My Journey to Becoming a Wedding Celebrant in Devon
Because ceremonies matter more than people often realise
There is a moment in every wedding, vow renewal or elopement where everything slows down.
People gather close. The atmosphere changes. The tone for the day is set.
That moment is the ceremony.
It shapes how the rest of the day feels, how people connect, and how your story is understood by the people who love you most.
And for me, that is exactly why I became a celebrant, creating wedding, vow renewal and elopement ceremonies that are shaped around the people at the centre of them.
Before celebrancy, there were events
Before I stepped into celebrancy, I spent over a decade working in events.
Weddings, conferences, exhibitions and big celebrations of all kinds. I was the organiser, the coordinator, the person keeping things moving quietly in the background.
That experience still shapes how I work today, and it is a big part of what couples notice when they explore how I work as a celebrant.
When I stand with you as your celebrant, I bring more than carefully chosen words. I bring experience, calm confidence, and a clear understanding of how to support you, your wedding party and the wider team around you.
What I noticed again and again
After years of working across events, one thing became very clear to me. The moments people remembered most were never just about the running order, the timings or the logistics.
They were about people.
The small looks shared without a word. The laughter that bubbles up unexpectedly. The emotional moments that happen naturally and stay with everyone long after the day is over.
Those moments almost always lived in the ceremony.
The ceremony deserved more care
Over the years, I saw ceremonies that felt hurried or overly formal. Sometimes they were treated like a box to tick, something to get through before the rest of the celebration could begin.
People were present, but not always truly engaged.
And every time, I found myself thinking the same thing. This part of the day matters. It deserves time, care and real attention.
The lightbulb moment
At some point, it clicked.
Running events and managing moving parts was no longer enough for me. I wanted to be part of the meaning, not just the schedule.
I wanted to stand in the moment that mattered most. To help people feel calm, seen and genuinely celebrated as they marked something important in their lives.
That was the moment celebrancy came into focus.
How celebrancy brought everything together
Celebrancy brought together all the parts of my working life that mattered most to me.
My understanding of how events flow.
My love of people and connection.
My care for words and storytelling.
Suddenly, everything I had been doing for years made complete sense. It all had a place.
What I love most about being a celebrant
What I love most is the process of listening properly. Taking the time to really get to know you. Who you are, what you care about, and the moments that matter most in your relationship.
Then finding the words that reflect all of that in a way that feels natural, comfortable and completely true to you.
There is something very special about hearing your own story told back to you in a way that feels recognisable and real.
If you would like to know more about the person behind the words, you can read a little more about me here.
What I believe ceremonies should feel like
For me, ceremonies should feel relaxed and natural from the very start.
Never stiff. Never awkward.
They should feel personal to the couple, not generic or scripted, and joyful in a way that feels comfortable rather than performative.
There should be space for laughter, emotion and real connection, so the moment feels genuine for everyone there.
Why Sunday Best Ceremonies exists
Sunday Best Ceremonies exists to create ceremonies that feel relaxed, meaningful and full of heart.
Ceremonies that are thoughtfully written, carefully and confidently led, and shaped around the people at the centre of them.
Ceremonies where everyone feels comfortable, included and present, and where the words truly reflect you.
If this sounds like your kind of ceremony
If you are planning a wedding, vow renewal or elopement and want a ceremony that feels personal, calm and genuinely you, you are in the right place.
You are very welcome to get in touch for a relaxed chat about your plans and to see whether working together feels like the right fit.
Sarah x
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.