Wedding fair season is well underway and one thing it’s reminded me of is just how many couples aren’t quite sure about the difference between a registrar and a celebrant.
And honestly, I don’t blame you. When you’re planning a wedding, there are approximately 847 things to think about, and understanding the difference between the two probably isn’t at the top of your list!
So, if you’re wondering whether you should choose a registrar or celebrant, here’s the lowdown.
What’s the difference between a registrar and a celebrant?
The biggest difference is that a registrar led ceremony is legally binding, whereas a celebrant led ceremony isn’t.
But don’t let that put you off a celebrant ceremony.
You can take care of the legal bit separately with a simple appointment at your local registry office. You’ll sign the legal paperwork there and then you’re free to have the wedding ceremony you actually want, wherever you want it.
And this is where things get really exciting.
Because once you’ve separated the legal formalities from your actual wedding ceremony, you have so much more freedom.
So what can a celebrant ceremony look like?
A registrar ceremony has to follow certain legal requirements and restrictions around the wording and content of the ceremony which can come across as very stiff and formal.
A celebrant ceremony is completely different.
As your celebrant, I can write every word of your ceremony specifically for you, your relationship and your personalities.
Your ceremony can tell your love story. It can include the people who matter most to you. It can be emotional, funny, relaxed, meaningful, completely bonkers or a mixture of all of the above.
Basically, it can sound like you.
Want your children to play a special part? Absolutely.
Want to include a handfasting, unity ceremony or another symbolic ritual? Go for it.
Want to include spiritual or religious elements that are meaningful to you? We can.
Want to raise a glass, take a shot halfway through the ceremony or involve your dog with a paw print signature? Yep, we can do that too.
The only limit is really your imagination.
Why choose a celebrant?
For lots of couples, the appeal of a celebrant is the freedom to create something that feels personal rather than following a set format.
There’s no expectation that you have to stand at the front, say a handful of traditional words and then move on to the next part.
Your ceremony can reflect who you are as a couple.
Maybe you met on a night out and want to recreate part of that story.
Maybe you’ve been together for ten years and your wedding is about celebrating everything you’ve already built together.
Maybe you have children, stepchildren or four legged family members who you want right there in the middle of it all.
Maybe you’re not particularly traditional and the thought of a formal ceremony makes you want to run for the hills.
Or maybe you love some traditional elements but want to mix them with something completely unexpected.
That’s the beauty of choosing a registrar or celebrant based on what actually matters to you, rather than simply doing what you think you’re supposed to do.
Does a celebrant ceremony have to be serious?
Absolutely not!
And this is one of my favourite things about celebrant ceremonies.
Yes, there can be beautiful, emotional moments. There can be meaningful promises, personal readings and stories about the people and experiences that have shaped your relationship.
But there can also be laughter.
There can be inside jokes.
There can be a favourite song, a tequila shot, a surprise for your partner or a dog wandering down the aisle at completely the wrong moment.
Your wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be formal just because it’s a wedding.
It should feel like you two.
So, registrar or celebrant?
Ultimately, there isn’t one right answer for every couple.
If having the legal marriage ceremony and your wedding ceremony as one thing is important to you, a registrar may be the right choice.
But if you want the freedom to create a ceremony that is completely personal, with your own words, your own promises, your own people and your own rules, a celebrant could be exactly what you’re looking for.
And remember, choosing a celebrant doesn’t mean you’re giving up on being legally married. You simply deal with the legal formalities separately and then have the freedom to celebrate your marriage in whatever way feels right for you.
So if you’ve been wondering registrar or celebrant, perhaps the better question is:
“What do we actually want our wedding ceremony to feel like?”
If the answer is personal, relaxed, meaningful, fun and completely about the two of you, then let’s have a chat.
Because your ceremony should never feel like something you’ve simply turned up to.
It should feel like your wedding.
Click here to chat about whether a celebrant could be right for you.
Photograph by Philip Antrobus Photography