What Does a Wedding Celebrant Actually Do? (And Why You Need One)
- Kaylie Cullen
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
When you’re planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions to make is who will lead your ceremony. While venues, flowers, and music are often top of mind, the person standing with you at the front guiding the most meaningful part of your day deserves just as much consideration. That’s where a wedding celebrant comes in.
If you’ve opted for a registrar (who sometimes refer to themselves as legal celebrants - cheeky!) then unfortunately you can’t know who will show up on your day, but if you’ve opted for a wedding celebrant, then you get to pick who represents your story on the day.
So, What is a Wedding Celebrant?
A wedding celebrant is trained to create and officiate personalised wedding ceremonies (I was trained by the Academy of Modern Celebrancy!) Unlike religious officiants who follow specific faith traditions, or registrars who perform legal marriages with standardised wording, an independent celebrant works with you to craft a ceremony that reflects your love story, values, and vision.
For many, this inclusion of religious and cultural elements is the perfect way to reflect the blending of family and tradition. You get to have your day, your way.
Celebrants don’t just show up on the day with a script. With you, we co-create something deeply personal and entirely unique.
What Does a Wedding Celebrant Actually Do?
Let’s break it down:
1. Gets to Know You
I take the time to really understand you as a couple; how you met, what you love about each other, your journey, your dreams, and the tone you want for your big day. It all begins with an initial conversation, followed by meaningful meetings and catch-ups along the way.
2. Writes a Personalised Ceremony
You’ll find no cookie-cutter scripts here. I believe in writing signature ceremonies that tell your authentic story and reflect who you are. Whether you're romantic, quirky, traditional, spiritual or alternative, the ceremony will be tailored just for you.
3. Guides You Through the Process
From vow-writing tips to ceremony structure ideas, I’ll help you take the stress out of planning. We’ll walk through everything together - readings, music, rituals (like handfasting or unity candles), and how to include loved ones.
4. Delivers the Ceremony With Warmth and Grace
On the day, you can count on me to lead your ceremony with confidence, compassion, and a calm presence. Our existing connection will provide you with a sense of ease and trust. I’ll be there to anchor the moment, allowing you to be fully present - laughing, crying, and saying “I do” with your whole heart, making the entire experience authentic and significant.
5. Leaves You With Lasting Memories
When you reflect on the celebration of your love, not only will you find happy memories of getting ready with those closest to you, or of a day (and evening) spent sharing in the joy of your love, but you'll remember that you created a signature ceremony which told the story of your unique love. You'll remember that having a connection with your celebrant made you feel at ease and ready to relax into the celebration, you'll look back on a poignant life event which leaves you with lasting memories.
Why Choose a Wedding Celebrant?
Here’s why more and more couples are choosing celebrants:
Freedom: No cookie cutter script template, or stiff, impersonal wording - just your story, your way.
Personal Connection: I’ll work closely with you to create heartfelt memory making moments.
Location Flexibility: Beaches, gardens, forests, back gardens, manor houses, country barns - you name it, we can do it! (Except religious venues and registry offices!)
Inclusivity: I’m thrilled to work with all couples, all beliefs, and all love stories.
Lasting Impact: Your ceremony will be the most meaningful part of the day. It’s the reason your guests are there to support you, and the signature way in which your story was told will be remembered for years to come.
Final Thoughts (Jerry Springer anyone?)
A modern independent celebrant like me doesn’t just deliver a ceremony. We create experiences that celebrate the essence of your love and commitment. Whether you're planning a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, a celebrant ensures that your ceremony is as extraordinary and unique as your love story.
If you're looking for a ceremony that feels genuine, joyful, and totally you, then a celebrant-led wedding might be exactly what you need.
👉 Ready to chat about your big day? Get in touch and let’s start creating something beautiful together.
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