Frequently Asked Questions
This guide should answer some of the most popular
questions that I get asked. However, if
you need more information I am only a phone call or email away.
What
does a celebrant do?
Family celebrants are professionally trained to design,
write and perform your ceremony. I will work together with you to find out what
you want to include and what you don’t want. From this I will write a ceremony
for you that is tailored to your needs. My role is to ensure that your ceremony
is exactly what you want; there are no restrictions.
Qualified?
I
am accredited to provide weddings, vow renewals and baby naming ceremonies by
the UK Society of Celebrants.
Where
can I have my ceremony? You can have your ceremony wherever you
want, it doesn’t have to be a registered venue. Village hall, woods, beach,
favourite hotel the list is endless…….
Is
my marriage legal? To make your marriage legal you will need to
make an appointment at your local registrar office. Ask for a marriage licence,
this usually costs about £46, you will need identification papers and two
witnesses. You can book this service up to to 12 months before your ceremony.
Do not be pushed into larger more costly ceremonies – YOU DON’T NEED IT! My
clients usually get the “legal” part done quietly, quickly and in casual dress
in the week before your ceremony.
What
happens? Once you are happy
with your choice of celebrant a booking form is completed and £50 no-refundable
deposit is asked for to hold the date. The ceremony will then be designed using
all the information and choices that you have given. A draft ceremony will be
given to you to make sure you are happy.
After details are finalised it is usual to have a rehearsal to make sure
that everyone feels relaxed on the day (please note the final balance must be
paid for before the rehearsal). I will liaise with venue staff and perform your
wedding; afterwards I will give you a presentation copy. Then it’s time to
celebrate with your family and friends!
You
are based in Suffolk but will you travel? I live in Suffolk
but am willing to travel. Travel costs are arranged at the time of booking.
Can
I have what I want? Yes, my motto is “anytime, anyplace,
anywhere”. Religious ceremonies and registrars tend to have strict views about
what is allowed to be included. The beauty of having a civil celebrant means
that you can truly have what you want.
Is
it ok for my dog to have a role in the ceremony? Yes, I want you to have the day you have
dreamed of so if you want to have your pet as a ring bearer that is fine with
me (rather not I nclude snakes though!)
Can
I have prayers included?. You may like to have a cultural custom
observed or include other practices as part of your ceremony. The choice is
yours.
How
much does it cost? My professional fee for weddings is £350,
£275 for Vow Renewals and £125 for a baby naming (non-religious alternative to
a christening). Ceremony elements are additional and prices will be quoted to
you before purchase. If you would like a themed wedding
Do
you have insurance? Yes I have £5m public liability insurance
and I am happy to provide a copy of the certificate to your venue if required.
How
do I make a booking? – Please contact me directly by phone 07926
071065 or email ipswichcelebrant@gmail.com We
can arrange to meet to talk further about your ceremony.
Alex
xx