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Weddings

Vow

Renewals

Naming

Ceremonies

FAQ

Contact Me

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is a celebrant?

A celebrant is someone who creates and leads personalised ceremonies to mark life’s important moments. As an independent celebrant, I am not affiliated with any religion, which allows each ceremony to be shaped around your story, values, and wishes.

What does a celebrant do?

A celebrant takes time to listen and understand what matters most to you, then writes and leads a ceremony that reflects your story and feels meaningful and well held. This includes planning, writing the ceremony script, guiding the structure, and leading the ceremony on the day with a calm, professional presence.

Are you professionally trained?

Yes. I trained with the International College of Professional Celebrants, and my work as a celebrant is also shaped by many years of professional experience in education. Before training as a celebrant, I spent over three decades working as a class teacher, deputy headteacher, and senior lecturer, roles that involved leading, presenting, guiding, and supporting people at important moments in their lives. I also hold an enhanced DBS check. This background has given me a calm, confident presence, clear communication skills, and an ability to hold space with care and sensitivity, all of which are central to my work as a celebrant.

What types of ceremonies do you offer?

I create and lead wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, naming ceremonies, and funerals. Each ceremony is shaped individually and can take place in a wide range of settings, including venues, homes, gardens, and outdoor locations that are meaningful to you.

Where can ceremonies take place?

Ceremonies can take place in almost any location that is meaningful to you, such as a wedding venue, your home, a garden, woodland, or another special place. Funerals are most often held at crematoria, burial grounds, or natural burial sites.

Can we include religious elements in a ceremony?

Yes. Although I am not a religious minister, I am an independent celebrant and welcome the inclusion of beliefs, faith, or spirituality where this is important to you. If you would like religious or spiritual elements to be part of your ceremony, we can talk together about how these can be thoughtfully included in a way that feels right for you.

How involved can family and friends be?

Family and friends are welcome to be involved in whatever way feels right for you. This might include readings, sharing memories, making promises or pledges, or taking part in symbolic moments during the ceremony.

How far in advance should we book?

It’s always best to get in touch as soon as you have a date in mind, particularly for weddings. However, I will always do my best to accommodate shorter notice where possible.

How does the planning process work?

We begin with an initial conversation, followed by planning meetings and a simple questionnaire to help capture what matters most to you. I will write your ceremony script and share it with you in advance for review and refinement, staying in touch throughout the process.

Can we see the ceremony script before the day?

Yes. You will have the opportunity to read and shape your ceremony script in advance, so you can feel confident that it reflects you and feels right.

Do you travel?

Yes. I am based in Teddington and work across south west London, Surrey, and beyond. Travel costs will always be discussed and agreed in advance.

How do we get in touch?

You can contact me through the website or by email to arrange an initial conversation. I would be happy to talk through your plans and answer any questions.

How much do your ceremonies cost?

My fees vary depending on the type of ceremony and what is involved. I keep pricing clear and up to date on each ceremony page of the website. For funerals, celebration of life ceremonies, or more bespoke requests, fees can vary depending on your individual needs and the time involved. In some cases, a longer ceremony or a double time slot at the crematorium may be required, which can affect the overall cost. This will always be discussed openly and agreed in advance.

Funerals

How soon after a death can a funeral take place?

The timing of a funeral depends on a number of factors, including practical arrangements and what feels right for those closest to the person who has died. I will work closely with you and the funeral director to ensure there is time to plan a ceremony that feels considered, unhurried, and appropriate for the circumstances.

Will we meet in person to talk about the ceremony?

Yes, where possible. We can meet in person or online, depending on what feels easiest for you. I will take time to listen and guide you gently through the process, at a pace that feels right.

Can family or friends speak during the ceremony?

Yes. Many families choose to include readings or personal tributes. I can offer guidance and support to anyone who would like to speak, helping them feel confident and comfortable on the day.

What if we don’t know what to include in the ceremony?

That is very common. I will guide you through the different elements of a funeral ceremony and help you explore what feels appropriate, whether that is quiet and reflective, gently celebratory, or a balance of both.

Can the ceremony include humour or lighter moments?

Yes. If this reflects the person being remembered, gentle humour and warmth can be included in a respectful and appropriate way. The tone of the ceremony will always be guided by what feels right for you and your family.

Can you help with writing a eulogy or tribute?

Yes. I can help shape a tribute or eulogy based on your memories and reflections, or write it on your behalf if you prefer. The aim is always to honour the person’s life with honesty and care.

What if family members are emotional on the day?

Funerals are emotional occasions. I will lead the ceremony calmly and supportively, helping the day unfold with dignity and care. There is no expectation for anyone to speak unless they wish to.

Can the ceremony reflect cultural traditions or family customs?

Yes. If there are cultural or family traditions that are important to you, we can discuss how these can be thoughtfully included within the ceremony.

What happens if we need to make changes close to the day?

I understand that things can change. I will do my best to accommodate any last-minute adjustments and will support you throughout.

Weddings

Are celebrant-led weddings legally binding?

In England and Wales, celebrant-led wedding ceremonies are not legally binding. Many couples choose to complete the legal formalities separately and then have a celebrant-led ceremony that reflects who they are, without restrictions on content or location.

How do we carry out the legal part of the marriage?

In England and Wales, the legal part of your marriage is completed separately from a celebrant-led ceremony. You will need to give notice at least 29 days before you plan to marry, and then return to the register office to complete the legal formalities. This involves a short statutory ceremony in the presence of a registrar, rather than a celebrant, where you make the legal declarations that formalise the marriage. Many couples then choose to celebrate with a separate celebrant-led ceremony that reflects their story, values, and wishes.

What is the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

A registrar is a local authority official who conducts legally binding marriages in approved venues and follows a prescribed format set by law. The ceremony wording, structure, and location are restricted, and the focus is on completing the legal requirements. A celebrant is independent and not affiliated with a local authority. This means a celebrant can create a fully personalised ceremony, shaped around your story, values, and wishes, and held in a location that is meaningful to you. The ceremony is not legally binding in England and Wales, which allows for much greater freedom in language, structure, and content. Many couples choose to complete the legal formalities with a registrar and then have a celebrant-led ceremony that feels personal, relaxed, and truly reflective of who they are.

What are the advantages of having a celebrant-led wedding?

For many couples, the greatest advantage of a celebrant-led wedding is the sense of freedom it offers. Without restrictions on wording, structure, or setting, the ceremony can be shaped around who you are and what matters most to you.

A celebrant-led ceremony allows you to choose a location that feels meaningful, whether that is a garden, a favourite outdoor space, a family home, or a venue with personal significance. It also offers flexibility around timing, allowing the ceremony to fit naturally into your day.

The content of the ceremony can be fully personalised. This might include your own vows, chosen readings, music, symbolic rituals, or moments of quiet reflection. The ceremony can reflect your beliefs and values, whether secular, spiritual, or a blend of traditions, and can include family and friends in ways that feel natural and heartfelt.

Above all, a celebrant-led wedding creates space for a ceremony that feels relaxed, personal, and true to your story.

What information will you need from us for a wedding ceremony?

We begin with an initial conversation where I invite you to tell me about yourselves and how you would like your wedding ceremony to feel. This is an opportunity to share what matters most to you and to ask any questions you may have.

Once you decide to book, you will provide your personal details through a simple booking form. From there, getting to know you is an ongoing process rather than a single step. We will meet in person and or online, and stay in gentle contact throughout, making it easy to share ideas and thoughts as they arise. You will also be invited to complete a couple’s questionnaire, which allows you to tell me more about your relationship, your story, and what you would like reflected in the ceremony. We will then have a planning meeting to talk through the structure of the ceremony and any practical details, ensuring everything feels clear, comfortable, and well supported.

Can you include religious or cultural elements?

Yes. Although my ceremonies are non-religious, they can include religious, spiritual, or cultural elements if this is important to you. The ceremony will always be shaped around your beliefs and preferences.

How long does it usually take to plan and create a wedding ceremony?

The planning timeline is designed to feel unhurried and well supported. Typically, we will meet around six months before your wedding day to talk through your ideas and shape the ceremony together. I usually begin writing the ceremony around four months before the day, sharing a first draft with you approximately two months ahead of the wedding. The final version is usually agreed around four weeks before the ceremony. If you book me closer to your wedding date, we will simply adjust the process to fit the time available, while still ensuring the ceremony feels thoughtful and personal.

Can we write our own vows for a celebrant-led wedding?

Yes, absolutely. Writing your own vows is one of the most personal and meaningful parts of a celebrant-led wedding. I share gentle vow-writing guidance with all my couples and can support you in shaping your words if you wish. If you would prefer, I can also help write vows that reflect your voices and what you want to say.

Do you offer vow writing support?

Yes. I can offer guidance and support with personal vows, whether you would like help getting started or refining what you have written.

Can we rehearse the ceremony with you?

Yes. I am happy to offer online rehearsals at no additional cost. If you would prefer an in-person rehearsal, this is available and is charged between £50 and £100, depending on location, with mileage charged at 45p per mile. Any costs will always be discussed and agreed in advance.

catherine@kindredcelebrancy.com

Based in South West London

catherine@kindredcelebrancy.com

Based in South West London

catherine@kindredcelebrancy.com

Based in South West London