One of the first big decisions for your wedding day is how you’d like your ceremony to be conducted. In England & Wales, there are two main options: a Registrar-led ceremony or a Celebrant-led ceremony. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose what’s right for you.
A Registrar or Celebrant is the person conducting your ceremony. The registrar conducts the legal ceremony, while a celebrant creates a personalised but non-legal ceremony.
Registrar-Led Ceremony
(Legal Ceremony)
A registrar is appointed by the local council and is authorised to conduct legally binding weddings.
What this means
- Your marriage is legally recognised on the day
- Includes the legal vows and signing of the marriage schedule
- The wording of the ceremony must follow legal guidelines
Good to know
- Registrars are booked separately from the venue
- Availability can be limited, especially in peak wedding season
- Ceremony times are set by the registrar service
This option is perfect if you want everything done in one beautiful, seamless moment.
Celebrant-Led Ceremony
(Non-Legal Ceremony)
A celebrant creates a completely bespoke and personal ceremony, but it is not legally binding.
What this means
- You’ll need to complete the legal paperwork separately (usually at a register office)
- Your ceremony can be fully personalised – vows, readings, rituals, music… the lot
- No legal restrictions on wording or structure
Good to know
- Celebrants are booked separately from the venue
- Many couples choose to legally marry beforehand and then enjoy a celebrant ceremony on the day
- Celebrant ceremonies are wonderfully relaxed and flexible
This option is ideal if personalisation and storytelling are top of your priority list.
How to Book a Registrar
If you’re choosing a registrar-led ceremony, you’ll need to book them directly with the County Council – in our case is the Cumbria County Council.
Step by Step
- Secure your wedding date first
- Contact Cumbria Registration Service to book your registrar. https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages-and-ceremonies/marriages-civil-partnerships-and-ceremonies
- Once confirmed, the registrar service will guide you through:
Giving Notice of Marriage
Ceremony timings
Final details closer to the day
Top tip: We strongly recommend booking your registrar as early as possible, especially for spring and summer weddings.
How to Book a Celebrant
If you’re opting for a celebrant-led ceremony, you’ll book your celebrant directly rather than through the council.
Step by Step
- Secure your wedding date
- Research and contact celebrants whose style and personality you love
- Meet (usually via video call or in person) to make sure they’re the perfect fit for you
- Once booked, your celebrant will work closely with you to craft a ceremony that feels totally you
Good to know
- Celebrants often book up early, especially popular local ones
- Most will guide you through how and when to complete the legal paperwork separately
If you’d like help deciding which option suits you best, or want a nudge in the right direction, just shout – we’re always happy to help guide you. You can also check our Recommended Suppliers page where we have a number of Registrars/Celebrants listed.
