Weddings and Handfastings

Did you know that in the UK there are other options for marriage besides a church wedding or registry office?

By choosing a celebrant, you can pick the right wedding venue for you regardless of whether you want to include religious, spiritual or civil elements in your ceremony.

I have officiated ceremonies in all manner of places, such as a Maori Marae in New Zealand, public gardens in New Zealand and Australia, Ironage replica roundhouse, bushlands, meadow, private gardens, by a river, and a stone circle in Yorkshire.

An Autumnal Wedding at Askham Hall

October 6th, 2018

Lyndsay and I wanted to say a HUGE thank you!

The ceremony you put together was nothing short of spectacular. It really was.

You captured the essence of Lyndsay and I beautifully and your words were so moving. …

I don’t think I have ever laughed and cried so much in such a short space of time.

We’ve had numerous friends and family tell us it was the best ceremony they have ever witnessed. Even religious family members commented on how moving and special they found it.

So, thank you SO much for all your hard work. You smashed it out of the park!!

Love, Jake and Lyndsay X

Officiating Your Wedding

As an independent celebrant, I am free to officiate your wedding in your favourite place or somewhere that is particularly special to you, such as a beach or on top of a mountain.

Some people choose to marry in a wildflower meadow or the privacy of their own garden, while others prefer the indoors. Wherever you want to marry, I am happy to officiate there, be it a cherry orchard, beach, upland meadow, woodland or candlelit labyrinth.

Choosing an independent celebrant means that you are not limited to licensed venues, and have the freedom of enjoying your ceremony in the place you desire, including the outdoors. You also have the choice of who to use for flowers, catering, etc. Some registered venues insist you use suppliers of their choice.

Need a Celebrant?

Honouring and Affirming Life’s Special Moments with Personalised Ceremonies

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My Promise

As an independent celebrant, I can help you create your dream wedding ceremony wherever you like. You will, however, have to register your marriage by completing the legalities at your local Register Office. This will require two witnesses.

My promise: I will create, write and deliver a bespoke wedding ceremony with a script that is unique to you. At all times, you will have the freedom of making your ceremony religious, spiritual or secular. You can have ANY words, readings, music, or symbolism that is meaningful to you and your partner.

Until the law changes in England, please note that the ceremony itself is not legal, but as far as your guests are concerned, your ceremony is your wedding.

A Local Authority Registrar doesn’t get to know you well before the ceremony in the way a celebrant does. They are also restricted as to what they can offer you in your ceremony.

As an independent celebrant, I write individualised ceremonies and take time to really get to know my couples.

I do not rush proceedings, and unlike those in register offices, you will not be confined to having your ceremony during business hours.

As part of my fee, I am available via phone, email and face-to-face as often as you like. I do not work office hours, so if you fancy being married beneath the moonlight on New Year’s Eve or at sunrise on the Summer Solstice, I’ll be there.

Until the law changes in England, please note that the ceremony itself is not legal, but as far as your guests are concerned, your celebrant-led ceremony is your special wedding day.

In many ways, the legal part (Registration Service) of getting married is like signing the papers or contract when buying a house, but you really feel like it’s your home when you’ve got the keys and you open the front door! (celebrant-led ceremony)

You can make your declaration at the Register Office before the ceremony, and receive a marriage certificate. You can choose to have a ‘registration-only’ service if you don’t wish to exchange vows or rings in front of the Registrar. You will need to inform them that you want this option. This service is short, and is a matter of repeating the declaratory and contracting words in front of the Registrar and two witnesses.

Penny & Freddie’s Wedding Ceremony at Askham Hall

Photography by Hannah Hall. hannahhallphotography.co.uk

Askham Hall Autumnal Wedding

24th November 2018

I just wanted to say a huge “thank you” for the most perfect wedding ceremony. It was exactly how we had imagined it and we were so delighted with it. Definitely one of the best moments in my life! Was a pleasure to meet you too and I hope our paths will cross again some day.

Take care,
Penelope (and Freddie!) xxxx

Fiona and Boulie’s Wedding

Wedding in the Barn

Askham Hall

14th April 2018

Veronika! Wow wow wow! What a ceremony! We absolutely loved it

& so did our guests. So many people have commented on how lovely it

was and how amazing you are. It was everything we hoped it would be and

more. We cannot thank you enough!

We’re off on our honeymoon now but we will be in touch properly when we

get back! Xx

My Fee

My fee includes unlimited contact, plus the rehearsal. It takes many hours for me to get to know you better, and create a script that is unique to you.

I have a high-quality amplifier and microphone, so you can be assured your guests will hear the ceremony.

My fee: £550 (for ceremonies as of January 1st 2018)

50% deposit payable to secure the date, and for me to commence work on your ceremony.

Balance due by BACS one month before the wedding day.

Watch “Fiona & Paul’s Wedding Preview – Askham Hall” on Vimeo

Cherry and Johnathan Franks
Autumnal Barn Wedding at Askham Hall
4th November 2017

Well Veronika, what can we say? The ceremony was absolutely FANTASTIC.

You really knew us, and everyone has said how amazing you were. Thank you so so much. It was so beautiful and amazing. Thank you for sharing the day with us. You are truly amazing and we are blessed to have found you.

The tears and laughter were flowing. Thank you so much. All the best xx

Mrs Franks

Brian and Mary’s Wedding Ceremony
Garden at Eden, Crosby on Eden, Carlisle
3^rdNovember 2017

We loved the day, and each time this video is played we well up with emotion.

We will remember this day forever. Everyone loved you, and said how wonderful you are. I’m a bit biased. I have to agree. You truly made our day, and we feel blessed that you chose to be our lovely celebrant. We couldn’t have had anyone better.
x

Mrs Flannery

These photographs are by CPD film (www.cpdfilm.co.uk)

Sunrise Wedding Ceremony
15^th October 2017
Glenridding, Cumbria

Had the most amazing day! It truly ended up being a magical day. Everyone commented on the amazing service and how fitting it was. Thank you so so much!

Jacq and Terry

Katie and Loz’s Wedding and Handfasting
Keld, North Yorkshire
1st July, 2017

Thank you soooooo much for our beautiful day. Everything was simply perfect.

Mr and Mrs Johnston

Gift of a Wedding

I am delighted to be a supplier for Gift of a Wedding (www.giftofawedding.org), a distinctive UK charity which provides free weddings to people with a terminal illness, regardless of age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

No Obligation Enquiry

If you’d like to make a no-obligation enquiry to check on my availability, please get in touch, with your details, such as ceremony date, location, venue and if you have a particular theme in mind.

Please note: Ceremonies 50 miles or more from Penrith will be liable to a travel fee of 45p per mile (after the first fifty miles).

Contact Me