FAQ
1. What does a wedding celebrant actually do?
A wedding celebrant does so much more than stand up at the front and say a few words! From our first meeting to the moment you say “I do”, I’m here to guide you through the process, take care of the legal requirements and create a ceremony that feels completely you.
There are many hours of work that happen behind the scenes, from getting to know you both and writing your personalised ceremony script to meetings, helping you with your vows, preparing paperwork, a rehearsal if needed and making sure every little detail is taken care of. On your wedding day, I’ll also liaise with your other suppliers and help coordinate the ceremony, so everyone knows what’s happening and things run as smoothly as possible.
With my experience, attention to detail and genuine care for my couples, I’m always thinking ahead, anticipating what might be needed and quietly sorting out the things you may not even realise need doing. I take the legal side of marriage seriously, but I also believe the experience should be relaxed, enjoyable and full of personality.
For me, it’s about so much more than delivering a ceremony. It’s about looking after you, bringing your people together and giving you the confidence to be fully present in one of life’s biggest moments.
My motto is - You bring the love. I’ll take care of the rest!
2. How do we book you as our celebrant?
It’s easy! Email me with your wedding date, venue and a little about what you have in mind. If I’m available, we can arrange a relaxed chat to get to know each other, talk through your plans and make sure we’re a good fit. Once you’re ready to go ahead, I’ll explain the booking process and send through the details to secure your date. Then we can get the fun part started!
3. How do you make our ceremony personal to us?
This is my favourite part! I want your ceremony to feel authentic, not something pulled off the shelf or copied from someone else’s wedding. I’ll get to know you both, hear your story, discover what makes your relationship special and find out what matters most to you. I have a questionnaire that you will fill out so that it helps me to piece together the little things that make you laugh to the moments that have shaped your love story. I’ll weave those details into a ceremony that feels authentically you.
4. Do we have to write our own vows?
Not at all! If the thought of putting your feelings into words makes you break out in a sweat, don't panic! I can guide you through it and offer ideas and examples to get you started. Your vows can be romantic, light-hearted, humorous or a little bit of everything. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. If nerves get the better of you, you only have to say your legal vow sentence, and that's it. There are many options for vows, and this is something we can talk about.
5. What legal paperwork do we need to get married?
There are important steps we need to take to get you legally married. I’ll guide you through completing the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), and explain which identification and documents you’ll need. There are two Official Certificates of Marriage, a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage, a Real Consent form and a Marriage Certificate, all to be signed. I am here to help explain everything so you understand what you will be signing, and I will have all the documents filled out and printed ready for your signatures. I will take all of the stress out of the paperwork. That's my job, not yours!
All I want is your autograph!
6. Can we have a small ceremony or elopement?
Absolutely! Your wedding doesn't have to be a big production to be incredibly special. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony with your favourite people, a romantic elopement or something simple and meaningful, we can create a ceremony that suits you. It's about celebrating in a way that feels right for you both.
7. Do you provide a microphone and sound system?
Yes! I bring my own professional Bose sound system so your guests can hear the ceremony clearly. Whether you're getting married indoors or outdoors, on a property or at a beautiful venue, I'll help make sure your words, vows and those special little moments can be heard by your family and friends.
8. Do we need a rehearsal before the wedding?
Not necessarily! Some couples love having a run-through, particularly if there are lots of people involved or special ceremony elements to organise. Others are perfectly happy with a chat beforehand and my full guidance on the day. I want you to feel comfortable and know what to expect on your big day without adding another unnecessary job to your wedding to-do list.
9. How much does a wedding celebrant cost?
My fees depend on the type of ceremony you're looking for and what's involved. I offer Signature Wedding Ceremonies, Elopements and Legal-Only Ceremonies, so there are options to suit different plans and priorities. I'll explain exactly what's included in your quote, so you know what you're getting and can make a decision that feels right for you. No surprises, just clear information from the start.
10. Do we need to meet you before booking?
I always recommend having a chat before you make your decision. Choosing a celebrant is a personal thing, and you want someone you feel comfortable with, someone who understands you, listens to what matters and makes you feel like you're in good hands. We can meet in person or over FaceTime, talk through your ideas and see if we're the right fit. No pressure, just a chance to get to know each other.
11. Can we include children, pets or family members in our ceremony?
Absolutely! Your wedding is about bringing together the people you love the most and sometimes our furry family members. We can always find a way to include them in your ceremony. We'll chat about your ideas and work out what feels right for you.
12. Can you help us include loved ones who have passed away?
There are often people we wish could be there to share our wedding day, and finding a special way to remember loved ones who have passed away can be a beautiful part of your ceremony. Whether it’s a few heartfelt words, a favourite reading, a moment of reflection or a special tribute, we can find a way to honour their memory that feels right for you.
13. Can we include cultural traditions, readings or handfasting in the ceremony?
Your ceremony should reflect who you are, what you believe in and the things that are meaningful to you as a couple. Whether you’d love to include cultural or family traditions, a special reading, a handfasting ritual or another meaningful element, we can chat about what’s important to you, explore how we can incorporate it into your ceremony and make sure everything flows beautifully.
14. What happens if it rains or our outdoor plans change?
The weather can be a little unpredictable, so if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, it’s always a good idea to have a
Plan B. I’ll encourage you to chat with your venue about your wet-weather options well before the big day, so we know what the alternatives are if the weather doesn’t play along. If plans need to change, we’ll work together to make the necessary adjustments and keep things as calm and stress-free as possible.
15. When do we receive our official marriage certificate?
I'll take care of that for you and one less thing for you to worry about. After your wedding, I’ll register your marriage and apply for your official marriage certificate on your behalf. Once it arrives with me a few days later, I’ll double-check everything is correct before sending it on to you by registered post, so you can keep track of its journey. You won’t need to navigate the application process or work out what to do next. I’ll handle the paperwork and make sure your official certificate makes its way safely to you.
16. What happens if we need to change our wedding date?
Life happens, and sometimes plans need to change. If you need to change your wedding date, the first thing to do is get in touch with me as soon as possible so we can chat about your options. I’ll do my best to accommodate your new date, depending on my availability. Any changes to your booking will be handled in line with my Terms & Conditions. I know changing plans can be stressful, so I’ll make the process as straightforward as possible and help you work out the next steps. Don’t worry, we’ll take it one step at a time.
If there is anything else you'd like to know, just email me, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Lynda x