Celebrant ceremonies in Cornwall: What exactly is a celebrant-led wedding and why might it be right for you?
Here at Boconnion, we are experts in tailor-making every aspect of your wedding. But, when it comes to the ceremony, what are your options? Choosing a celebrant, registrar, civil ceremony or church ceremony is often the first decision to make for most couples. Here, we focus on celebrant-led weddings and why they are popular amongst today’s conscientious couples. We work with Lisa from Celebrant in Cornwall, to create the most magical, personal and unforgettable weddings for those who choose this option. Here’s Lisa’s summary of a celebrant-led wedding and what to expect…
At Boconnion, we can also accommodate civil ceremonies on site and help couples arrange a church wedding, too. Let us know your preference on booking and we’ll make it happen.
What is a celebrant-led wedding?
A celebrant-led wedding, when created and delivered by an independent celebrant, is a personal, meaningful and totally bespoke ceremony. It is becoming an increasingly popular option, particularly for couples wanting a ceremony outdoors. It is important to note that in most circumstances they are not legally binding - as in the official paper work is not conducted in that moment. This is done at another time in a registry office.
The fact that a celebrant-led wedding is not bound by legal requirements means it has no restrictions, no set script, no set appointment time and no routine. And that’s their USP - celebrant ceremonies are flexible, bespoke and tailored for each couple.
Lisa from Celebrant in Cornwall conducting a ceremony for Bethan & Conall on the Boconnion meadow. Image: Pink Wave Photography
Whatsmore, they do not need to take place in locations with a wedding licence, meaning the ceremony can take place anywhere. At Boconnion, that could be in the barn, on our meadow, in the manor house or even poolside! Lisa can also be flexible with her time on the day, meaning that if it’s raining and proceedings need to be delayed slightly, it’s no problem.
Officers from local authorities may call themselves celebrants but it’s important to recognise that their role is very different to an independent celebrant. Local authority officers exist to complete the legal requirements of the marriage (which you can do quickly and cheaply in a 15 minute appointment at a Registry Office) and they do not have the same flexibility (or dare I say it – creativity) as a celebrant operating independently.
An independent celebrant is all about building a relationship with the couple from the get-go; they will tailor the ceremony to meet the exact requirements of the couple, and it will be written in a deeply sincere style to fit with the couple’s values and lifestyle and reflect the individuality of the partnership.
How else is a celebrant ceremony different to a legal wedding?
In the legal wedding there is a script with set phrases and words you must state in which to be legally married. There are also limitations as to what can be included in the content of the ceremony, as well as when and where it can happen. Local authority officers are likely to be attending many ceremonies that day; you won’t meet them before the event, you won’t have established a relationship with them and they won’t have the flexibility of hanging around for the sun to come about, or to wait for Auntie Joan and Uncle Bob who are running late.
Indoor ceremony for Freya & Luke in the Boconnion Barn. Image: Alan Law Photography
I always say to my couples, and it’s my humble opinion of course, that a wedding day shouldn’t be about standing quietly in front of a suited official, repeating the statutory wording and signing the legal paperwork. I don’t think it should be about rules and judgement, or be based on a script with limited options from which to choose the very words that bind you together. To me, that’s just wedding admin, and you can do that in advance of your celebratory event.
A wedding day should be joyful, fun, flexible, creative and expressive - and truly celebrate love, commitment, friendship and family. And a ceremony led by an independent celebrant will give you just that!
How can couples personalise their wedding ceremony?
How this happens is very much up to the couple, but I am there to guide them with inspiration and ideas, including those for symbolism and ritual which they might not have previously considered, but will ensure their day truly reflects their personality.
These might include a handfasting – a simple but romantic ritual, dating back thousands of years, and from where we get the phrase ‘tying the knot’. The couple’s hands are bound together by rope, ribbons or even flowers, representing the binding of two lives together. Traditionally the couple would then stay tied together for the rest of their wedding celebration, but not many couples choose to do that these days!
It might include candle lighting - the couple have an individual candle which represents themselves. They can light it themselves or it can be lit by parents or close friends and passed to them. They then merge their flames to light the unity candle, symbolising their union in marriage and the coming together of families. Their own candles remain lit. The unity candle is then kept, and lit on special occasions or anniversaries.
A beautiful outdoor celebrant-led ceremony for Maddie & Alex. Image: Noah Werth Photography
It could include a sand ceremony - where family members each have a vial of (different) coloured sand, and one by one they pour it into a central vessel, where it layers in different colours, representing the coming together of individuals into one family. Or the family members pour the sand simultaneously, causing the grains to blend and create a new colour, representing a new stage in life. The same ceremony can be performed with water (or even better, wine!), blending to symbolise the unification of a couple or family.
A ring blessing is another popular ritual – the couple’s wedding rings are passed from guest to guest during the ceremony, receiving their well wishes and blessings along the way. They are then returned to the couple who exchange them as a symbol of their love. Alternatively, you can set up a table at the entrance of your ceremony venue giving your guests an opportunity to ‘warm’ or bless the rings as they walk in - to avoid any disasters, the rings are usually secured to a piece of ribbon and fastened to a cushion, or placed in a box.
The rose ceremony is another favourite - the red rose, representing true love, is most frequently used in this ceremony but you could use whichever flower you choose, or even a variety, or one which has particular symbolism to you. The couple each has their own flower, which they first exchange with one another and then place in separate vases. Family and/or guests then add their flowers to a central vase. The ritual is completed by the couple adding there roses last to the central vase, symbolising the joining of two people and their families.
There are many, many other ways you can personalise the ceremony – my job is identify the ideas and actions which best represent the couple!
Lisa leading a ceremony for Beth & Sean outside Boconnion House. Image: Ash Weddings
Will it still feel like a proper wedding?
If, to you, a wedding is about standing up with the one you love, with a celebrant who has got to know you and is fully invested in making your ceremony the best it can possibly be, surrounded by people who are important to you, then yes it will. If you want a ceremony in which anything goes, and you could end up laughing, crying and involving your friends, family and even furry ones, then yes, it will.
How can I arrange a celebrant-led wedding at Boconnion?
The first step is to contact Caroline Griffiths below - Boconnion’s wonderful wedding planner - to arrange a viewing and set your date. Caroline will make sure you have all the info you need and share my contact details. You can also head on over to my website Celebrant in Cornwall where hopefully there is all the information to answer your questions. I’d be delighted to have a chat with you via phone or video link if you’d like to connect in person. If you decide to go ahead, I’ll send you an online booking form, a request for a booking fee to secure your date, and a contract so we have an agreement in writing. This is the point I start working with you – and from which your date is reserved for you, and you alone. Then it will be my absolute pleasure to create and deliver your one-of-a-kind ceremony – which is exactly how it should be!
