Considering a Celebrant-led wedding?
Read on for helpful advice and inspiration from our in-house Celebrant, Dan Westcott.
While every ceremony is different, a celebrant-led wedding may include:
A warm, engaging introduction
The couple’s love story, told in an authentic and meaningful way
Personal vows (written by the couple or with the celebrant’s help)
Symbolic rituals such as handfasting, candle lighting, sand blending, or cultural traditions
Involvement of family and friends through readings or participation
Music chosen specifically by the couple
A closing that reflects the tone of the day—joyful, reflective, or celebratory
Nothing is included “just because it’s traditional”, unless it holds meaning for the couple.
There are so many options for the couple to think through and ensure they have the vibe or tone that suits them and their loved ones.
• Family or friends doing readings
Inviting family members or close friends to read poems, excerpts, or meaningful passages can add warmth and familiarity to the ceremony, allowing loved ones to contribute in a personal and heartfelt way.
• Guests or loved ones participating in a ring warming
A ring-warming ritual gives guests the opportunity to hold the rings and silently offer well wishes, blessings, or intentions, symbolically surrounding the couple with love and support before the rings are exchanged.
• Children taking part in the ceremony
Including children or beloved pets can reflect the true shape of the couple’s family, whether it’s walking down the aisle together, pouring sand into a bespoke jar as part of a sand ritual, or presenting the rings.
• Symbolic rituals such as handfasting, candle lighting, sand or wine blending
These rituals use meaningful symbols to represent unity, commitment, and the joining of lives, creating a visual and emotional focal point within the ceremony.
• Adapting cultural, spiritual, or family traditions
Couples may choose to honour their heritage or beliefs by modifying traditional rituals so they feel authentic, inclusive, and aligned with their shared values.
• Creating a unique ritual designed just for the couple
Some couples design a one-of-a-kind ritual that reflects their story, interests, or relationship, adding a deeply personal touch that exists nowhere else.
• Choosing not to include any ritual at all!
A ceremony can be just as meaningful without formal rituals, focusing instead on spoken words, presence, and the commitment itself.
• Writing personal vows from scratch
Crafting vows from the heart allows couples to express their love, promises, and journey together in their own words, creating a deeply personal moment.
• Choosing guided vows written with the celebrant
For those who want a personal feel without the pressure of writing alone, guided vows offer structure and support while still reflecting the couple’s voice and values.
• Using traditional vows with modern wording
Classic vows can be adapted with contemporary language, blending timeless commitment with a tone that feels current and relatable.
• Speaking vows aloud or sharing them privately
Some couples choose to exchange vows publicly, while others prefer a more intimate moment before or after the ceremony, keeping those promises just between them.
• Promises to children or blended families
Including vows to children or acknowledging blended families recognises the wider commitment being made, celebrating the joining of lives, families, and futures.
