What does a wedding celebrant actually do?
When you are planning a wedding, there is one question I hear all the time, often right at the very start of the journey.
What does a wedding celebrant actually do?
Your ceremony is one of the most meaningful parts of your day. It is the moment your people gather, the point where everything feels real, and the start of the celebration that follows. So it is completely natural to want to understand who leads that moment, and what their role really involves.
I would love to share what that looks like, and how a celebrant supports you from the very first conversation right through to the moment you say your vows.
The role of a wedding celebrant
At its simplest, a wedding celebrant creates and leads your ceremony.
But in reality, the role goes much deeper than that.
A celebrant works closely with you to shape a ceremony that reflects who you are, how you connect, and the feeling you want for your day. Rather than following a set script or format, everything is built around you, so the ceremony feels personal, relaxed and genuinely meaningful.
This is often the part of the day couples remember most clearly, because it is where your story is told out loud, in front of the people who matter most.
This is exactly how I approach the wedding, vow renewal and elopement ceremonies I create for couples.
Photo by Sofia Hernandez on Unsplash
Taking the time to truly get to know you
One of the most important parts of my role as a celebrant is taking the time to properly get to know you.
Not just the basics of how you met, but your personalities, your people, the moments that matter, and the things that make your relationship yours.
Why getting to know you matters
This time and care is what allows your ceremony to feel recognisable. When it is done well, your guests are not just listening politely. They are leaning in, smiling, laughing, and thinking, yes, this sounds exactly like them.
Your ceremony should feel like it belongs to you, not something you have been slotted into.
How a celebrant learns your story
That understanding comes through relaxed conversations, thoughtful questions, messages, voice notes and time spent getting to know you at your own pace.
There is no rush and no pressure. My role is to listen, notice the little things, and gently shape those details into a ceremony that feels honest and natural.
You can read more about how I work with couples here.
A ceremony shaped carefully around you
Every ceremony I write is carefully crafted around the couple standing in front of me.
Your story, your tone and the atmosphere you want all shape the words that are written. Some couples want something light and playful, others want something more reflective, and many want a blend of both.
No templates or set scripts
Nothing is pulled from a template, and nothing feels generic. Each ceremony is shaped with intention, so it sounds natural to hear and comfortable to be part of.
This is what allows your ceremony to feel personal rather than predictable.
Finding the right tone for your ceremony
Together, we find the balance that feels right for you. Warm, joyful, heartfelt, calm or gently humorous. There is no one size fits all approach, only what feels true to your relationship.
Making sure everything flows beautifully
A big part of what a celebrant does happens quietly behind the scenes.
The structure and pacing of your ceremony are planned with care so everything feels easy and well balanced.
Structure, pacing and flow
From how the ceremony opens, to where vows sit, to how readings or symbolic moments are woven in, each part is thoughtfully placed.
Nothing rushed. Nothing overdone. Just a steady, easy flow that allows the moment to unfold naturally.
Creating a ceremony that feels easy to be part of
This makes a huge difference to how the ceremony feels in the room. When the flow is right, guests stay engaged and present, rather than checking their watches or wondering what comes next.
Photo by Leonardo Miranda on Unsplash
Guidance with vows, readings and meaningful moments
From writing your own vows to choosing readings, faith based touches or symbolic moments, a celebrant is there to guide you through the options.
Writing your own vows
If you are writing your own vows, I will help you shape them so they feel natural to say, meaningful to hear, and true to you.
That might mean gentle guidance, examples, or simply reassurance that you are on the right track.
Readings, faith based touches and symbolic elements
If you would like to include religious elements, spiritual moments or symbolic rituals, these can be woven in thoughtfully and respectfully.
My role is to help you include what matters, and gently remove any pressure around what does not.
If you have questions about vows, readings or how a ceremony comes together, you may find the FAQs helpful.
You can also explore some of the symbolic elements couples often choose to include.
Holding the room on the day
On the day itself, a celebrant holds the room.
That means welcoming your guests, setting the tone, and guiding everyone through the ceremony so it feels inclusive and warm. It is not about performing, but about creating connection.
For you, it means you can focus on each other, knowing the ceremony is being held with care, clarity and calm.
Standing with someone you trust
By the time your ceremony arrives, you are not standing with a stranger.
Your celebrant already knows you, your story and what matters most. That familiarity creates reassurance, especially in a moment that can feel emotional or a little nerve wracking.
It allows you to relax into the experience, knowing you are supported by someone who is genuinely invested in getting it right for you.
Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash
So you can be fully present
When the planning is held, the structure is clear, and the words are thoughtfully shaped, you are free to slow down and take it all in.
You do not need to worry about what comes next or what you are meant to do. You can simply be there, together, surrounded by your people, enjoying the moment as it unfolds.
This is what a celebrant led ceremony is really about.
This is where your ceremony begins
If you are curious about what a celebrant led ceremony could look like for you, I would love to talk things through, answer any questions you might have, and explore how we could create a ceremony that feels completely you.
You are very welcome to get in touch whenever it feels right.
Sarah x