10 Reasons to Choose a Celebrant Over a Registrar

Planning your wedding ceremony and wondering whether to go for a registrar or a celebrant?

You’re not alone! Many couples don’t even realise they have a choice beyond the legal bit at the registry office or a short, scripted ceremony at their licensed venue. But here’s the good news: if you want a ceremony that’s personal, meaningful, and flexible, a celebrant-led wedding might be just what you’re looking for.

So if you’re still undecided about how to get married, here are 10 reasons why more and more couples are choosing a celebrant over a registrar:

Your Ceremony Will Be 100% Personal

Let’s start with the big one. A registrar-led ceremony follows a legal script. It’s short, standardised, and can’t really include much about you as a couple. On the other hand, a celebrant creates a completely bespoke ceremony - one that reflects your personalities, your relationship, your journey, and everything you love.

Want to share the story of how you met? Include a few jokes about your first date? Mention your cat, your kids, or your love of hiking on Dartmoor? Absolutely yes.

With a celebrant, your ceremony becomes the heart of your day, not just the legal bit you rush through.

You’re Not Bound by Venue Licences

One of the biggest restrictions with a registrar is that they can only perform ceremonies in licensed venues, which instantly rules out loads of beautiful, meaningful places.

As a celebrant, the world is (almost) your oyster. You can say your vows:

• In a woodland glade in Devon

• On a clifftop overlooking the sea in Cornwall

• In your family garden

• At a festival-themed venue or tipi wedding

• In a rustic barn without a license

  
  

If you’re dreaming of a wedding ceremony outdoors or in a unique location, a celebrant-led ceremony gives you the freedom to do just that.

You Get to Choose the Time and Date Freely

Registrars are often booked solid, especially on weekends, and you may need to fit your ceremony into a limited time slot. As a celebrant, you’re not tied to registrar or registry office hours or venue licence restrictions. You can have your ceremony at sunset, at midday, or even in the evening by candlelight.

This flexibility also means you can separate the legal and the celebratory element, doing the simple legal signing another day and making your wedding day all about the celebration. I only perform one ceremony a day, so if you're running a bit behind schedule, it's not a problem!

Say What You Want

Registrar ceremonies are governed by strict rules. You can’t include religious references, spiritual elements, or personal rituals. With a celebrant? You can say whatever you like (and skip anything that doesn’t resonate with you).

Want to write your own vows? Include a handfasting or a unity candle? Read a poem or include a quote from your favourite film? No problem. I will help you craft a ceremony that speaks to you both and sounds like you.

You’ll Actually Know Me

With a registrar, you won't meet the person who conducts your ceremony until ten minutes before.

When you work with me, we'll get to know each other in the months leading up to your wedding. I take time to chat, learn your story, understand your style, and build a connection. That way, when your ceremony arrives, it feels like a friend is standing up there with you, not a stranger reading a legal script.

Include Friends, Family, Pets

Celebrant-led weddings are all about inclusivity. That means you can involve whoever (or whatever) you like in your ceremony:

• Children reading a poem

• Friends sharing a memory

• Parents offering advice

• Your dog delivering the rings or having a surprise ring bearer

  
  

It’s your day, your way, and I can help bring your people (and animals) into the celebration with warmth and ease.

More Room for Emotion, Laughter, and Joy

Let’s be honest, legal ceremonies can feel a bit... flat. There’s not always space for tears, laughter, or spontaneous applause. A celebrant-led ceremony is different. It’s designed to bring out the emotion and energy of the day. We celebrate your love, your quirks and your shared dreams and invite your guests into the joy of the moment. Many couples and their guests say it’s their favourite part of the entire wedding day.

Perfect for Traditional or Non-Traditional Couples

Whether you're planning a second marriage, blending families, choosing not to get legally married at all, or want a ceremony that doesn’t follow any traditional path, celebrants are all about inclusivity and flexibility.

Love is love, and it deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels true to you.

More Time to Celebrate

Registrar ceremonies are often rushed. My ceremonies last around 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax, savour the moment, and celebrate your love story.

It Sets the Tone for the Entire Day

Your wedding ceremony sets the emotional tone for the rest of your celebration. A meaningful, personal ceremony helps everyone feel connected and makes your day more memorable from the very beginning.

Instead of feeling like you’re “getting the legal bit out of the way,” your celebrant-led ceremony becomes the highlight of your day. It’s what guests will talk about over dinner. It’s what you’ll remember in the years to come.

In Summary…

If you want a wedding ceremony that’s:

• Personal (not a script)

• Flexible (not full of restrictions)

• Heartfelt (not rushed)

• Unforgettable (not a tick-box exercise)

  
  

...then a celebrant-led wedding is the way to go.

Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a small elopement, your ceremony should feel like you, and that’s exactly what I'm here for.

Bonus Tip:

You can do the legal registration separately at the local registry office, just the two of you, with a couple of witnesses. Keep it simple, and save the real celebration for your big day.

Your love deserves more than a script. Let’s make it unforgettable.

Love Claire xxx

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