Just Ceremonies help you decide who to choose to lead your ceremony

Just Ceremonies Jackie Aldrich and Deb Stodgell

Jackie Aldrich and Deb Stodgell together are Just Ceremonies, based in Somerset. Here, they explain just what sets a celebrant and a registrar apart, as well as which might be the best fit for you when it comes to your ceremony.

"When it comes to deciding on who you would like to lead your wedding ceremony, you indeed have several choices. Here's an overview of them:

"Minister of faith/religious officiant: If you and your partner are affiliated with a particular religious tradition, you might opt for a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leaders to officiate at your wedding. This can be a meaningful choice if you want to incorporate your faith's traditions and rituals into the ceremony.

"Registrar: Registrars are government-appointed officials who are authorised to perform legal marriages. Opting for a registrar-led ceremony might be a good choice if you're looking for a straightforward and legally binding ceremony without any religious or personal touches.

"Celebrant: Celebrants are non-religious officiants who can create personalised and customised ceremonies that reflect your beliefs, values, and preferences. They can work with you to design a ceremony that's meaningful and unique to you as a couple. This is a popular choice for couples who want a secular ceremony that focuses on their love story and shared values.

"Destination wedding officiant: If you're having a destination wedding, some venues or locations might offer their own officiants as part of the package. These officiants are often experienced in conducting ceremonies for couples from various backgrounds.

"When choosing your officiant, consider factors such as your beliefs, values, the type of ceremony you envision, and the legal requirements in your location. It's a good idea to meet with potential officiants to discuss your preferences and get a sense of their style and approach before making a decision. Regardless of your choice, make sure your officiant is someone who resonates with you and can help create a memorable and meaningful ceremony."

Find out more at www.justceremonies.co.uk

You may also be interested in

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

READ ARTICLE

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

READ ARTICLE

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

READ ARTICLE

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

READ ARTICLE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine on YouTube

VISIT SITE

Subscribe to Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine for free

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE