Registrars and Celebrants

The difference between a Registrar and a Celebrant is that Registrars conduct legally binding marriages and civil partnerships. They are not allowed to include religious or spiritual content. They can conduct ceremonies in licenced venues but ceremonies tend to be quite short and you may only meet your registrar once before your special day.

Celebrants tend to be self employed and will meet you often on more than one occassion to get to know you and to create your vows and make sure it is personal to you. The script can be very personal to you and can include Hand Fasting and other unique rituals.

Celebrants cannot perform legally binding marriages in England and Wales but couples can complete the legal ceremonies beforehand in a registry office and follow a few days or weeks later with a celebrant ceremony of your choice! This can include readings, stories and even music of your choosing.