When it comes to getting married in the UK, there are two main types of officials who can perform legal wedding ceremonies – Registrars and Celebrants. While both are authorised to conduct weddings, they have different roles and responsibilities. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Registrars and Celebrants and why you need both for your wedding.

Registrars

Registrars are government officials who are authorised to conduct legal marriage ceremonies. They work for local councils and are responsible for registering births, deaths, and marriages. When you book a ceremony with a Registrar, you’ll have a choice of approved venues where the ceremony can take place, such as a registry office, town hall, or licensed premises. Registrars are required to follow a set script and say certain phrases during the ceremony to make it legally binding.

Celebrants

Celebrants, on the other hand, are not government officials and are not authorised to conduct legal marriages. They are trained and certified professionals who specialise in creating personalised, non-religious ceremonies that reflect the couple’s values and beliefs. Celebrants work with the couple to create a unique ceremony that tells their story and includes readings, music, and rituals that are meaningful to them.

Why you need both

While Celebrants cannot perform legal marriages, they can create a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that reflects your personalities and values. They can include elements such as handfasting, unity candles, and sand ceremonies, which are not allowed in a legal ceremony conducted by a Registrar. However, if you want your marriage to be legally recognized, you will need to have a Registrar conduct your ceremony and sign the marriage license.

In conclusion, Registrars and Celebrants both have important roles to play in your wedding. While Registrars handle the legal aspects of your ceremony, Celebrants can create a personalised and meaningful experience that reflects your unique relationship. By working with both, you can have the best of both worlds and create a wedding that is both legally recognised and deeply meaningful. and why you currently need both in the UK