Celebrant vs Registrar: What’s the Difference?

When couples first get in touch with me, they often say the same thing:

"We didn’t even realise there was a choice."

And honestly? That makes total sense.

Most of us grow up thinking a wedding ceremony is just… the bit you have to do before the party starts. You walk in, say the words, sign the register, done. But here’s the thing I tell every couple I work with:

Your ceremony isn’t just the start of your wedding day… it’s the whole point of it.

So choosing who marries you matters more than you might think.

So, what’s the actual difference?

A registrar is there to make your marriage legal. They’re government-appointed, they follow a set structure, and they’ll guide you through a ceremony that ticks all the legal boxes. And they do that job really well. But… it’s not designed to be deeply personal.

A celebrant (hi, that’s me) is there for something completely different.

I’m not there to “process” your marriage. I’m there to tell your story. To create a ceremony that feels like you, sounds like you, and actually moves you (and your guests).

The only catch? In England, celebrant ceremonies aren’t legally binding—so you’ll pop into a registry office separately to do the paperwork. 

Most of my couples make this a separate and lovely occasion a few days/weeks before the full blown wedding day. It takes about 15 minutes and £68.50 to be exact (since I last checked) and is called a 2 + 2. I walk you through this process.

The part no one really tells you…

A registrar ceremony is often the most overlooked part of the day.

Not because it’s bad—but because it’s limited.

There are time slots. Scripts. Guidelines. Other weddings booked before and after yours. You can personalise it a little, but only within a certain box.

And for some couples, that’s absolutely fine. But if you’re someone who:

• Feels things deeply

• Cares about meaning

• Wants your wedding to feel like yours, not a template

…then that structure can feel a bit… flat.

What a celebrant ceremony actually feels like

This is the bit I wish you could experience before choosing.

A celebrant ceremony doesn’t feel like a formal procedure. It feels like a moment.

It’s the nervous smiles when you first see each other.
The laughter when your story is told in a way that’s so you.
The tears you didn’t expect (from you, your partner, your mum, your best friend…).

It’s your guests leaning in—not switching off.

Because they’re not listening to a script. They’re listening to your story.

And suddenly, the ceremony isn’t something to get through.

It’s the bit everyone talks about afterwards.

And then, there’s the freedom…

This is where things get really exciting. With a registrar, you’re tied to licensed venues.

With a celebrant? You can get married:

• At the venue of your dreams inside OR outside (where they are often un-licensed)

• On the beach in Brighton with the sea behind you

• In a woodland in West Sussex

• In a vineyard in France (yep, done that)

• At an elegant or artsy city bar in London (save me a spicy marg)

• In your garden, surrounded by the people you love most

• Somewhere completely unexpected and personal to you

No rules. No restrictions. No “you can’t do that”.

Want to include your children? Your dog? A ritual? A surprise? A song?

We make it happen.

Why so many couples are choosing celebrants now

I’ve seen such a shift—especially here in Brighton and across West Sussex.

Couples are moving away from “what weddings should look like”… and creating something that actually fits them.

And once you realise you don’t have to settle for a standard ceremony, it’s very hard to go back.

Because why would you?

So… which one is right for you?

If you want something simple, quick, and purely legal—a registrar is a great choice.

But if you want a ceremony that:

• Feels personal, emotional, and completely you

• Has your guests laughing, crying, and fully present

• Becomes one of the most memorable parts of your entire day

…then a celebrant-led wedding is on a completely different level.

If you’re planning a wedding in Brighton or West Sussex…

…So if you’re even slightly leaning towards something more personal, more relaxed, more meaningful…

I’d love to chat about what you want your day to feel like, and whether I’m the right fit to help you create it.

Head over to my contact page and tell me a bit about you—I read every message, and I’d genuinely love to hear your story.