Inclusive Family Celebrant based in Bedfordshire
Creating meaningful and memorable ceremonies.
Not wanting the same run-of-the-mill ceremony as everybody else?
Looking for something that is just a little bit different and a whole lot 'you'?
You've come to the right place as, by separating your wedding ceremony from the legalities, you really can create the ceremony of your dreams!
Everybody's life story, every couple's love story, is special and individual, so why shouldn't your ceremony be special and individual too? I work with couples to weave together all of the twists and turns of life and love to create beautiful, personalised ceremonies.
I am Suzanne, an Independent Celebrant located in Bedfordshire (and very, very happy to travel further afield!) who, despite loving a bit of tradition, is also happy to throw away the rule book when it comes to ceremonies!
Your ceremony should be as big a part of the day as the partying afterwards, not something that is rushed and that you just have to 'get through' so that you can move onto the fun bit!
If you're contemplating a unique, fun-filled ceremony, get in touch and let's chat!
What's Involved?
Let's Chat - The first thing we'll do is meet either in person or via Zoom to discuss any ideas you may already have for your ceremony, for me to answer any questions, and for you to decide whether or not I'm the right celebrant for you.
Confirm - If you decide to move forward with me as your celebrant, I'll send you my booking form and make sure that the date is saved exclusively for you.
Let The Fun Begin - I'll send you a copy of my questionnaire for the two of you to complete together. We'll then have a more extended meeting and talk in detail about your dreams and plans for your special day as well as your love story, what makes you tick as a couple, what you adore about each other and maybe a little about what you don't!
Writing Time - Using all of the information that I've gathered from you, I will write your bespoke ceremony script. You'll have plenty of time to review it and make any edits. I will be on hand to help you write your vows if needed and can help you decide on any symbolic rituals, readings, poems and music you may wish to include. We will have unlimited phone and email contact throughout the entire process.
On The Day - I will arrive in plenty of time (around an hour early) to help calm any last minute nerves, greet guests and liaise with the photographer and venue staff to make sure that things are just right for when we begin with the ceremony.
Personalising Your Day
There are many ways in which you can personalise your special day.
Here are just a few ideas...
Family and Friends - Is your bestie an amazing saxophonist? Does your brother love to sing at every given opportunity? Is Great Auntie Gertrude a closet poet? Utilise your guests' skills and incorporate them into your ceremony!
Think Outside The Box - The fun of having a celebrant-led wedding is having the freedom to do away with traditions (if you wish to) and creating your own. Wear a black wedding dress if you wish! Enter the venue together dancing to Abba if that's your style! If you want to shake up your vows... rap them! The only limiting factor is the lack of imagination!
Ceremony Elements - I can help you decide on any special elements you would like to include in your ceremony, such as Handfasting, Ring Warming, Sand Blending or having a Wish Tree. Or we could create brand new unique ones just for you!
Renewal of Vows
Renewing your wedding vows is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your continuing love and commitment to each other.
Perhaps you've reached a milestone anniversary or overcome
a hurdle, and renewing your vows feels like the perfect way to
remind yourselves of why you fell in love in the first place. Maybe
one, or both, of you brought children into the marriage and now
feels like the right time for the blended family to make their
commitment to the family unit. Perhaps, looking back, you wish
your wedding ceremony had been different or, maybe, there is
no other reason than you wish to celebrate your love!
Whatever your reason, I can help you to create a meaningful ceremony to celebrate your continued commitment to one another.
Commitment Ceremony
For some people, getting legally married is not what they want to do, but they still want a public declaration of their love and commitment to each other.
As with all ceremonies, a Commitment Ceremony can follow
whichever format your choose, creating beautiful memories
for you, your family and friends to cherish forever.
Together, we can weave together the story of your relationship and create a unique ceremony.
The Legal Bit
As the law stands at the moment, Celebrants in England and Wales cannot legally marry couples - although, watch this space, as we're hoping that this may change any time soon.
Therefore, the legal part, your actual marriage, needs to be officiated by a registrar and can be done any time before or after your wedding ceremony. You will need to give notice at your local registry office that you intend to get married.
The registry marriage service requires you to have two witnesses present. If you choose to have a 'two plus two' service, it costs around £60 and takes around 20 minutes.
Kind Words
@francesfosterphoto
@helenjane_photography
Suzanne was lovely, professional, and helped us construct a heartfelt ceremony script which was unique to us. She was quick to respond to any emails, took all of our feedback on board, and we enjoyed catching up over Zoom and meeting in person.
She did a great job on the day, arriving early and speaking to our wedding coordinator to make sure that everything went smoothly.
Our friends and family also thought she did an amazing job conducting the ceremony, and we couldn't have been happier.
Dom and Lydia
--------
We had Suzanne be the celebrant for our wedding in April and she was absolutely amazing!
She was always in touch with us leading up to the wedding day on what we had to do.
For the day, she'd printed our vows onto beautiful card with our names on the back and also had a lovely speech ready.
100% recommend Suzanne for your upcoming wedding.
Saskia and Jason
My Pricing 2024/2025
For all three ceremonies, the fee is £550.
My Pricing 2026
For all three ceremonies, the fee is £600.
Extras:
- Mileage for meetings at 45p p/m for each mile over 30 miles from Leighton Buzzard.
- On the day travel at 45p p/m for each mile over 30 miles from Leighton Buzzard.
- Accommodation if needed.
- Toastmaster fees if required.
- Fancy/themed dress to fit your wedding theme.
