Registrar vs Celebrant: What Is the Difference?
One of the most common questions couples ask when planning their ceremony is this:
Do we need a registrar or a celebrant?
It is a very fair question, and the answer depends on what matters most to you on your wedding day.
If you are weighing up your options and feeling slightly unsure, this guide will walk you through the difference clearly, calmly and without jargon.
What Does a Registrar Do at a Wedding?
A registrar is employed by your local authority to carry out the legal part of getting married.
They ensure your marriage meets all legal requirements. This includes the wording used during the ceremony, the location and the signing of the register.
Registrar ceremonies must take place in a licensed venue or register office. The structure and wording follow an approved format, with limited room for personalisation.
For many couples, this works perfectly well. It is official, structured and takes care of the legal side of things.
If you are simply looking for a straightforward legal ceremony, a registrar will do exactly that.
Photo by Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer on Unsplash
What Does a Celebrant Do at a Wedding?
A celebrant focuses on the personal side of your wedding ceremony.
As an independent wedding celebrant, I take the time to get to know you both properly. Your story, your personalities, how you met, what makes you laugh, what matters to you.
From there, I create a ceremony that feels relaxed, thoughtful and genuinely yours.
You choose the tone, the style, the readings, the setting and the overall feel. You are not working from a fixed script. You are building something that reflects your relationship.
If you would like to understand more about how that works in practice, you might enjoy reading my blog What does a wedding celebrant actually do?
Are Celebrant Weddings Legal in England and Wales?
At the moment, celebrant led weddings are not legally binding in England and Wales - but, reform is being discussed!
To make your marriage official, you will need to visit your local register office either before or after your ceremony day to sign the legal paperwork with two witnesses.
It is usually a short appointment and relatively low cost.
Most couples treat this as the admin part. Quick, simple and practical.
Then your celebrant ceremony becomes the moment that truly feels like your wedding.
If you would like a fuller explanation of the legal side, you can also visit my FAQ page.
Can You Have Both a Registrar and a Celebrant?
Yes, and many couples do.
Some choose to complete the legal signing a few days before their wedding. Others keep it separate from the main celebration entirely.
This approach gives you the freedom to have the ceremony you really want, without being restricted by venue rules or set wording.
You take care of the paperwork quietly, then gather your friends and family for a ceremony that feels meaningful, personal and entirely your own.
Photo by Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer on Unsplash
Registrar vs Celebrant: Which Is Right for You?
There is no right or wrong choice.
If your priority is simply making your marriage legal in a licensed venue with a structured ceremony, a registrar will do that well.
If your priority is creating a ceremony that reflects who you are, brings your guests into your story and sets the tone for the rest of the day, a celebrant led ceremony may feel like a better fit.
For many couples, it is not about choosing one over the other. It is about understanding the difference and deciding what feels right for you.
If you are curious about my approach and how I work with couples across Devon and the South West, you can read more on my About Me page or explore my Ceremonies page.
Registrar vs Celebrant FAQs
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At the moment, celebrant led weddings are not legally binding in England and Wales, although reform is being discussed.
To make your marriage legal, you will need to complete the paperwork at your local register office either before or after your ceremony. It is usually a short appointment with two witnesses, and most couples treat it as the admin part of getting married.
The celebrant ceremony is where you exchange your personal vows, include readings, involve family and create the moment that truly feels like your wedding.
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No. Most couples simply attend the appointment, sign the legal paperwork with two witnesses and leave. There is no need to repeat your personal vows or recreate your ceremony there.
Your vows, rings and meaningful moments are saved for your celebrant ceremony.
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A celebrant ceremony can take place almost anywhere, from gardens and beaches to barns, woodland clearings and private homes.
The key requirement is that you have permission from the landowner or venue. Because it is not a legally binding ceremony, you are not restricted to licensed venues.
This gives you far more flexibility when choosing where and how your ceremony unfolds.
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Independent celebrants can create both non religious and faith inclusive ceremonies.
Your ceremony can include spiritual or faith based elements if that feels right to you, or it can be completely non religious. The important thing is that it reflects your beliefs and values.
As an independent celebrant, I am not tied to any one faith or organisation, which means the ceremony is shaped around you, not around a set doctrine.
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Because your ceremony deserves more than a standard script.
Working with a celebrant means your ceremony is written from scratch around you. Your story, your humour, your people, your tone. You are not choosing from a template, you are creating something personal and well paced.
It also means:
• Freedom over location
• Freedom over structure and wording
• Time to plan properly rather than a short appointment slot
• The option to involve children, family members, pets or meaningful rituals
• A ceremony that sets the tone for the whole day
Most couples tell me the ceremony is the part their guests talk about afterwards. It is where everyone gathers, listens and feels part of your story.
If that matters to you, a celebrant led ceremony might be exactly what you are looking for.
A Ceremony That Feels Like You
If you are in the early stages of planning and trying to understand your options, take your time.
This part matters.
If you would like to talk things through and explore whether a celebrant led ceremony might be right for you, you can get in touch via my Contact page or contact me directly at sarah@sundaybestceremonies.com.
Your story, your way, your Sunday Best.
About the Author
Sarah Precious is an independent wedding celebrant and the founder of Sunday Best Ceremonies, based in the South West of England. She creates relaxed, personal ceremonies for weddings, vow renewals and elopements, focusing on storytelling, connection and making each ceremony feel genuinely yours.
With nearly two decades of experience in wedding and event management, Sarah brings calm guidance, thoughtful structure and confident delivery to every ceremony she leads.
Want to know more about Sarah and how she creates relaxed, story led celebrations? Explore her approach here.