What training and experience have you had to become a celebrant?

Most celebrants have a prior carer which brings a bunch of life skills. For me that was my years as a nurse in clinical practice, teaching and management in both in the NHS, private and charity sectors. It was a privilege supporting people at their most vulnerable, and their families too. Of course there were joyful moments  too. Working in palliative care meant I spent time with end of life patients, supporting families as they faced a significant loss. 

My work experience gave me a broad  set of skills such as public speaking, engaging with communities, delivering presentations and of course compassion and care. I draw on this in everything I do as a celebrant. I trained with the Academy of professional celebrants which steered my skills within wedding and funeral celebrancy. I undertook insight seeking myself, getting to know industry professionals in my area, local funeral directors, wedding planners etc. I am always keen to improve so I remain part of several professional groups for ongoing learning and sharing experiences.

Are your ceremonies religious or non religious?

I often call myself an independent celebrant, this means I am not linked to any particular faith or organisation, and so I can deliver a ceremony according to the wishes of my clients. So, while I am not a faith leader I am happy to include religious moments such as a hymn, a prayer or a religious reading. Likewise I can offer a ceremony without reference to faith. Interestingly Spirituality doesn't necessarily mean religion, so we can weave reflections on humanity, nature, finding peace and beauty in our surroundings and those we share time with into a ceremony without religious content.

Do you offer ceremonies to people from the LGBTQIA+ community?

A simple answer - absolutely yes! it would be my pleasure. "Celebranting" to me equals celebrating life and love no mater how it's shaped or brightly coloured.

Is a celebrant led wedding legally binding?

No, not yet, but changes are coming with wedding reforms now in consultation through the government. But for now couples should undertake a short statutory legal ceremony at a local registry office, and then book the main event, on a date of your choosing, at a venue of your choosing, with the celebrant of your choosing. You may ask - why bother with a celebrant? the answer is simply... choice, there are limits to what a registrar can offer in terms of content, music and readings, the length of a ceremony and where that ceremony can take place. You often don't get time to spend with the registrar before your ceremony, whereas a celebrant will really get to know you and can create something that is recognisably and gloriously you, while still respecting the true meaning of your union. Having a legal statutory ceremony and then a celebrant led ceremony together doesn't necessarily cost more either, in fact it often works out cheaper.

Do Funerals have to take place at a crematorium or place of worship?

Some families choose to have a short respectful moment at a local crematorium in order to offer their loved ones body back to the world that gave it life, this is  known as a simple or direct cremation. A separate occasion sometimes called a celebration of life or a memorial ceremony can be held at any time and at a venue of the families choosing. As a celebrant I will gladly offer my services in delivering a special ceremony in the same way I would for a full crematorium ceremony.

Can we write our own words and can friends contribute?

Most definitely, I love it when people share their own words, friends and family often give their own perspective with warmth love and a dash of humour. Sometimes people feel nervous about speaking, I can give advice and tips to steady those nerves. I will also gladly give voice to those who feel they cannot get up to speak, by delivering their words with authenticity and care.

I'm planning my own funeral, is it too soon to chat with you?

Not at all,  it's such a gift when people offer their family  their wishes for their own funeral. I'll gladly take you through my usual information gathering process over a cuppa, hear your stories and ideas, talk over music and readings and any special request you have. We can create a package of information for you to leave with your next of kin. And if you choose me as the celebrant delivering your ceremony, how lovely to be able to say we'd met.