Wedding Celebrations
I am often asked if I will conduct weddings. The answer is a very definite "Yes"!
As a trained and experienced Minister I have been preparing couples for their "Big Day" over many years.
I believe that, with the right guidance and advice, every couple can achieve the Wedding Celebration they desire. I shall be delighted to talk to you about what you have in mind. I can offer as many suggestions for readings, symbolic acts and musical items as you wish.
Many couples prefer to write their own vows and promises and I can certainly help out with this. I can show you various forms of words that can provide inspiration - or you can simply use words that others have already found meaningful and expressive.
We can certainly do "contemporary" and "alternative". But following the tremendous interest shown in the very traditional Service of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, we can draw on the language and rites that have been cherished over several centuries. The choice is yours.
Legal Formalities
In England and Wales you will need to comply with the legal requirements first. This will be done in your local Register Office earlier the same day or a few days before your Ceremony. The whole thing takes no more than 10 minutes - you can turn up in jeans and t-shirts, with two witnesses. Rings won't need to be exchanged. Following this, you can have the Wedding you really want.
Advantages
- While the legal part has to be done in a licenced building between the hours of 8am and 6pm, the Ceremony can be held anywhere you wish - hotel, garden, marquee, on the beach - the sky's the limit!
- For a Register Office wedding, there are strict rules about what can and cannot be said - in particular, no religious readings or words of any description. Although you may not want a traditional religious wedding, we can include aspects of Christian or other traditions in a way that you feel most appropriate.
- Although you may wish to hold your Wedding in a hotel, it is also possible to arrange it in a far less expensive setting - for example, in a garden or a local village hall.
- Some clergy are incredibly helpful and warm-hearted when it comes to helping couples plan their nuptials. Others can be more problematic, however. They may impose rather strict criteria on who they will or will not marry, the "marriage preparation" classes you must attend, and how frequently you will be required to attend church. During my time as a full-time church Minister I had to abide by rather strict rules myself, and so I am now delighted to be liberated from such constraints and free to help you arrange the Special Day of your dreams.
- Wedding planning can be a stressful activity and not everyone is easy to please! I have worked with all kinds of people and can help you to handle issues with more sensitive family members - and I don't just mean the prospective mother-in-law!
Do get in touch if you think I may be able to help you.
Andrew Bryant MA
Independent Minister and Celebrant
07906 758570
Email me@andrewbryant.co.uk