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This is one of the most common questions I get asked by couples:
“Do we need a registrar if we have a celebrant?”
And honestly? It’s a good one.
There isn’t an easy answer so let’s talk it through — simply and clearly..
Where Are You in Your Wedding Planning?
You’ve picked your date, booked your venue and been told to book your registrar so you don’t miss out. If you go ahead and book your registrar then it’s probably going to be too late to book your celebrant. If you haven’t, this is when you’ll probably come across this celebrant vs. registrar decision.
Let’s break down what each one actually does.
So, What Does a Registrar Do?
A registrar is the officiant who legally marries you. They’re authorised by the local Council to complete the legal formalities — that means checking you are who you say you are, signing the paperwork and saying the legally required words.
This can happen at the registry office, or they will come out to your licensed venue,, which will usually be for a higher fee). The ceremony itself is likely to be short and standard, the correct words spoken, and job done. You can have some readings or music but these will have been agreed with the registrar beforehand.
Obviously the ceremony is perfectly valid, but it’s not very personal to you as a couple. You’ll have met a registrar when you visited to present your paperwork and book the date, but you will not have met the registrar who will be officiating at your marriage.
And, What Does a Celebrant Do?
Now this is where it get exciting.
A celebrant - me - will create your ceremony, one that’s all about you — because we will have met, chatted and got to know each other. We may have been corresponding for over a year about your day. I am able to tell your story, show your personalities, and through the ceremony help give you the type of day you want.
There’s time to include personal vows (either written by you or with help from me), readings, speeches by friends or family, symbolic rituals, a few laughs, and even space to remember loved ones. The whole experience is created with you, from scratch, with as much or as little input as you like.
The only thing a celebrant can’t do is the legal part.
But don’t worry — because I’ve got that covered.
How to Make It Work: The Best of Both Worlds
This is a two-part process
Do the legal part at the registry office.
Book a slot at your registry office on a weekday and pop in with two witnesses. Sign the paperwork, say the legal words, and you’re married in the eyes of the law. It can take about 15 minutes, you don’t have to exchange rings and can cost as little as £60, plus all standard charges which you have to pay regardless of how you get married..
Then have your personal, celebrant-led ceremony wherever you want and whenever you want.
This is the good bit. You can get married at a wedding venue or hotel, woodland, your nan’s garden, a field with a tipi… wherever feels right.
Your ceremony can be relaxed, fun, meaningful, and totally unique to you both. And I’ll be there, not just to lead it, but to make sure your ceremony runs smoothly on the day. Don’t forget, a celebrant does not need a licensed venue.
You Can Do Both on the Same Day (But…)
It is possible to have both a registrar and a celebrant at the same licensed venue on the same day, and it would have to be licensed.
But just so that you know — it can be expensive. You’d be paying for both of us, and registrars charge more to come out to venues. If you're looking for something truly personal without the extra cost, doing the legal part separately makes a lot more sense.
Why Do Couples Choose a Celebrant?
If you want:
A ceremony that tells your story your way and you don’t want to choose a generic script
Flexibility with timings and location
A relaxed vibe with the option to include family, pets, or symbolic rituals
A ceremony that actually feels like you
…then a celebrant-led ceremony is probably the one for you.
Now let’s now come back to the original question
Do You Need a Registrar?
Yes — for the legal paperwork, which can be done anytime, either before or after your celebrant-led wedding.
What you don’t need is a registrar-led ceremony if what you’re really looking for is something personal and memorable.
Conclusion
For a ceremony that’s going to make your guests laugh, cry, and say “that was so them” — then go for a celebrant.
And if you’re leaning that way already... well, I know someone who’d love to help.