Question 1

How do we book you?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch via email, phone, or the contact form on this website. We'll arrange a discovery meeting (in person or virtually) to see if we're the right fit. If you decide to book me, I'll send you a contract and invoice for your deposit.

Question 2

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel or postpone, please let me know as soon as possible. Deposits are non-refundable, but if you need to move your ceremony to a different date, I'll do my best to accommodate you.

Question 3

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

For weddings, you can split payments: 25% deposit to secure your date, with the balance due eight weeks before your ceremony. For funerals and naming ceremonies, full payment is usually expected on or shortly after the day.

Question 4

What is a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

A celebrant is someone who creates and conducts personalized ceremonies for weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, vow renewals, and other life milestones. Unlike registrars or religious officials, celebrants aren't restricted by legal or religious frameworks, we have complete freedom to craft ceremonies that truly reflect you.

Question 5

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

I'm based in Leeds and happily travel across Yorkshire, from bustling cities to rolling countryside, quaint villages to dramatic moors. I'd even hike to Top Withens in Haworth if your ceremony calls for it. If you're outside Yorkshire but love what I do, get in touch. I'm open to traveling further afield for the right celebration.

Question 6

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

For weddings, I recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially if you're planning a ceremony during peak wedding season (May-September). For funerals, I can usually accommodate requests with just a few days' notice. For naming ceremonies, a few weeks' notice is ideal, though I'm flexible.

Question 7

Do you work with funeral directors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with funeral directors and am happy to liaise with them on your behalf. You can also book me directly if you're arranging everything independently.

Question 8

Can you legally marry us?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. As an independent celebrant in England, I can't currently perform legally binding weddings. You'll need to complete a simple legal signing at your local register office (this takes about 10 minutes and costs £50-£70). Then we create the ceremony of your dreams. The good news? Marriage reform is underway in the UK, there is a public consultation underway. I support the Give Couples Choice Movement.

Question 9

Where can we have our wedding ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere you like. Your garden, a hillside, a barn, a stately home, a beach, a woodland clearing, as long as it's safe and legal, I'm there. One of the best parts of having a celebrant-led ceremony is the freedom to celebrate wherever feels right for you.

Question 10

How long does a wedding ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

That's entirely up to you. Most ceremonies are between 20-40 minutes, but we can make yours shorter or longer depending on your preferences.

Question 11

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it. Personal vows are often the most memorable part of a ceremony. If you'd like help or inspiration, I'm happy to guide you.

Question 12

Can we include our children or pets in the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I love including children and pets in creative ways. Whether that's readings, ring bearing duties, family unity rituals, or simply making sure your dog gets a moment in the spotlight, we'll find a way to include everyone who matters.

Question 13

How much does a wedding ceremony cost?

Accepted Answer

£600 for 2026 ceremonies. If you book your 2027 ceremony now, you'll secure this year's price. A 25% deposit secures your date, and full payment is due eight weeks before the ceremony.

Question 14

How quickly can you arrange a funeral ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I can usually accommodate requests with just a few days' notice, and sometimes even shorter if needed. As soon as you know you'd like to work with me, get in touch, and I'll do everything I can to support you.

Question 15

Do we need to use a funeral director?

Accepted Answer

No. Some families arrange everything independently, and I'm happy to guide you through that process. If you are using a funeral director, I'll coordinate with them to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Question 16

Can we have a funeral ceremony anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Most funerals take place in crematoriums or churches, but you can also hold them in natural burial grounds, gardens, or other meaningful locations. I'll work with wherever feels right for your family.

Question 17

What if our loved one didn't leave any instructions?

Accepted Answer

That's very common, and it's okay. We'll talk about who they were, what mattered to them, and what feels right to you as a family. Together, we'll create something that honors them beautifully.

Question 18

How much does a funeral ceremony cost?

Accepted Answer

£250 for funeral and crematorium services. For babies, children, and young people under 18, I provide ceremonies free of charge. Memorial ceremonies are £150, and scattering or internment of ashes is £90.

Question 19

What is a naming ceremony?

Accepted Answer

A naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration that welcomes a child (or adult) into the world and gathers your community around them. It's an opportunity to officially announce a name, appoint guide parents, share your values, and create meaningful rituals.

Question 20

Is a naming ceremony religious?

Accepted Answer

No. Naming ceremonies are entirely non-religious. That said, if you'd like to include a prayer, blessing, or spiritual element that's meaningful to you, we can incorporate that.

Question 21

Who can be a guide parent?

Accepted Answer

Anyone you choose. Friends, family members, mentors. Guide parents don't have legal responsibilities; the role is symbolic and based on the promises you agree on together.

Question 22

Where can we have a naming ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere you like, your home, a garden, a village hall, a park. Wherever feels right for your family.

Question 23

How much does a naming ceremony cost?

Accepted Answer

£275. Additional costs may apply for specific rituals (like planting a tree or creating handprint canvases), or you can provide your own materials.

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