What is the difference between a Celebrant and a Registrar?

Q Help! We're getting confused about the difference between a registrar and a celebrant. Can you shed some light on this for us? 

Times are changing and choice is paramount to couples intending to marry.

Gone are the days of a 'one size fits all'  traditional wedding ceremonies and couples are excited about the new freedoms that a celebrant can bring.

Until more recent times, couples could either book a religious ceremony in church  or a secular one at a register office. The only other option was a licensed venue to which a registrar would attend.

That is not the case any more.

Firstly – let's examine what a registrar is and what they do.

A registrar is an official who oversees and keeps records of births, deaths and marriages. They often work in a register office and would officiate over the paperwork/license pertaining to the couple's legal marriage. These are set words and procedures and often impersonal.

What a lot of people don't realise is that couples can go into a register office (midweek is cheapest at around £50), sign the legal paperwork and then use a celebrant to write and deliver a wonderful wedding ceremony that suits their personalities and in the venue of their choice. Imagine a beach or woodland glade; a garden or favourite stately home.

But what exactly is a celebrant and what do they do?

A professionally trained celebrant (do check they are trained) will meet with you and discover exactly what your dream wedding would look like. They will include as much or as little of any element, albeit religious, spiritual or secular. If you have always dreamed of a woodland wedding – then that's what they will design for you; if you fancy a themed wedding (think Star Wars or Disney as examples) then the celebrant will enter the spirit of your ceremony and make it a reality.

So – to be clear. Currently (and we hope this will change soon) the celebrant cannot do the the legal paperwork, so organise a quick visit to your register office to complete this. Once the paperwork is signed you can have your own bespoke wedding with ring exchange, vows, readings, meaningful songs and everything your heart desires in your ceremony. It's a real game changer and offers you a wedding that you and your guests will remember for the rest of your lives. 

How To Find A Celebrant.

Use Google to check for a Wedding Celebrant near you and take a look at their Google reviews. See if they hold an accredited qualification and have been professionally trained to ensure that you are getting a safe pair of hands, and then see how you feel abouut them when you look at their website and socials. Getting a good match is paramount to ensuring you align with your values and achieve everything you want for your celebration.