Wedding and Naming Celebrant | FAQ
What does the word Celebrant mean?
The term simply distinguishes my work, writing and role from that of a vicar or a Registrar. I trained with the British Humanist Association (now Humanists UK) 13 years ago and am proud to be registered with them, though mine is a diverse clientele (some of whom aren’t Humanists) and my business is my own. I’m also insured and hold a DBS certificate.
What is a humanist ceremony?
With a small ‘h’, it’s essentially focused on the people at its centre. Some clients just want a bespoke non-religious ceremony while others request a Humanist ceremony (when I’d be delighted, if invited, to talk about Humanism). So you don’t have to be a Humanist to have a YTD ceremony. I don’t try and convert anyone, I just create the best bespoke experience I can.
We don’t really do ‘soppy’. Is that ok?
It’s absolutely ok. As a matter of fact I don’t do ‘soppy’ either. Ex-clients Ruth and Jon probably put it best: ‘It was such a relief to find someone who could convey romance without ‘the cheese factor’.’ The same applies to whatever emotional subject I’m writing about. It’s all about capturing my clients’ stories, personalities and feelings in an entirely authentic way.
Does it matter if I’m not very good at writing?
Not at all – though I bet you’re a better writer than you think you are. Either way, that’s not what this is about. All I ask is that you commit to the process: giving it the attention, care and time it needs, but in an achievable and enjoyable way that works for you. In fact, clients often surprise themselves with just how satisfying they find the writing that they do. I take care of the rest.
Where can we have our ceremony?
I’ve led ceremonies in zoos, tipis, a polytunnel, museums, 5* hotels, at sea, a recording studio, castles, a gallery, a swimming pool (empty), a beach, brewery and at the ‘Gherkin’ and ‘Swan at the Globe’ in London – almost anywhere. Usually I work in Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Manchester, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire, but also across the UK and abroad.
Are Humanist weddings legally recognised in England like in Scotland?
Not yet, but it’s easy to resolve and I can explain the options. The majority of clients sort ‘the paperwork’ at the Registry Office separately, regarding their YTD wedding as ‘the real thing’, but some have Registrars come to their venue on the same day, before or after. Whatever’s chosen, nothing detracts from the incomparable beauty of the bespoke ceremony experience.
Hannah Wroe Gill | Your Three Days
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