That is the view of St Helens-based independent celebrant Emma Green, who creates bespoke wedding, naming-day and funeral ceremonies for families across the region.
She said more people want the freedom to include their children, pets, favourite hobbies, cultural traditions and personal vows rather than following a set script.
“The first question I always ask my couples is, ‘How do you want your ceremony to feel?’” Emma explained.
“Some want it romantic and whimsical, some want it relaxed and fun, and some say they cringe at romance and want it to be funny.
“Because a celebrant-led ceremony is written from scratch for each couple, I can write the whole thing with that in mind.”
Unlike a religious ceremony or a registrar-led service, an independent celebrant can shape a ceremony around a couple’s own story and preferences.
Emma said celebrants offer “ultimate freedom” when it comes to readings, rituals, music and the involvement of loved ones, while still being able to include religious elements where a couple wishes.
“We sit somewhere between clergy and a registrar,” she said.
“We can create personalised ceremonies without being tied to a template.
“It’s good for anyone who doesn’t feel super religious, but doesn’t want the strict, formal, and stiff nature of a registrar ceremony.
“It’s also great for interfaith couples as well, because there’s no real other option for them if you want a little bit of each religion.”
Sometimes the most carefully laid plans do not quite go to plan.
At one recent wedding, a couple’s dog was due to carry the rings and sign a ceremonial certificate with a paw print but promptly fell asleep at the start and refused to take part.
“We had to go to plan B,” Emma laughed.
The growing demand for flexible ceremonies comes as the Ministry of Justice consults on reforms to wedding law in England and Wales.
The consultation considers moving away from rules centred on where a wedding takes place towards a system focused on the officiant responsible for it, potentially widening choice over locations and ceremony styles in future.
The proposals are currently under consultation and have not yet changed the law.
Emma’s own path into celebrancy began after she attended the funeral of a friend in 2020.
Having previously attended mainly religious services, she was struck by how a celebrant-led ceremony captured the person’s life through stories from different stages, rather than focusing solely on formal tradition.
She said the experience showed her that a funeral could be both emotional and a true celebration of someone’s life, prompting her to train as a celebrant.
For couples beginning their wedding planning, Emma’s advice is to focus on the experience they want to create rather than what they think is expected of them.
“Make sure you have the wedding that you want,” she said.
“Don’t let family members take over.”
Emma also advises couples to consider wedding insurance early in the planning process, saying it can offer protection if a supplier encounters financial difficulties.
To find out more about Emma’s work, head to www.emmagreencelebrant.co.uk
