Hilary Channing Wedding Celebrant

Hilary Channing Wedding Celebrant

Wedding Ceremonies

There are many restrictions placed on the kind of ceremony couples can have either in a church, register office and even licensed venues that use a registrar. Having a wedding celebrant to conduct your ceremony will give you the freedom to have a ceremony that is completely personal to you.  There are no restrictions on the venue or the time of day, you can write your own wedding vows if you wish and choose readings and music that are meaningful for you.

I can help you craft a unique ceremony that incorporates different cultures and beliefs and include symbolic elements such as hand fasting, rose and candle ceremonies or maybe the release of doves.  Your ceremony is only limited by your imagination.  Perhaps you just fancy a small intimate ceremony and know exactly what you want to say, in which case I am happy to conduct the ceremony to your wishes.  Or maybe you want help in including family members in the ceremony, some ideas on readings and poems and want some live music included.  Whatever your wishes we can work together to ensure you have the ceremony you want however quaint or quirky that may be.

By using a celebrant for your wedding ceremony you can hold your ceremony in a special and meaningful place for you, maybe the place you met, had your first date or made/accepted a proposal. You are not restricted to licensed premises and if you want to get married at midnight …you can!

I will work closely with you throughout your wedding preparations and will conduct a rehearsal ahead of the event to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day.

Creating your Wedding Ceremony.

What’s included?

I always start with meeting you both to listen to your story and to start to build a picture with you of your perfect ceremony. Some couples know exactly what they want, but most are looking for ideas and inspiration to make their ceremony unique and personal.

Once you book your ceremony, I provide a resource pack of readings, samples of vows and information on different rituals you may like to include, so I often spend time at our meeting describing the symbolism behind these and the various ways that we can incorporate a handfasting, a sand ceremony or a wine box ceremony into the proceedings.

Sometimes it’s difficult to describe your love and feelings about your partner and so to help you along I send out a short questionnaire in advance of our meeting that helps you to think about what makes your relationship special.

Once we have created the ceremony plan, I then write it up into a script for your approval, adding in readings you select and your personal vows.  Once you have approved the final script I print and laminate all the readings and vows so that everything is beautifully presented on your wedding day.

When it’s convenient we arrange for a walk through beforehand with the key people involved in your ceremony, so that it all looks seamless on the day and you know what to expect.  I am happy to help you choreograph the bridal party entrance, any symbolic ritual you decide on or a confetti shower!

On the day, I always arrive early and check everything is in place as agreed, calm any nerves and ensure there’s water and tissues to hand. If it’s an outside ceremony, I come fully equipped with a microphone and mobile amp so that your guests can all hear, and you are welcome to use my amp for your ceremony music.

Once I have delivered your ceremony, I leave you with a keepsake box containing a commemorative copy of your script, your laminated copies of your wedding vows and readings and anything else that we have created on the day.