Celebrant vs Registrar

One of the biggest decisions couples are making these days? Choosing between a Civil Registrar or a Celebrant to lead their wedding ceremony.

It’s a choice that my wife and I didn’t even realise we had when we got married. But looking back, oh how I wish we’d known. We would have happily done the legal bits on a separate day—just the two of us—and saved all the magic, all the personal touches, all the heart-bursting good stuff for the big day itself.

Because here’s the thing…

A Civil Registrar is there to conduct a legally binding ceremony—and they do an important job—but they’re bound by strict legal wording and a rigid format. You won’t know who’s going to show up on the day, and there’s no room for individuality or creativity.

Whereas a Celebrant—hi, that's me, Cerith the Celebrant—offers total freedom.

~ Freedom to shape your ceremony around your love story.
~ Freedom to include whatever rituals, readings, songs or silliness you like.
~ Freedom to make it beautifully, unmistakably, unapologetically yours.

I'll be with you from the first conversation to the last kiss of the confetti-strewn aisle. I’ll write and deliver a ceremony that reflects all that you are and all that you stand for—your values, your quirks, your journey, your joy. I'll dress to complement your colour scheme, be your ultimate hype man, and make sure your ceremony sets the tone for the whole celebration. I don’t just turn up and read a script—I craft something original, meaningful and unforgettable—which is where my 18 years and counting experience as a professional Actor packs its punch. Giving you awe-inspiring storytelling and presence to create cinematic ceremonies with a serious wow factor.

And yes, the legalities still need to be done (for now, Celebrants can’t legally marry couples in England & Wales). But that part is easy-peasy:
The legal process of getting married in the UK usually involves two simple steps—giving notice and having a basic legal ceremony. Giving notice is just a formal way of saying, “we intend to marry,” and it needs to be done at least 29 days before your basic legal ceremony. It’s a straightforward appointment at your local register office and it ensures everything is above board. Then, once that’s sorted, you’ll pop back for a quick “I do” with your two witnesses, sign the official marriage document—and boom, you’re legally married.

That day can still feel special—a quiet prelude to the main event, the beginning of your wedding story. No pressure for vows, rings, or even the kiss—you’re not obliged to include any of that.

Because all of that magic?
That’s saved for your actual wedding day—the one where you declare your love in front of all your favourite humans, and step into your next chapter with a ceremony that feels like it was made for you—because it was!

And if you choose me as your Celebrant, I promise:
It’ll be inspiring, moving, joy-filled, stylish, soulful, and full of life.
The only limit? Your imagination.
(And don’t worry—I’ve got plenty of that to share.)