Questions & Answers

---

WHAT TYPE OF CEREMONIES DO YOU OFFER?

At “Cherish Life”, we draft and perform civil marriage / wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, civil partnerships and naming ceremonies.  In using a Civil Celebrant you have the freedom to create and personalise your ceremony. You decide on the length of the ceremony, the style, content and loved ones you wish to have included as part of your ceremony. Ceremonies can be secular, non-religious, inter-faith and can cater for large or small gatherings, formal or informal.  We are not restricted by religion, custom or practise. It really is your day, your way.

DO YOU PERFORM SAME SEX OR INTER-FAITH CEREMONIES?

Yes, we do, love is love….

WHERE CAN WE HOLD OUR CEREMONY?

Anytime, any place, anywhere….

Its up to you. Together we will create personal, unique and memorable ceremony at a location of your choice. Civil Celebrants do not require the Venue to be licensed, therefore is no restriction on where you have your ceremony, providing you have permission. It could be day or night and on any day of the week, including Sundays.

HOW IS A CELEBRANT DIFFERENT FROM A MINISTER, PRIEST OR RELIGIOUS LEADER?

Whilst a Celebrant will have knowledge and experience in a broad range of religions, they do not represent or promote any particular religion or faith path. 

A MINISTER/PRIEST led ceremony will focus on religion.

A REGISTRAR led ceremony will be completely void of any mention of religion or God. 

A CELEBRANT led ceremony can be whatever you wish it to be. It can be religious, non religious, spiritual, non spiritual, fun or formal, but most importantly, it will be unique and personal. It can include readings and prayers, or have none at all. You may choose to include a poem or lyrics from your favourite song as an alternative to readings or prayers. 

DO YOU OFFER CEREMONY ELEMENTS?

Yes, we have a wide range of elements available such as Handfasting, Unity Sand, Unity Wine, Love Letter Wine Box, Rose Ceremony, Ring Warming, Tree Planting, Dove Release and Memory Table to name a few. There are a full range of the elements available to view on the website. All elements will be priced individually depending on your requirements. We cater for all budgets so don’t let that put you off. After our initial meeting when I am more familiar with your requirements, I will prepare a schedule of costs and element choice for your approval prior to moving forward. 

WILL WE BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE CEREMONY SCRIPT PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY?

Yes, from the outset we will be in constant contact and I will continue to add to and create your ideal ceremony script, incorporating your wishes and desires. Providing I have all your readings and poems etc, I will present you with a final draft no later than 28 days prior to your event, or after full payment has been received, for you to review and agree. You will have final sign off on all content. 

CAN WE WRITE OUR OWN WEDDING VOWS AND RING EXCHANGE WORDS?

Absolutely. Only you know the words in your heart that you want to say to your partner on your special day. You can speak from the heart, with your words, or I have many samples for you to review and amend to suit.  I do ask for a copy of your vows so I can include them in my script, to ensure all sections of the ceremony blend seamlessly and don’t appear broken or disjointed in any way.  It also means if anyone should forget their words or readings on the day I will have a copy to hand. If on the other hand you are shy and don’t wish to say too much you can just say “I do” or I can read the words you have written and you can repeat after me. It’s your day, so don’t put yourself under pressure to do something you might not be comfortable with on the day.

CAN WE CHOOSE OUR OWN MUSIC, READINGS, POEMS AND VOWS?

Yes, again your music, together with your readings and vows are a reflection of who you are as a couple and the music and words that have created memories and become part of your shared history.

CAN CHILDREN OR FAMILY & FRIENDS BE INCLUDED IN THE CEREMONY?

Yes, if they are important to you then they should be included in your ceremony. I am happy to work with you to include children or other family and friends. There are a range of elements on the website that encourage participation from guests. 

DO WE RECEIVE A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

Yes, marriages are legally binding and you will receive a marriage licence.

Celebrants create bespoke, personal and meaningful ceremonies, and welcome participation from family and friends. 

WILL THE CELEBRANT ARRIVE AT THE CEREMONY?

The Celebrant will arrive at your venue at least one hour before the start of the ceremony to ensure all is set up and ready as discussed. Also to calm any last minute nerves that may arise. You will have my number and are free to contact me at any stage prior to the start time, should you wish to.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING PHOTOGRAPHERS AT THE CEREMONY?

No, again it’s your day and its important that all aspects of the day are captured and remembered how you wish.  Obviously flash photography and camera noise can be distracting and off putting but a professional photographer will be aware and respectful of this. Photos from the ceremony may be added to the photo gallery page on this website. 

DO YOU TRAVEL ABROAD OR FAR AWAY FROM YOUR LOCALITY?

Absolutely, if you chose "Cherish Life" to perform your Ceremony, I will work with you to accommodate you in any way I can, availability permitting. Please bear in mind overnight accommodation and costs for additional days will be reflective in the final quotation.

ARE WE BOOKED?

An enquiry is not a confirmed booking. If you enquire regarding my services or availability, I will respond to your enquiry. An enquiry only becomes a confirmed booking after the initial deposit is paid to hold the date. Please remember the summer months, bank holiday weekends, Christmas and New Year are all especially busy, so if your sure of your date, get it booked. If we haven’t already met after your initial enquiry, we can meet to discuss your requirements in more detail. When you have chosen your ceremony elements and I am aware of requirements in more detail, I will provide you with a proposal and final quotation. All information requested, such as readings, vows and outstanding balance must be forwarded no later than four weeks prior to your ceremony.

CANCELLATIONS 

From time to time plans change. If this happens, I would respectfully request you let me know at your earliest convenience. Booking deposits are non-refundable.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

• Initial Enquiry to check availability
• Date Confirmation and Deposit paid
• First Meeting between Celebrant and Couple
• Ceremony proposal, draft script and any additional costs forwarded to Couple
• Confirmation of Ceremony Elements, Readings, Vows, Poems etc, forwarded to Celebrant
• Second Meeting / Draft Ceremony script presented to Couple for review, amendment and finalisation
• Rehearsal if required
• We’re all good to go!

FOLLOW UP:

After your Ceremony, you will receive a copy of your Marriage Certificate, if you have chosen to include one in your Ceremony, together with a copy of your Ceremony script in a presentation folder for you to keep.

I hope this helps to answer some of the questions you may have had, but if not, don’t be shy. Drop us an email or pick up the phone. We love hearing from you and are here to help.