Alternative, Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremonies in North and West Yorkshire

 

Are you dreaming of a non-religious wedding ceremony that's more meaningful, fun, relaxed and personalised than a civil ceremony?  Thank you for landing on my website.  I'm an accredited Humanist Wedding Celebrant, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and I tell stories of life and love.

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When you've worked so hard at pulling together an incredible wedding day with the ultimate individuality and attention to detail, why settle for a ceremony whose beating heart is anything less than totally "YOU"? I write and deliver beautiful and extraordinary wedding ceremonies that capture the essence of couples who want more than the contractual obligations of their union to be front and centre of their wedding day.  

Wherever in the world you live, with you and me at the helm, your ceremony can be held anywhere in Yorkshire - whether your vibe is a luxury wedding venue, a barn, a castle, a bijou Air BNB, a hotel or inn, a village hall, a woodland glade, a tipi or a private address. Yorkshire has an array of amazing wedding destinations - both inside and outside. My usual working area includes Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds, Wetherby, Ripon and York areas; in the Yorkshire Dales - Skipton, Pateley Bridge, Bolton Abbey, Thirsk, Masham and Northallerton. And from 2024, I can also deliver wedding ceremonies in the Newcastle area - straight up the A1.

 

Hello! Is It Me You're Looking For?

 

The best way of understanding how your ceremony could look and feel with me as your wedding celebrant is to read the lovely reviews that my couples have sent to me. But I've also included a few videos, photos, and lots of info, to give you a head start. And then I really hope you'll give me a call or send me an email.

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1. You want beauty, romance, a little kick, a little humour, laughs, tears, smiles - an emotional rollercoaster with totally captivated guests? Good. So do I! My ceremonies are story-led, inclusive, intimate, engaging, vibrant, thoughtful, insightful, and the ultimate party starter - the complete opposite vibe to a registrar-led ceremony. I don't do boring....

 

2. I've been a professional, creative writer for many years and I put three days of work into each wedding I write and conduct. Each of my wedding  ceremonies is totally different because each and every couple is unique. There is no better story than a love story, and there is no better place to share a love story than on your wedding day. Your guests will be enraptured by it. After I've drilled down and got all the juicy bits of info about you both at a 2-3 hour very chilled meeting, I go away and write your script. When it lands in your inbox a month before your big day, you'll be amazed at how detailed, lyrical and compelling your story is. 

 

I would never ask you to write your own love story by sending you a questionnaire - the writing and the delivery of your ceremony is what you hire me to do!! I craft your love story with emotion and humour, I write about your reasons for getting married, your commitment to one another and your hopes and dreams. From start to finish, I weave in all kinds of interesting, fun and touching facts about you as individuals and as a couple; and about your journey to your vows.

 

Your ceremony script will include words about love; tales of first dates, milestone events, challenges you've supported each other through, brilliant experiences you've shared, hilarious character observations and tiny details featuring your family members, fur babies or friends. I also research other components of your ceremony, such as song lyrics, poetry and readings, so that the flow of your ceremony is absolutely perfect, By the time you say your wedding vows, your guests will feel totally involved, uplifted and ready to celebrate.

 

3. I'm a trained public speaker and event manager. Every ceremony is delivered with flair, passion, clarity, meaning, the odd snippet of comedy, attention to detail, and emotions that will surprise, delight and keep your guests on the edge of their seats from start to finish. I liaise with your suppliers and contributors  to ensure that everything is perfectly aligned, I take a few photos of you after the ceremony (I used to be a wedding photographer) to include on your final script, and... focusing on the aesthetics even closer... I even dress to tie in with your colour theme!!

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4. I have no rules. No restrictions. You do you. I get to know you. You get to get to know me, and I'm very smiley, friendly, flexible, unflappable, unshockable, professional and calming, so everything is super relaxed on your wedding day. Dogs, kids, cinematic readings? Bring 'em on! I guide you through the whole process with ease.

 

5. The choice is yours. 50% of my ceremonies have a classic, traditional feel, with nothing but words, music and wedding vows with a ring exchange. But if you like, we can mix it up. You can include a groom team entrance; literally tie the knot, have a shot of whisky or tequila with all your guests, cut your wedding cake, plant a tree, light a unity candle or have a singalong! You can write your own vows or I can write them for you. We can have a blend of modern and traditional vows.  I am here to bring ideas, guide you through every decision, write your story and perform the most magical wedding ceremony for you to enjoy. No stress.

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5. I have a professional PA (busking amp) with mics, which we can use to amplify speech if you have an outdoor ceremony or over 100 guests, and play music through if your venue doesn't have mics or a sound system (or a good enough sound system). I also have a load more props that you can borrow - candlesticks, storm lantern, hand fasting chords, oath stones and quaich - all included within my fee. 

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I'd love to hear from you.

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