Question 1

How long is a typical ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Most ceremonies I conduct are between 20 and 40 minutes, but this is entirely up to you. Some couples want something short and sweet, others want a longer celebration with readings, rituals, and music.

We'll plan the perfect length for your day.

Question 2

Can we include readings or music?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Readings from family or friends, your favourite songs, live music, recorded tracks—whatever feels right for you. I'll help you plan how these elements fit into the ceremony.

Question 3

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, we'll always have a backup plan that you're genuinely happy with. Welsh weather is unpredictable, but that doesn't mean we can't have beautiful outdoor ceremonies—we just need to be prepared.

Question 4

Can our pets be involved?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I love when couples include their pets. Whether your dog's walking you down the aisle or your cat's watching from a basket, animals are part of your family and are welcome.

Question 5

We want something quite unconventional—is that okay?

Accepted Answer

More than okay—that's what I'm here for! Song lyrics in your vows? Readings from graphic novels? A ceremony structure you've invented? Let's make it happen.

The beauty of celebrant ceremonies is that there are no rules. If it's meaningful to you and safe to do, I'm absolutely on board.

Question 6

Which ceremonies do you currently offer?

Accepted Answer

I’m fully qualified and offering wedding ceremonies, renewal of vows and elopements now. I'm currently completing training for funeral and naming ceremonies, which I'll be offering from [January 2027 for funerals, January 2028 for naming ceremonies].

Question 7

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

All of South Wales, from Pembrokeshire across to Monmouthshire. Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and everywhere in between. I'm based locally, so I know the region well and won't charge you a fortune in travel fees.

Question 8

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

Every ceremony is different, so fees vary depending on what you need. Get in touch and I'll give you a clear quote with no hidden costs.

What I will say: you get incredible value because you're getting unlimited planning time, completely bespoke writing, professional delivery, and someone who genuinely cares about making your day perfect.

Question 9

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

For weddings, I'd recommend booking as soon as you've decided you want a celebrant—especially if you're planning for peak season (May to September). Popular dates fill up quickly.

That said, I've also created beautiful ceremonies with just a few weeks' notice when couples have had last-minute changes or cancellations. Get in touch and I'll let you know what's possible.

Question 10

What if we don't know what we want yet?

Accepted Answer

That's absolutely fine! Many couples come to me with nothing more than "we want something personal and meaningful." Part of my job is helping you figure out what you want.

We'll talk through your story, your values, what you loved about ceremonies you've attended, and what you'd rather avoid. The ceremony emerges from those conversations.

Question 11

Do we have to meet in person?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Video calls work brilliantly for most of the planning process—they're convenient, you can do them from your sofa, and we can still connect properly.

That said, I do recommend meeting in person for the rehearsal if possible, so you can practise in your actual ceremony space.

Question 12

Can we make changes after you've written the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The ceremony isn't finished until you're completely happy with it. We'll do a run-through where I read you everything, and you can change, add, or remove anything you want.

Question 13

Do you need any special permissions or licences?

Accepted Answer

I'm a trained and certified celebrant, and I have public liability insurance. If your venue is on public land (like a beach or park), we might need permission from the local authority, but I'll guide you through that process.

Question 14

What happens if you're ill on the day?

Accepted Answer

I'm part of a network of celebrants, and I'll always make sure there's backup coverage (though this has never happened in my career). You'd meet the backup celebrant beforehand, and they'd deliver your ceremony exactly as planned.

Question 15

Will you work with our other suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I'll coordinate with your venue, photographer, videographer, musicians—whoever you need me to work with. Making sure everything runs smoothly is part of my job.

Question 16

What's your background?

Accepted Answer

I've worked in education and youth work for nearly thirty years, which taught me the crucial skill of staying calm under pressure. I'm also a writer, musician, and performer, so I'm comfortable on stage and know how to hold an audience's attention.

But most importantly, I'm a Quaker who's spent years celebrating weddings where couples have complete freedom to be themselves. That authenticity and inclusivity is what I bring to every ceremony I conduct.

Question 17

Do you conduct same-sex ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and I'm passionate about celebrating all kinds of love. The first Quaker wedding I attended was for a same-sex couple, and it was beautiful. Your love deserves the same recognition, respect, and joyful celebration as anyone else's.

Question 18

What if we have specific religious or cultural elements we want to include?

Accepted Answer

I'm happy to incorporate religious readings, cultural traditions, or spiritual elements that are meaningful to you. The ceremony is about honouring what matters to you, and I'll research anything I'm not familiar with to make sure we get it right.

Question 19

Can you help us write our vows?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Some couples know exactly what they want to say, others need more support. I can provide examples, guide you through the process, or even help you edit what you've written.

Whatever level of help you need, I'm here for it.

Question 20

Can I have my ceremony in Welsh?

Accepted Answer

I’m a Lefel Uwch qualified Welsh for Adults speaker and I love the chance to speak some Welsh in a ceremony or to hear vows or readings yn Cymraeg if they are special to you. We can work together to craft a ceremony that fits in with any traditions that you want to incorporate or language that you want to use.

Question 21

What exactly is a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

A celebrant creates and conducts personalised ceremonies for life's important moments—weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, vow renewals, and more. Unlike registrars who must follow set scripts, or religious officiants who incorporate faith elements, celebrants have complete freedom to craft ceremonies exactly how you want them.

That means your ceremony can be traditional, modern, spiritual, secular, quirky, formal, or completely unique. It's about you, your story, and your values—nothing else.

Question 22

Do I still need to go to the registry office?

Accepted Answer

In England and Wales, yes. Celebrants can't currently perform legally binding marriages (though this is being discussed by the government), so you'll need a quick registry office appointment for the legal part.

But here's the thing: most couples find this takes about twenty minutes and is purely administrative. Then you're free to have the ceremony you really want—the meaningful, romantic, personal celebration—with me.

Question 23

What's the difference between a celebrant and a registrar?

Accepted Answer

Registrars work for the local authority, must stick to approved scripts, and can only conduct ceremonies in licensed venues. Celebrants work independently, write completely bespoke ceremonies, and can conduct them absolutely anywhere.

If you want freedom, flexibility, and something deeply personal, that's what a celebrant offers.

Your Questions Answered

About Celebrant Ceremonies

About My Services

Planning Process

The Ceremony Itself

About Me

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About David