What’s the Difference Between a Registrar and a Celebrant?
And Why That Difference Might Mean Everything for Your Wedding Day
When it comes to planning your wedding ceremony, one of the first questions people ask is: Do we need a registrar or a celebrant? It’s a simple question, but the answer opens up a much bigger conversation about freedom, meaning and how you want to mark this moment in your life.
A registrar is a government official who conducts legally binding civil ceremonies. It’s their job to make sure the legal paperwork is completed and that your marriage is properly registered. Their ceremonies follow a specific script and must avoid anything that could be considered religious or spiritual. They often take place in licensed venues, and the time slots can be quite restricted, especially during busy seasons.
A celebrant, on the other hand, isn’t tied to legal formalities. That means they can focus entirely on you; your story, your values, your way of loving and being together. Celebrant-led ceremonies are personal, creative, and completely tailored. They can include vows you’ve written, readings that hold meaning, cultural or spiritual elements, music that moves you, and rituals that reflect who you are.
In a world where we often rush through life without pausing to honour the moments that matter, I believe ceremonies are sacred, not because of tradition, but because of presence. They give us a chance to say: This love is real. This story deserves to be told.
Registrar vs Celebrant: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide what’s right for your day:
Many couples choose to do the legal bit at the registry office in the days before the wedding; quick, simple and cost-effective. That way, they can use their actual ceremony to celebrate the relationship they’ve built, the future they’re choosing, and the people who are walking that path with them.
A celebrant-led ceremony doesn’t follow a script. It follows your heart.
And in a time when so many of us are yearning for more connection, more truth, and more moments that feel like us, I believe that matters.
If you're planning a wedding in the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Coventry or beyond, and want a ceremony that feels like a true reflection of who you are, I’d love to help. Let’s create something unforgettable. Together.
Get in touch today to start the conversation. You bring the love. I’ll bring the words.
