your wedding
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Do you want to exchange vows and promises in a favourite location without the fuss and restrictions of a traditional Ceremony?
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Do you want to say the words you choose, in the venue of your choice, and the time of your choice?
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Have you always dreamed of a Fairy-tale day?
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Do you want a themed Wedding?
In 1994 the laws in the United Kingdom changed, allowing other licensed venues other than register offices to be used for civil marriage ceremonies. Today, the content of the ceremony remains pretty much unchanged. Marriage Services of this kind can lack the spontaneity and creativity that many couples desire.
What is not so commonly known in this country – is that ONLY the *Declaratory Words, and the **Contracting words have to be said in a Register Office or licensed venue, in order for your marriage to be recognised in Law and for a marriage certificate to be issued.
*Declaratory Words:
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (your name) may not be joined in matrimony to (partner’s name)
**Contracting words:
I call up these persons here present to witness that I (your name) do take thee (partner’s name) to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband)
These 41 word above – (Plus your names) – are the only legal requirements for marriage.
Your Wedding Ceremony or Civil Partnership
By keeping the Legal part separate from the Ceremonial part, you are free to choose exactly how, where and what you include in your ceremony. Your vows, your commitment to one another, your choice of music and poetry, tributes, involvement of friends and family, when to exchange ring/s is all your choice and can take place anywhere, and at any time.
You may choose a simple ceremony at home or in your garden, or at a favourite beauty spot. It may be on a beach with the waves in the background. You may want to have a gathering early in the morning or at dusk as the sun goes down. Your ceremony can be as creative or as reserved as you wish it to be; it’s your ceremony and your choice…
I will work with you to create a ceremony which reflects the love you have for each other, the hopes you have for your future. We can blend religious or spiritual or non- religious aspects into your ceremony if you wish to. Your ceremony is as unique as the love you share for each other. I believe that your ceremony should reflect you, your values and beliefs, and should be a celebration of the love you have. You may have lots of ideas for things you’d like to include in your ceremony so that it’s a true representation of your own ideas.
Sometimes, children and /or other family members may take an active part in your ceremony so that there is an act of family blending as part of the Ceremony. If this is so, then it’s a good opportunity to mark the beginning of your new family; Special words, or a symbolic act like Rose giving or a Family Candle can be incorporated into your ceremony.
Working together using email, text, phone or Skype or when possible meeting face to face – we create the ceremony you’ve dreamed about! Until we’ve finalised it, you’re always in control of your ceremony, we can edit it as often as we need until it’s “just right” for you. You can write your own vows and promises to each other, or I can support you through this. You may want to share so that there are no surprises, or you may wish to keep them close until the Big Day.
Reminder… I am a Celebrant and not a Registrar.
For your marriage to be recognised in law, you must complete the legal formalities at a Register office prior to the ceremony.
This is usually done earlier the same day or the day before.
Please feel free to discuss your personal wishes for your Wedding Ceremony with me.
It’s your ceremony, and I’m here to help you make it happen the way you want it to.
Fees
My fee within the Teesside area is:
Renewal of Vows - £400*.
Wedding Ceremony / Civil Partnership - £400*.
Wedding Ceremony / Civil Partnership with Hand-Fasting - £400*
My fee includes my initial meeting with you both, writing and preparing the script, which will of course be given to you for approval before the day itself.
Regular ongoing communications via, phone, email, text, WhatsApp, and Skype.
Unlimited drafts of the Ceremony until it’s signed off and approved by you.
Advice and suggestions on locations, symbolic ceremonies, choosing Readings and music, writing your Vows and promises, and wedding day “Choreography”.
A rehearsal a few days before the wedding.
Conducting the Ceremony at your venue and ensuring everything runs smoothly!
There is one integral symbolic ceremony within the celebration (for example- giving of a rose; sharing a glass of wine; lighting of unity candle; sand blending; or ring warming) that is included within the fee. More symbolic elements can be negotiated.
Presentation Copy of your Ceremony Script and Certificate(s) and personal gift.
Once the initial Booking Fee has been paid, agreed fees will be held as fixed for ceremonies planned for 2019 and 2020.
Ceremonies for 2021 and beyond will be priced on application.
I will provide further quotations should you wish to have more than one “integral” ceremony, or perhaps combine your Wedding with a Naming Ceremony.
I can conduct Wedding Ceremonies outside of Teesside, but extra expenses may be payable depending on location.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
I am happy to travel anywhere in the UK or abroad and conduct ceremonies at any time of day/evening. If I am needed overnight, the night before, or after a late ceremony, please note that any accommodation will be charged extra to the fee price quoted above.
Travel within a 50-mile radius of TS20 is included in the fee. However, if you would like me to travel further afield please contact me to discuss the arrangements. I will be happy to provide a firm quotation.
BOOKING FEE / TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A £100 non-refundable booking fee, payable when you have decided to choose me as your Wedding Celebrant, guarantees my attendance on your day and allows me to begin creating your ceremony. It also closes off your date exclusively for your ceremony. The Booking Fee will be deducted from the final invoice.
An Interim payment of £100 is payable on receipt of the first Draft.
* The final price may fluctuate depending on whether additional services are added to the standard package.
Full and final payment must be made no later than 28 days prior to your ceremony date.
Full Terms and Conditions will be provided.
Prices listed here are subject to alteration without notice.
Payment to be made by Online Bank Transfer.