pink weddings magazine 43
advice
Most couples feel they have to choose a
wedding conducted by a registrar in a
register office or a licensed venue – but
that’s just not the case.
You and your partner do have to legally register your
civil partnership by signing a legal document known as
the civil partnership schedule, which must be done in
front of a registrar and two witnesses. But there are no
further legal requirements.
So you’re free to look for a location that has significant
meaning for you. Instead of the traditional, mass-produced
wedding, where standard words for every couple are
simply read from a book, you can create a totally unique
ceremony that expresses your love and commitment to
each other in a sincere, meaningful (and fun!) way.
Once you’ve signed your legal document, the rest of
your service – including the exchanging of rings, saying
of vows, music and readings – is ceremonial, so it can
take place at any time of the day or evening, either the
same day or a few days later and in absolutely any
location. So whether you’re dreaming of a chic ‘do’ on a
rooftop terrace in the city, a candle-lit ceremony
lakeside, or a simple celebration in your own back
garden, it’s all possible.
As an independent celebrant, I adapt ceremonies to
whatever feeling or mood couples want to create –
whether relaxed, formal, humorous, or a mixture. Family
members or friends might read poems or verse, or say
something about the couple. I help with writing vows
and selecting music and readings, looking at symbolic
elements that reflect their commitment to each other.
The service can be of a secular nature or can include
religious content such as a hymn, prayer or blessing.
We’ve had ceremonies all over the UK as well as in
stunning venues such as the French Alps – fabulous for
photo opportunities. One couple are having a huge
marquee built on the groom’s family farmwhere 200
guests will witness them saying their vows, while another
are having a village fête theme, with straw bales and
bunting in a giant teepee. An Elvis mad couple have based
their vows on classic Elvis tracks and ‘The King’ himself is
even making an appearance during the ceremony!
It’s one of the most fun, yet sincere, ceremonies I’m
doing, and that’s one of the great things about this –
there are no rules. You really can have the wedding
you’ve always dreamed of.
Kay Evans trained with the UK College of Celebrancy
and a certified member of the Association of Independent
Celebrants. Her website is at www.alwaysnumberone.co.uk
Whether you dreamof a spectacular ceremony in
the French Alps or a simple ‘do’ in your own back
garden, you can have the wedding you really
want, says celebrant
Kay Evans
‘Once you’ve signed your legal
document, the rest of your service
can take place at any time of the
day or evening and in absolutely
any location.’
UNIQUE
Make it