What Is a Celebrant?

If you’ve ever been to a wedding, baby naming or vow renewal that felt genuinely personal - full of warmth, joy, and the couple or family’s unique story - the chances are it was led by a celebrant.

But what exactly is a celebrant, and how do we differ from registrars, vicars, or humanist officiants? Let’s break it down.

A celebrant is someone who creates and leads bespoke, non-legally binding ceremonies to mark life’s big moments, from weddings and vow renewals to baby namings, adult re-namings, and commitment ceremonies.

I’m an independent celebrant, which means I’m not tied to any faith or belief system. Instead, I focus on you - your story, your values, your personalities. I weave those into a ceremony that feels authentic, meaningful, and completely unique to you.

My background as a filmmaker and writer means storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s a wedding celebration or a naming ceremony, I take the time to get to know you, listen to your journey, and craft words that capture your spirit and connection.

Independent vs Humanist Celebrants

People often assume all celebrants are “humanists”, but there’s an important difference.

A humanist celebrant works within the framework of Humanism, which is a non-religious life philosophy. Their ceremonies are entirely secular, meaning there can be no religious or spiritual content.

As an independent celebrant, I have the freedom to include anything that feels right for you - religious readings, cultural traditions, symbolic rituals, or none at all. I often work with couples and families who want to blend elements: maybe a reading from a favourite poem alongside a traditional blessing, or a handfasting ritual beside a Taylor Swift lyric. The point is, there are no rules.

Independent celebrancy is about choice, flexibility, and creativity - crafting something that feels like you, not a template.

How does a celebrant differ from a registrar or minister?

This is one of the most common questions I’m asked, and it’s an important one.

A registrar works for the local council and is authorised by law to carry out the legal aspects of a marriage or civil partnership. Registrar-led ceremonies take place in licensed venues and must follow a prescribed format with certain legal words. They can be lovely, but they tend to be brief and standardised, with the focus on the legal contract, not the love story behind it.

A minister of faith (such as a vicar, priest, or rabbi) performs religious ceremonies according to their faith’s traditions and beliefs. Those services are deeply meaningful for people of faith, but they’re not suitable for everyone, especially if you want something spiritual but not strictly religious, or if you and your partner come from different backgrounds.

An independent celebrant, on the other hand, sits beautifully in the middle. We can craft a ceremony that’s religious, spiritual, humanist, or completely secular - but always personal. The focus isn’t on rules or legalities; it’s on meaning, authenticity, and story.

What ceremonies can a celebrant lead?

Here are the types of ceremonies I offer as an independent celebrant:

• Wedding Celebration Ceremonies - for couples who want a wedding that feels truly theirs. You’ll complete the legal marriage registration separately (usually at your local register office), then have your celebrant-led ceremony anywhere you like: garden, woodland, beach, barn, or living room. This ceremony is not legally binding, but it’s the one where you exchange vows, rings and promises in front of your loved ones. You can also sign a commemorative certificate at the end.

• Commitment Ceremonies - for couples who want to celebrate their love and commitment without getting legally married. There are many reasons why you might not want the legal contract; a commitment ceremony is a wonderful alternative to a wedding and every bit as special.

• Renewal of Vows - for couples who want to say “I do” all over again. Maybe it’s an anniversary, a milestone, or simply a moment that feels right.

• Baby Naming Ceremonies - a beautiful way to welcome a baby or child into your family, whether by birth or adoption. You can also nominate Guide Parents (or Good Parents, Sparents, Fairy Godpeople - whatever fits your vibe!).

• Adult Re-Naming Ceremonies - to celebrate a new name and identity, surrounded by those who love and support you.

Each ceremony is created from scratch and is written, designed, and delivered around your story.

The legal bit (and why it’s not as limiting as it sounds)

Here’s the important disclaimer: celebrants in England and Wales are not currently authorised to conduct legal marriages. That means if you’re having a wedding celebration ceremony, you’ll need to complete the legal paperwork separately at a register office. See my article on the legal lowdown.

All the other ceremonies I offer (vow renewals, namings, commitment ceremonies) have no legal standing anyway, which is exactly what gives you so much freedom. Without legal restrictions, we can be creative, flexible, and completely personal.

And while some local register offices now offer naming ceremonies and renewals of vows, these tend to be off-the-shelf scripts, designed to be quick and standardised. Lovely, yes, but not you.

Since there’s no legal reason to choose a registrar for these occasions, why not have a ceremony that tells your story, in your style, your words, your way?

My approach: your story, your way

Every story deserves to be told, and told well. When you choose a celebrant-led ceremony with me, we’ll start with your story. I’ll get to know you, listen to what makes your relationship or family unique, and shape a ceremony that feels authentic and joyful.

Together, we’ll create something memorable, full of personality, laughter, love and warmth.

There are no limits, and no “shoulds.” Just a ceremony that captures who you are and what this moment means to you. So whether you’re celebrating love, family, identity or new beginnings, let’s tell your story beautifully.

I’m convinced. What now?

If you’d like to find out more, simply fill out my contact form or book a free call with me. We’ll have a relaxed chat about what you’re planning, what matters most to you, and how I can help bring your story to life. It’s also a lovely way for us to see if we’re the right fit, because the best ceremonies happen when you feel truly comfortable with your celebrant.

Let’s start planning a ceremony that’s as unique as your story.

Written by Ruth Edmondson: a filmmaker and feature writer turned celebrant, bringing years of storytelling experience to the way we celebrate life’s biggest moments. Whether you’re tying the knot, renewing your vows, welcoming a new life or affirming a new name, Ruth will craft a ceremony that’s creative, joyful, and utterly personal.