feel more comfortable.

Question 22

What happens if you're ill on the day?

Accepted Answer

I've been doing this since 2019 and haven't missed a ceremony yet (touch wood). But I do have backup arrangements with trusted celebrant colleagues for genuine emergencies.

Question 23

What is a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

Someone who creates and conducts personalised ceremonies for life's big moments. Think of us as the people who make sure your wedding, funeral, or vow renewal sounds like you, not like everyone else's.

Question 24

What's the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

Accepted Answer

Registrars conduct legal marriages with set words and strict rules. Celebrants create completely bespoke ceremonies with total freedom (but currently no legal powers in England & Wales). Registrars do paperwork. Celebrants do magic.

Question 25

Are you religious?

Accepted Answer

I'm not affiliated with any religion, but I can absolutely include religious or spiritual elements if you want them. Prayers, blessings, cultural traditions – all welcome.

Question 26

How far will you travel?

Accepted Answer

I work across South East London, Essex, and East Anglia regularly. Beyond that, let's talk. My passport is ready, and I'm not afraid to use it.

Question 27

What if we need to cancel or postpone?

Accepted Answer

Life happens. See my Terms & Conditions for the details, but I'm generally as flexible as I can be, particularly for funerals where dates might need to shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions