Quick answer: Some do, but me?
Absolutely not!
Here's why.... AI can be a useful tool to many businesses, streamlining and automating repetitive processes, for example.
However, I'm an old-fashioned small business with traditional values. I value the personal touch. You and your ceremony are unique so every email from me, every point of contact, every ceremony, every script is unique to you.
You've made your grand entrance, said your I do's, exchanged rings and done the kissing business. So it's time to walk down the aisle together as a couple. What should you do?
Well, there are no 'shoulds' in my book, but here are some things to think about:
Are you thinking traditional or original? There are no rules about how the stars of the show should enter the ceremony area.
A lot of people like the traditional approach with one person waiting at the end of the aisle and the other making an entrance right at the start. That can be absolutely beautiful. If you choose to do it this way, here are some of my tips and some suggestions for mixing things up a bit:
OK, so you're thinking about working with an independent celebrant to create and conduct the ceremony on the biggest day of your life. Excellent! But how does it all work?
When I work with couples, I send them two questionnaires for them to complete a few months before the ceremony. One is all about them, how they feel about each other, how they met, what happened at the proposal, etc. They can either complete this together or individually (there may be some things they want to keep secret until they are shared at the ceremony).
Thinking of working with an independent celebrant to create and conduct your ceremony?
There are hundreds of independent celebrants to choose from. Every single one is passionate about their work. Most have completed relevant training with a reputable organisation. Many are members of respected industry bodies. And all of them should be insured.
But only one or two will be your perfect fit.
Many people believe that the only way to celebrate your wedding in England and Wales is either in a church or with a registrar. However, more and more people are realising the benefits of separating the ‘legal’ part from the ‘celebration’ part by having the legal formalities completed with a registrar in advance (which costs £56 for a “Statutory Ceremony” in 2025) and then working with an independent celebrant to create and conduct a bespoke, personalised ceremony on their big day. It’s a bit like signing the paperwork for a new house or flat one day and getting the keys and moving in later. It’s a very continental way of doing things, and it’s catching on here.
Did you know you have four options?
Couples often assume that they have only three options for getting legally married in England and Wales:
Registrar costs vary widely across the country - in some places, it costs up to £1,000 for two registrars to attend the venue, depending on the day of the week. And registrars pretty much follow a standard script, so you get the same words as everyone else with usually only a little wriggle room for you to personalise it.
