The Ceremony People

The growing trend for celebrant-led wedding ceremonies is catching on, as couples increasingly look for something a bit different from the norm, free from the constraints of a formal civil ceremony – and we’re excited to be a part of it!

Everyone is individual and their wedding day should reflect this. That’s where we come in. We’re former registrars with over 14 years’ of experience between us and we put you at the centre of your ceremony. Our whole ethos is to provide a service which is truly personal and a ceremony which really reflects you as a couple. It’s important to us that we really get to know each other, so there’ll be no surprises and you can relax and enjoy your ceremony on the day.

We’ll work with you and the team at Hockwold Hall to make it happen. We’ll spend time together and provide you with everything you need to make the right choices for you and as part of the planning process, we’ll help you stage your ceremony to suit the space, to ensure your photographer and videographer can capture the magic of the moment as it all unfolds. We can help you with a rehearsal too, to choreograph movement – particularly helpful if a large number of people are taking part.

None of the usual restrictions of civil ceremonies applies, which means you have total freedom to make your ceremony exactly what you want it to be. Indoors or out in the open air, you’re only limited by your own imagination and there are so many fabulous options to choose from at Hockwold.

Your ceremony can contain many of the elements your guests would expect to see at a wedding, such as the giving away of the bride or the exchange of vows and rings, but there are so many other ways to make it truly memorable – and unlike a Humanist ceremony, any spiritual or religious rituals, traditions, music, readings or prayers can be incorporated too. You can involve your friends and family in any way you like and even your pets if you want to (dogs make particularly good ring bearers!)

We only conduct one ceremony each per day, so we’ll be there as long as you need us. And we’re happy to pitch in and help if needed – we’ve done everything from directing guests, to sewing up dresses and even chopping strawberries for pre-ceremony Pimms! In fact there are no restraints on alcohol at all, so your guests can hold on to their drinks to raise a glass in a celebratory toast – and how about the two of you having a sip of champagne to help calm the nerves?

We’re totally flexible and have no restrictive rotas so your ceremony can be at whatever time suits you, to fit in with your plans for the rest of the day. We’re always at the end of the phone too, whenever you need us, to offer help and advice where we can.

The legal registering of your marriage will still need to be done at a register office, either in Norfolk or the area where you live. This is a very straightforward process, for which there is a fee of £50, which includes your marriage certificate. It can be done before or after your main ceremony with us – whatever suits you best – and we’re here to guide you through it all.

A wedding is such a momentous occasion in anyone’s life and it’s a real privilege for us to be involved. And the best piece of advice we can give – enjoy every minute!