Which counties do you work in?
Most of my ceremonies will be in Sussex and the neighbouring counties however yes I am happy to travel to your chosen venue. Any additional travel and/accommodation costs involved would be agreed by both parties in advance.
Do you charge travel and accommodation expenses?
Other than for travel expenses to cover working outside of my normal area all prices are inclusive.
Would the ceremony be legally binding?
No, you will need to attend a registry office to undertake the legal ceremony, which can be brief, and if you are only accompanied by two witnesses the cost of this is usually much less than were you to engage the registrars to attend and perform the ceremony at a venue licensed for weddings.
Is there a time limit for the ceremony?
The whole idea of having a ceremony which is personal and tailor-made for every couple means that there is no clock ticking; having booked me for a ceremony I will not be rushing off to perform another wedding on the same day. Many registrars are required to travel to and perform up to four ceremonies a day during the busy wedding season. This is one of the main reasons why I have now chosen to work independently.
Can you help us find a venue?
I am more than happy to recommend venues and to make suggestions as to where enquiries might be made. The beauty of my ceremonies is that because you will already have been legally married you can choose almost anywhere to hold your special ceremony. In effect this means that you can have a marquee up in your garden or get married on a beach or in a wood providing permission has been sought by yourselves in advance.
Would we still need to arrange the other parts of the day, such as flowers, disco/band, or will the venue do this for us?
Having worked in the area for several years I do know many excellent suppliers such as florists, musicians, and caterers who you would be able to contact. However if you are using a venue I have always found that they are the best people to help you with these choices, because they work regularly as a team they may even be able to help you negotiate a good package.
Can you help us write our vows?
Whereas some couples know exactly what they want to say to each other, others need a bit more help. I am delighted to work with couples,make suggestions and draft suggested wording so that they are free to make the best choice for themselves.
Can we include any religious or symbolic elements?
I am more than happy for couples to include religious symbols or elements during the ceremony. Indeed being an independent celebrant gives me the flexibility to allow this. A civil wedding is just that; no religious music, readings, or symbols are permitted, and registrars who perform legal ceremonies at a venue may not remain on the premises where this is included.
Will you be able to suggest poems, readings and music?
As an experienced, trained celebrant and former registrar I have a wealth of readings, poems, vows and wordings which I am able to suggest to each couple. This is why the first telephone call followed up with a face to face meeting is so important. It helps me to gather information about the individuals and the personalities involved, and to fit this within the ceremony that each couple is planning for their memorable wedding day.