The One with the Celebrant and the Registrar!
As you might already know, celebrants in the UK can’t legally marry couples. But, let’s be honest, that’s not always a bad thing. It means there’s a huge amount of freedom to create a ceremony that’s truly personal and full of the moments that matter most to you. No stuffy scripts, no ticking boxes—just something meaningful and memorable and totally YOU.
Recently, though, there’s been a bit of a shift. More couples are inviting registrars to work alongside their celebrant, blending the personal with the legal in one seamless ceremony. It’s a brilliant idea, and I was lucky enough to do it for the lovely Laura and Jack at Coombe Lodge in Blagdon. Having both a registrar and a celebrant is not for everyone - but it might be for you, and if you’re considering it or interested in how this all works - read on…
The Plan!
Laura and Jack’s day was all about combining the best of both worlds—a heartfelt, personal and fun celebrant-led ceremony with just enough of the formalities for the legal jargon. Laura was amazing at making this happen in a way she wanted. She reached out to the registrars herself, ensuring she found the right ones who were happy to work alongside a celebrant. It made all the difference.
Her vision was clear: the celebrant (that’s me!) would lead the way, setting the tone and guiding the ceremony. The registrars would step in briefly to handle the legal side of things, keeping it simple and seamless. And they delivered!
The registrars, from Bristol Council, were fab. Having worked with celebrants before, they understood the dynamic and were relaxed, flexible, and professional. It felt more like a collab rather than two separate teams, which is exactly what Laura and Jack wanted.
When it came to the ceremony, I kicked things off by welcoming everyone, setting the scene, and letting guests know they were in for something special. Coombe Lodge, with its gorgeous setting in Blagdon, was the perfect backdrop—the views are something else!
Once everyone was settled (and hopefully a little excited), the registrars stepped in. They handled the legal wording beautifully, keeping it short but meaningful, with just the right amount of humour to match the tone I’d started.
After the official part was done, I took over again to bring the personal touches. We shared Laura and Jack’s story, exchanged their personal vows, and had a beautiful moment with the surprise ring bearer, which melted hearts all round. By the end, the room was buzzing, ready for the party to get started. And what a party it was—Laura and Jack handed out shots and got everyone singing along before heading off to celebrate properly.
Why It Worked
Blending a celebrant with registrars can be a fantastic option, especially if you’re looking for a personal and flexible wedding ceremony in Bristol or beyond. Having the legal bit done on the day is a big bonus, and if you’re clear about your vision—like Laura was—you can make sure the celebrant leads the way while the registrars handle the formalities.
It also brings a bit of variety for your guests. Hearing from a couple of different voices keeps things engaging, especially for a slightly longer ceremony. Ours ran about 50 minutes, but no one seemed to mind, especially with drinks flowing and plenty of moments to join in.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are a few practicalities to consider. Firstly, having both a celebrant and registrars does come with an extra cost—you’re essentially paying for two services, which can add up. But if it’s in your budget, it’s worth every penny.
Also, the ceremony will likely be longer than a standard registrar-led one, so think about how to keep your guests comfortable. Laura and Jack nailed this by kicking things off (after the reggy’s had left!) with drinks and adding fun touches like the sing-along getting everyone standing. It kept the energy up and made sure everyone felt part of the day.
Laura and Jack’s wedding at Coombe Lodge was a perfect example of how celebrants and registrars can work together to create something really special. It’s about making sure you get what you want on your day! And if the personal with the legal ceremony is something you might fancy - it’s a great option.
If you’re planning a wedding in Bristol, Blagdon, or anywhere else in the UK, and you’re considering this approach, go for it. With the right celebrant, the right registrars, and a bit of planning, it can all come together beautifully. And if Coombe Lodge is your venue, well, you’re already off to a stunning start.