Why Choose a Celebrant Ceremony

If a conventional wedding ceremony doesn’t quite feel right for you, a celebrant-style ceremony might just be the perfect alternative. One of the greatest benefits of this style is freedom to choose not just how you say “I do,” but where. Unlike registrars, who are restricted to licensed venues, celebrant-style ceremonies can be created almost anywhere: from elegant hotels, historic manor houses, and rustic barns, to cosy restaurants, village halls, your own garden, or even deep within the woods under a canopy of trees.  With a celebrant, the location, content, time, and feel of your ceremony is completely your choice.

Historic Locations 

Take Hodsock Priory, for example, a historic Grade II listed country house nestled on the outskirts of Worksop. This is a licensed wedding venue and is very sought-after thanks to its grand interiors and stunning grounds. But now, with the rise of celebrant-style ceremonies, couples can embrace the freedom and flexibility of holding their ceremony in breathtaking, unlicensed locations across the estate. From the enchanting woodlands and tranquil lakeside to the dramatic backdrop of the Tudor Gatehouse, love stories can be brought to life in unforgettable settings. 

In June this year, the Hodsock Estate made history with its very first wedding ceremony held beneath the iconic Tudor Gatehouse - one of the oldest surviving buildings on the property and a rare example of Tudor brickwork in Nottinghamshire. Built to honour a royal visit from Henry VIII in 1541, the Grade I listed Gatehouse provided a regal setting for a fairytale ceremony.  Although the couple had previously married legally during a low-key ceremony in the U.S., they dreamed of a traditional wedding celebration with family and friends in a magical, historic setting. Their vision came to life in the most unforgettable way – a unique celebrant-style ceremony filled with love, laughter, and even a perfectly timed burst of sunshine just at the right moment! 

The Rise of Celebrant Style Ceremonies

Celebrant-style ceremonies are surging in popularity, offering couples the chance to create deeply personal, one-of-a-kind experiences beyond the limitations of licensed wedding venues. Modern couples are seeking wedding experiences that go beyond the conventional. They prefer ceremonies that reflect their personalities, their journey, and their values.  With this type of ceremony that’s exactly what they can achieve and can also spend quality time with their celebrant to ensure their ceremony is totally unique, heartfelt, and memorable. A celebrant will offer guidance, support, creativity, and complete flexibility to include symbolic elements, rituals, cultural traditions, etc. There are no limitations on timing, format, or style. 

A celebrant-style ceremony can help when:

·       You prefer a totally unique wedding ceremony – unlike anyone else’s

·       You opt for a non-licensed wedding venue such as your garden, a woodland, or a private estate

·       A registrar isn’t available to align with your preferred date/time at a licensed wedding venue 

·       You’re celebrating a marriage already undertaken abroad but would prefer a meaningful celebration in the UK

·       You’re planning a vow renewal or special anniversary ceremony 

The Choice Is Yours

Even if you’ve chosen a licensed wedding venue, opting for a celebrant-style ceremony is completely acceptable and often preferred by couples wanting something completely different. This opportunity also enables a couple to truly connect with their celebrant several months before their big day, ensuring a beautiful and stress-free experience. Imagine the comfort of knowing exactly WHO will be delivering your ceremony when the day arrives.  Ultimately, a celebrant-style ceremony is about celebrating your unique love story - because your love deserves nothing less.