Question 1

What's your style like?

Accepted Answer

Fun, warm, heartfelt, and real.

I'm not stuffy or formal. I'm not going to make it weird or over-the-top theatrical. I'm just going to be genuinely present, tell your story beautifully, and create a ceremony that has your guests laughing and crying in all the right places.

If you want traditional and by-the-book, I'm probably not your celebrant.
If you’re all about doing things your way, then we will get on brilliantly.

Question 2

How do you get to know us?

Accepted Answer

Through a mixture of:

Detailed questionnaires (both joint and individual – that's where the good stories come from!)
Proper conversations (in person or video, whatever works)
Ongoing chat throughout the planning process
Sometimes just random WhatsApp messages when you think of something important at 11pm

By the time we get to your ceremony, I'll know your story inside out. Your guests will wonder how I know you so well! We will probably feel like actual besties!

Question 3

How far in advance do we need to book?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, as soon as you know your date!

I only do one ceremony per day (because I want to give you my full attention), so popular dates book up quickly. Peak wedding season (May-September, especially Saturdays) can book up 12-18 months ahead.

That said, I can and will pull together a beautiful ceremony in a shorter timeframe if required. So, if you're getting married soon and need a celebrant, get in touch anyway – I might be able to help.

Question 4

Do you travel?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!

I'm based in Blackpool but cover:
All of LancashireLake District
North Wales
Pretty much anywhere in the North West

For venues within a 20-mile radius of my home address - no extra charge. Beyond that, I add mileage at 45p per mile.

For venues more than 2 hours away, we might need to arrange accommodation, but I'm definitely up for adventure and this can be discussed during our initial consultation.

I also do destination weddings. (I planned my own New York elopement, so I'm experienced with destination ceremonies!) This would be a bespoke package with an individual quote. Again, this can be discussed during our initial consultation.

Question 5

Can we have our dog in the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

YES! Oh my god, yes!
I'm a massive dog person. I have two of my own (Misha and Maggie Mae, both of whom think they're humans).

Your dog can:

Walk down the aisle
Be a ring bearer
Just sit looking cute
Be included in the ceremony (yup - we can write them in!)
Have a role in a symbolic ritual
Basically anything except actually officiate (I draw the line there)

Seriously, though, I love when dogs are part of ceremonies. They're family!

Question 6

What's included in your packages?

Accepted Answer

Quite a lot! Check out my individual service pages for full details, but basically:

All (wedding) packages include:
Initial free consultation
Detailed questionnaires
In-depth meeting
Completely custom ceremony script
Unlimited contact via WhatsApp/email
Multiple script revisions
Coordination with other suppliers
Arrival at least 1 hour early on the day
Ceremony delivery
Staying for photos and celebrations after
Printed ceremony script as keepsake

Optional extras:

Venue rehearsal
Mileage for distant venues
Accommodation if needed
Script writing service (if someone else is officiating)

Question 7

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

I haven't listed specific prices here because every ceremony is different and I'm just starting out, so I'm still finalising my pricing.

What I can tell you:

I only take one ceremony per day, so you get my full attention
All ceremonies include substantial prep work, not just turning up on the day
Pricing is transparent with no hidden fees
Payment plans can be discussed
You'll know exactly what you're getting for your investment

For specific pricing, drop me a message and we'll chat about what you need!

Question 8

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

The deposit (20% of total fee) is non-refundable as it secures your date and I turn away other bookings.

If you need to postpone (rather than cancel), we can usually move your booking to a new date if I'm available, using your existing deposit.

Full terms and conditions are provided with booking.

Question 9

Do we need to feed you at the reception?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to, but I certainly won't say no if you offer! (Note - I am a vegetarian if this sways your decision!)

I usually stay for an hour or so after the ceremony for photos and mingling. If that overlaps with your meal time and you'd like to include me, that's lovely (and I'll be very grateful).

But honestly, I'm there for your ceremony, not the free food! (Though your caterer probably does amazing work...)

Question 10

Do you do same-sex weddings?

Accepted Answer

Yes! See the LGBTQ+ question above. All love is celebrated here.

Question 11

Do you do vow renewals?

Accepted Answer

I do! Check out my Vow Renewal page for all the details. Whether you're celebrating 5 years or 50, I'd love to help.
For specific pricing, drop me a message and we'll chat about what you need!

Question 12

Do you do elopements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I actually eloped myself (to New York), so I really understand the appeal. Check out my Elopement Services page.

Question 13

Do you do funerals?

Accepted Answer

I will be offering funeral and celebration of life ceremonies in the future.

Question 14

Do you do namings?

Accepted Answer

I will be offering naming and re-naming ceremonies in the future.

Question 15

Can you just write a script for someone else to deliver?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Check out my Script Writing Services page. Perfect if you want someone specific to officiate but need a professionally written ceremony.

Question 16

What exactly is a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

Great question! A celebrant is someone who creates and conducts personalised ceremonies. Unlike registrars (who follow set scripts and legal requirements) or religious officiants (who work within specific faith traditions), independent celebrants like me write completely bespoke ceremonies.

Think of it this way: registrars do legal, clergy do religious, celebrants do personal.

We can include anything you want – readings, music, symbolic rituals, personal stories, inside jokes, whatever feels right for you. The only limit is imagination (and maybe good taste, but that's debatable).

Question 17

Is a celebrant ceremony legally binding in England and Wales?

Accepted Answer

Ah, the legal question. Currently in England and Wales, celebrant ceremonies aren't legally binding. (Scotland, yes. England/Wales, not yet – though the law is changing, watch this space!)
So here's how it works: You do a quick register office signing to sort the legal bit (takes about 10 minutes, two witnesses, job done), and then you have your actual ceremony with me.

Most couples do the signing a few days before or after. Some do it the morning of and treat it like popping to the shops – quick stop, then on to the real ceremony!

Think of the signing as the paperwork. The ceremony with me is the bit that actually matters, the bit you'll remember, the bit your guests will talk about forever, the bit that is totally YOU.

Question 18

Why would I choose a celebrant instead of a registrar?

Accepted Answer

Freedom! Creativity! Personality!
With a registrar, you're limited to:

Licensed venues only
Set scripts with limited personalisation
Time restrictions (usually 20 mins max)
No religious content allowed
Not much flexibility

With me, you get:

Ceremony literally anywhere (beach, mountain, your garden, wherever!)
Completely unique script written just for you
As long or short as you want
Any mix of religious/spiritual/non-religous touches
Your music, your readings, your vibe
Symbolic rituals - if you want, no pressure

True personality and emotion
Basically, if you want a ceremony that actually feels like you, that's where celebrants (ME) come in.

Question 19

Can you include religious elements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I can include prayers, blessings, religious readings – whatever's meaningful to you. From hymns to happy dances (or neither), all beliefs and backgrounds can and will be celebrated.

Want a Christian blessing but not a church wedding? Done.
Want to honour your Hindu heritage alongside Scottish traditions? Beautiful. Want a bit of Celtic spirituality mixed with humanist values? Perfect.

The point is, it's YOUR ceremony. We include what matters to you.

Question 20

How long is a typical ceremony?

Accepted Answer

However long you want!
For most wedding ceremonies, I aim for approx 20-30 minutes. That's enough time for a proper story, emotional moments, maybe a reading or two, and symbolic ritual if you want one. (Plus after 30mins, I guarantee, you will want me to shut up!)
But I can do:

Short and sweet (15 mins) for intimate elopements
Long and detailed (45 mins) if you want the works
Anything in between

Vow renewals tend to be slightly shorter (15-25 mins).

But - it really depends on your story and how much you wish to share or declare!

We'll discuss what feels right for you and your guests' attention spans!

Question 21

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Of course!
Options:

You write them completely yourselves (I can give guidance)
I help you write them (we work together)
I write them for you (based on what you tell me)
We use traditional vows
A mix of all of the above!

Whatever makes you comfortable. Some people love writing vows, others find it daunting. There's no wrong choice.

Question 22

What if we get emotional during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

That's beautiful! And completely expected.

I always bring tissues. I'll pause if you need a moment. I'll support you through it.

Getting emotional during your ceremony isn't a problem – it's kind of the point! These are big feelings on a big day.

And honestly, if no one cries at least once, I haven't done my job properly!

Question 23

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

We will have a backup plan!
For outdoor ceremonies, we always plan for weather. That might mean:

A marquee or covered area nearby
Moving to an indoor space
Providing umbrellas (ceremonies in the rain can be romantic!)
Rescheduling (only in extreme weather)

I'm from Scotland and live in Blackpool. I'm very comfortable with rain! We'll make it work and it'll still be beautiful.

Question 24

Can we have readings and music?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! As many as you want (within reason – we don't want a 3-hour ceremony!).

Music: Live, recorded, acapella, whatever you like. You can have entrance music, music during the ceremony, exit music, whatever feels right.

Readings: Poems, excerpts from books, song lyrics, something you've written yourselves, passages from religious texts – anything meaningful to you.
I can suggest options if you're stuck, or work with whatever you've chosen.

Question 25

What are symbolic rituals?

Accepted Answer

These are actions that represent your commitment in a visual, meaningful way.
Popular options at the moment are:

Sand ceremony – Blending two colours of sand to represent joining lives
Handfasting – Celtic tradition of binding hands
Ring warming – Guests hold and bless your rings before you exchange them
Unity candle – Lighting a single candle from two separate ones
Wine ceremony – Sharing a drink from the same cup
Tree planting – Planting something together that will grow like your marriage

We can also create custom rituals based on your interests or heritage!

Question 26

What's your background?

Accepted Answer

I spent 30 years as a Police Officer in the UK and abroad, working everything from beat policing to intelligence gathering.

Turns out, the skills I learned – listening, reading people, uncovering stories, staying calm under pressure – transfer beautifully to celebrancy!

I'm also Scottish (you'll catch the accent), moved to Blackpool 5 years ago, and I'm married to Roy. We got married in New York in a celebrant-led ceremony, which partly inspired this career change.

Oh, and I'm into wild swimming, paddleboarding, chasing waterfalls, and learning circus skills. Life's an adventure!

Question 27

Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?

Accepted Answer

100% yes!

I work with couples of all genders, orientations, and backgrounds. Love is love, and everyone deserves a ceremony that celebrates their relationship exactly as it is.

I'm experienced with LGBTQ+ weddings and understand the nuances that can come with them (family situations, terminology preferences, etc.).

You're safe with me, and your ceremony will be beautiful and full of love.

Question 28

What if we're not religious?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine!

I can create completely non religious, humanist-style ceremonies that focus entirely on you and your story. Many of my couples aren't religious.

The emphasis will be on your love, your values, your commitment to each other – all without any spiritual or religious elements if that's what you want.

Question 29

Can you work with our other suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I love coordinating with your photographer, videographer, musicians, venue coordinator, whoever.

I'll reach out before the day to introduce myself and coordinate timings. On the day, I'll work with them to make sure everything flows smoothly and that we all do you proud.

Most photographers love working with celebrants because we're not rushing through on a tight schedule – there's time to capture the genuine moments. I can discuss your photoshoot ideas with them beforehand to make sure I don't ‘photobomb’ your piccies.

Frequently Asked Questions Let's Clear Some Things Up

The Big Questions Everyone Asks

About Celebrants & Ceremonies

About Working With Me

About the Ceremony Itself

Practical Questions

About Me Specifically

Questions About Specific Ceremonies

Still Have Questions?

Pick Tracy Jayne

Get In Touch!