Why You Should Choose a Celebrant-Led Wedding Ceremony
- Claire Austin
- Nov 10
- 4 min read
So, you’re engaged? Congratulations! Whether you're knee-deep in Pinterest boards or just dipping your toes into planning, one of the first big decisions you'll need to make is how you want to get married. And if you're here, you’re probably curious about what a celebrant-led wedding ceremony is, and whether it's the right fit for your big day.
Spoiler alert: it probably is! Especially if you're looking for a ceremony that feels personal, flexible, meaningful, and completely you as a couple.
I’m a wedding celebrant based in beautiful Devon, and I work with couples all across the South West (and beyond) to create one-of-a-kind ceremonies that are full of heart, personality, and unforgettable moments. My couples are looking for a modern alternative to traditional church services or registrar ceremonies.
So if you're planning your wedding and wondering why so many couples are choosing a celebrant-led ceremony, this post is for you.
What is a Celebrant-Led Wedding Ceremony?
Let’s start with the basics: a celebrant-led wedding is a ceremony created and conducted by a professional celebrant (like me!), rather than a religious minister or a registrar. It’s not bound by legal or religious requirements, which means it gives you total freedom to celebrate your love your way.
Want to exchange vows in a woodland clearing? Have a beach wedding at sunset? Add handfasting, a toast, or marriage advice from your nan? I've got you!
And while it’s true that the legal bit still needs to be done separately (if you want it to be legal), for most couples, the celebrant-led ceremony is the real wedding—full of emotion, meaning, and memories.
Why Choose a Celebrant for Your Wedding?
Here’s why so many couples are ditching the cookie-cutter ceremonies and going celebrant-led for their ceremonies:
It’s All About You
A celebrant-led wedding is entirely bespoke. That means no standard scripts, no awkward vows you’ve never seen before, and no rush to get in and out in 15 minutes.
Instead, we work together to create a ceremony that reflects you, your personalities, your love story, your values, and your sense of humour. Whether you’re romantic and traditional, quirky and playful, or somewhere in between, your ceremony will feel completely you.
Freedom to Choose Your Location
Celebrants aren’t tied to licensed venues, which opens up a whole world of possibilities for where you can say your vows. Whether it’s a rustic barn in Dartmoor, a clifftop in Cornwall, a wildflower meadow in the Devon countryside, or even your own back garden, you have the freedom to choose a location that means something to you. This is especially helpful if you’ve fallen in love with a non-licensed venue, or you want a wedding outdoors.
Flexible Timing and No Rush
Because celebrant-led weddings aren’t part of the legal process, there’s no pressure to squeeze your ceremony into a registry office schedule or slot into a busy weekend of back-to-back weddings.
You can choose the time of day that suits you, take your time, and savour every moment. Want to have a sunset ceremony followed by a candlelit dinner? Or a morning ceremony with brunch and bubbly? Let’s do it.
It’s Personal and Heartfelt
One of the best compliments I hear from guests is: “That was the most personal wedding ceremony I’ve ever been to.” That’s because celebrant-led ceremonies are all about storytelling. I’ll spend time getting to know you both, how you met, what you love about each other, the adventures you’ve had, and your hopes for the future. Then I’ll craft a ceremony that weaves your story together in a way that’s warm, emotional, and often full of laughter (and sometimes a few happy tears too!).
Include Meaningful Rituals and Traditions
Want to include a handfasting ritual, light a unity candle, or involve your children or pets in your ceremony? As a celebrant, I can include any elements or traditions that are meaningful to you.
Whether you want to incorporate cultural or spiritual elements, honour your heritage, or start your own traditions, you have complete freedom to make your ceremony unique.
But What About the Legal Bit?
Great question. Right now, celebrants in England and Wales can’t legally marry couples (we’re hopeful this will change soon!), so most couples choose to do the legal side at a registry office a few days before or after their celebrant-led ceremony.
Think of it like registering a birth - you do the legal paperwork separately, but the real celebration happens later at the christening, naming ceremony or party.
Many couples tell me that they actually enjoy this separation, it takes the pressure off the legal part, and lets them fully focus on the emotional and symbolic side of their wedding day.
Perfect for Modern Couples
If you're a modern couple looking to do things a bit differently, a celebrant-led ceremony is probably right up your street. You might be planning a non-traditional wedding, choosing to blend families, already have children, or be celebrating a second marriage. Maybe you're a same-sex couple, or you're looking for a more inclusive ceremony that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple.Whatever your story, I can help you tell it in a way that feels real and meaningful, without any awkwardness, outdated language, or religious content (unless you want to include some).
Celebrate in Style (Your Style!)
Your wedding ceremony sets the tone for the whole day, so why not make it extra special?
With a celebrant, you can:
Write your own vows (I can help you craft them)
Choose music that you love
Involve your guests in creative or interactive ways
Tell your story in a fun, heartfelt, and engaging way
Avoid the stiff or scripted feel of a standard ceremony
It’s a celebration, not a formality—and that’s what makes it so memorable.
If you're planning your wedding and think a celebrant-led ceremony might be the right fit, I’d love to hear your ideas and help you bring your vision to life. Whether you’ve booked your venue already or you’re just starting your planning journey, get in touch for a no-obligation chat over a cuppa (I live in Torquay) or video call.
Love Claire xxx
celebrant-led wedding ceremony
wedding celebrant Devon
personalised wedding ceremony UK
outdoor wedding Devon
alternative wedding ceremony ideas
South West England wedding celebrant
modern wedding ceremony UK
handfasting ceremony Devon
non-religious wedding ceremony UK
unique wedding ceremony ideas
bespoke wedding ceremony South West
romantic wedding ceremony UK
Comments