Weddings come in all shape and forms these days - a tradition church wedding is no longer the choice for many cupids.

According to the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, celebrant-led weddings were top of the wedding list trends for 2024, but what does it actually mean?

Here, Jo Sutton, Cheshire-based celebrant and founder of Joanne Clair Ceremonies, tells us everything we need to know about celebrant-led weddings…

What is a Celebrant?

Celebrants offer personalised, flexible ceremonies, allowing for unique vows, cultural traditions, and creative elements.

As a celebrant, I take the time to really get to know the couples I'm talking about so I can deliver a ceremony that is truly tailored to their journey and their love story, making is extra special for the couple but also for their guests.

As a celebrant, I also have the privilege of delivering vow renewals, naming ceremonies and funeral services with the goal of the individual(s) I am talking about being instantly recognisable to the people in the room just from the words I am saying.

Can celebrants legal marry people?

Currently celebrants do not have legal authority in the UK (except for Humanist celebrants in Scotland) to marry two people. Instead, we conduct symbolic ceremonies, with many of the couples we deliver services for completing the legal side of the ceremony with a registrar in advance of their main wedding day. There is also the option to have both a registrar and celebrant present in a ceremony, with both options delivering the same memorable and meaningful outcome.

Can celebrants conduct ceremonies anywhere?

Yes, we can conduct ceremonies anywhere, including outdoor, private, or non-licensed venues, meaning the world is your oyster when it comes to venue selection for your special day.

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How early do you need to book your wedding celebrant?

Much like with the venue itself, the best option is to book your celebrant as early as possible to secure your chosen date. This also gives us as celebrants time to get to know you and perfect a one-of-a-kind service you'll remember forever. Like myself, most celebrants will only conduct one wedding per day, meaning that they don't have to rush off to another ceremony and can accommodate any unforeseen delays.

Talking of her love for the job, Jo said: "Being a celebrant is a huge privilege. I find such joy in getting to know each couple and understanding their love story and how they want their ceremony to make them, and their guests, feel.

"From funny, to sentimental and everything in between, no celebrant-ceremony is the same and instead is a one-time only event for those people in the room, that leaves a lasting impression and that's what makes it special.

"I'd love to hear from any recently engaged couples considering a celebrant wedding!"

Jo, who is based in Sandbach but covers the entire of Cheshire, Staffordshire and Merseyside,

is currently offering a 10% discount on any weddings booked before 31st December couples looking to book a celebrant-led wedding ceremony with her through Hitched will be eligible for a 10% discount if booked before the 31st December 2024. All you need to do is visit here

To learn more about Jo visit here or follow her on Facebook here.

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