Why Do Couples Choose to Include an Independent Celebrant as Part of Their Wedding Day?
When planning a wedding, one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make is choosing who will officiate your ceremony. Some couples choose to have an independent celebrant led ceremony, allowing them the freedom to create a non-legal, highly personalised celebration that places their story, values, and connection at the heart of the day.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What do you mean by independent celebrant?” or “Why have a non-legal ceremony?”, you’re not alone. The answer lies in the freedom and creativity that celebrants bring to wedding ceremonies.
To help explain why couples choose a non-legal celebrant, we spoke to Sara Price, an award-winning independent celebrant in Cornwall with over 6 years of experience creating bespoke, heartfelt ceremonies that truly reflect each couple she works with.
What is a celebrant – and what makes them different?
“At its most basic, as your celebrant I write your ceremony and then officiate it on your big day. But honestly, it is so much more than that,” says Sara.
A celebrant is a professional who creates and leads wedding ceremonies that aren’t bound by legal scripts or traditions. A non-legal celebrant ceremony means the couple is not legally married during the event, this is usually held separately at a Registry Office or place of worship, but they are spiritually, emotionally, and symbolically committing to one another in the way that feels deeply meaningful to them.
There’s something truly special about choosing to include an independent celebrant in your wedding day. One of the most beautiful aspects of working with a celebrant is the freedom it brings. With a celebrant-led ceremony, you can get married wherever your heart desires. Picture exchanging vows on a rugged Cornish cliffside, with the ocean stretching endlessly behind you, or standing hand-in-hand in a wildflower meadow, surrounded by nature in full bloom. You might choose the comfort and intimacy of your own back garden, or opt for a quirky, characterful venue that feels like it was made just for the two of you. The possibilities are endless.
Why choose a non-legal celebrant ceremony?
The fundamental desire to book a non-legal celebrant often comes down to one key reason: choice.
You’re not assigned someone to lead your wedding - you get to hand-pick the person who best aligns with your personality, values, and vision. Just like you carefully choose your florist, photographer, or caterer, you can also select the celebrant who feels like the right fit to officiate your ceremony.
From the very beginning, your celebrant takes the time to truly get to know you—your story, your quirks, and your hopes for the future. Often one of the first suppliers you’ll choose, your celebrant becomes a consistent presence throughout your wedding journey. By the time your big day arrives, you’re not being married by someone you hardly know, but by someone you’ve built a meaningful connection with - someone who understands you deeply and has crafted a ceremony that reflects your relationship, your values, and everything you want it to be.“You will know me very well by the time your wedding day arrives,” says Sara. “That relationship is everything.”
This freedom allows you to weave in personal elements. Whether you’d like to write your own vows, honour your heritage, blend cultures, or even start your own traditions, a celebrant-led ceremony makes it all possible. You might choose to include your children or pets in the celebration, or incorporate meaningful rituals such as handfasting, a sand ceremony, or something entirely unique to you. There are no time limits, so your ceremony can be as long or as short as you wish, giving this special part of your day the attention it deserves. Every element is yours to shape, ensuring your ceremony feels entirely yours.
Sara explains, “If you want to be unique, be free of rules, be fun, be prepared and be exclusive, then it sounds to me as though a celebrant ceremony could be just what you need.”
Personal connection and unforgettable moments
As an independent celebrant in Cornwall, Sara has seen first-hand how the power of a personalised ceremony can transform the day. She welcomes every couple with warmth and openness, stating simply, “Love is love and it comes in many packages.”
To ensure each couple receives the attention they deserve, Sara only takes on one ceremony per day and usually hosts a rehearsal the day before. Her focus is on making sure every detail is perfect and that the couple feels calm, confident, and genuinely celebrated.
Is a celebrant ceremony right for you?
There’s no single “right” way to get married—only the way that feels most meaningful to you. If you’re dreaming of a completely bespoke ceremony, shaped by someone who’s taken the time to truly get to know you, a non-legal celebrant ceremony could be the perfect fit. With a celebrant who works closely with you over time, you can create a deeply personal experience that reflects your relationship and values.
For couples dreaming of a wedding day that’s all about storytelling, celebration, and connection, a celebrant offers something truly special.
For more insights and to explore a curated list of esteemed Cornwall wedding celebrants, visit our Wedding Venues in Cornwall Members' Directory.
Credits:
Photo 1: Supplier: Sara Price
Photo 2: Supplier: Sara Price | Venue: Mount Pleasant Eco Park
Photo 3: Supplier: Perfect Days Ceremonies
Photo 4: Supplier: Perfect Days Ceremonies
Photo 5: Supplier: Sara Price
Photo 6: Supplier: Sara Price
