FAQ
Why should we choose Nicholas Howden?
I’m a friendly, relaxed, down to earth and genuine professional; I’m an actor: capturing the essence of people is what I do; I have a talent for instinctively finding the balance between humour and formality; and adapting tone and style to suit your preference comes easily. I have the confidence of someone with a lifetime of experience working in front of an audience and, above all, as a professional I am organised, committed and reliable.
My natural warmth and positivity make me easy to talk to (and I’m easy company, so you can focus on your own thoughts and ideas without concern for the guest in the room); I’ll come away from our conversations with a clear idea of the essence of you as a couple and a well-defined idea of the style and tone of ceremony you want me to deliver - finding the sweet spot between reverence and irreverence!
Why use a celebrant? Personalisation: Celebrant-led ceremonies allow for a high degree of personalisation. Couples can work closely with the celebrant to create a ceremony that reflects their personalities, values, and unique love story. This level of customisation is often more flexible than the standardised ceremonies conducted by registrars or clergy. Flexibility in Location: While registrars typically officiate weddings in designated venues (such as registry offices or approved locations), celebrants can often conduct ceremonies in any venue. This flexibility allows couples to choose locations that are personally meaningful to them, such as their homes, gardens, beaches, or other non-traditional venues. Non-Religious or Mixed-Faith Ceremonies: Celebrant-led ceremonies are popular among couples who want a wedding that is not tied to a specific religious tradition or who come from different religious backgrounds. Celebrants can create ceremonies that are inclusive and respectful of diverse beliefs. Creative Rituals and Symbolism: Celebrants often work with couples to incorporate unique rituals, symbols, or cultural elements into the ceremony. This can add a meaningful and personalised touch to the wedding, making it a truly special and memorable occasion. Focus on the Couple: Celebrants are typically focused on the couple and their story. Unlike registrars who may have a more official or legal role, celebrants emphasise creating a ceremony that is centred around the couple's love and commitment to each other. Renewal of Vows and Commitment Ceremonies: Celebrants are often chosen for vow renewals or commitment ceremonies, providing a meaningful way for couples to reaffirm their love and commitment to each other, even if they are not legally marrying. It's important to note that celebrant-led ceremonies do not have legal standing in terms of marriage. Therefore, couples usually need to complete the legal aspects of their marriage separately, often through a brief civil ceremony conducted by a registrar. The celebrant-led ceremony is then a symbolic and personalised celebration of the union. Ultimately, the decision to use a celebrant depends on the couple's preferences, values, and the type of wedding experience they desire.
What is the difference between a registrar and a celebrant? A registrar in the UK is an official responsible for maintaining official records, particularly related to births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships. In the context of marriages and civil partnerships, registrars play a crucial role in conducting and registering these ceremonies. Couples wishing to get married or form a civil partnership typically need to give notice at the local registry office, and the ceremony is often conducted by a registrar. A celebrant, on the other hand, is someone who conducts ceremonies and rituals for various life events, including weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies.
Does the legal ceremony and the celebrant-led wedding need to happen the same day? No, they are often conducted as separate events. Here's how it typically works: Legal Marriage Ceremony: The legal aspect of marriage is usually performed in a registry office or another venue approved for civil ceremonies. This ceremony is relatively straightforward and focuses on meeting the legal requirements for marriage. Couples may choose to have a small, intimate ceremony with only a few witnesses to fulfill the legal obligations. Celebrant-Led Wedding Ceremony: The celebrant-led ceremony is a more personalised and symbolic celebration of the marriage. It can take place on the same day or at a later date, allowing the couple to choose a location and format that is meaningful to them. By separating the legal and celebratory aspects, couples can have greater flexibility and creativity in planning their wedding. Some couples may choose to have the legal ceremony on a weekday for logistical reasons or convenience and then have the celebrant-led ceremony on a different day, perhaps on a weekend when more friends and family can attend. It's essential to communicate with both the registry office and the chosen celebrant to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that both ceremonies are coordinated appropriately. The legal ceremony conducted by the registrar is what officially recognises the marriage in the eyes of the law, while the celebrant-led ceremony is the declaration of your love for each other in front of family and friends.
Are you an humanist celebrant? No, I am an independent celebrant, which means I can incorporate as much or as little of any religion you deem appropriate - most humanist celebrants will not include any religion of any kind (though some may well be more accommodating).