What’s the Difference Between a Registrar and a Celebrant?

Just suppose a couple chooses not to have their wedding in a church with a religious service and goes down the Independent ceremony route. In that case, they generally think that means having a Independent ceremony at their local registry office or a licensed venue with a Registrar. 

However, there is an alternative. They can have their wedding led by a independent Celebrant. Hooray! 

So, what is the difference between having a Registrar or a Independent Celebrant? 

Firstly, you need to know that celebrant-led marriage ceremonies in England and Wales are not legally binding. The Law Commission Weddings Review is considering this. Hopefully, the law will change soon to allow Independent Celebrant led weddings to be legally binding. In the meantime, couples can have a 2+2 ceremony at their local Registry Office for a minimal cost and then go on to celebrate with a service that reflects their personalities and style. 

A Independent celebrant service allows couples to incorporate their particular cultures and rituals, choose their readings and poems, select their music, and include any religious aspects they wish. They hear about the jouney taken by couple from the day they met to the day they say “I do” and write a service that reflects their personal lovel story. 

Whereas a Registrar will generally use a standard script with limited options to personalise the ceremony and have restrictions on the wording with no religious content. 

With a Independent celebrant service, couples have no limitations on where and when they celebrate their love.   

Registrars are limited to either their office or licensed venues. 

Celebrant-led services enable couples to write their vows, making it something special between them to declare and share their love in front of their guests.  

Registrars follow a standard script during the declaration part of the ceremony, and couples are asked to repeat the words read by the Registrar. 

Independent celebrants will be on hand for couples from the day they are booked to the day of the celebration, reassuring couples that their service will be about them and their love for each other. 

Registrars chat briefly with couples immediately before the service and know little about the couple’s journey to the day they say “I do”. 

So why choose a Independent Celebrant for your celebration?  All of the above!