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Crafting Perfect Ceremonies

for Priceless Memories

Personal, Thoughtful And Professional Ceremonies For All Life’s Most Important Occasions.

Weddings & Vow Renewals

If you want a short and sweet scripted service, then I am not your gal. I only write ceremonies that are wholeheartedly yours. I tell your love story through meaningful text, readings, songs, poetry and laughter. I meet most couples face to face to understand what makes your story unique.

Funerals

Your loved one’s final goodbye should be as exactly as they were in life. I consider it an honor of the highest kind to be able to tell your loved one’s story. I do this by getting to know them through family and friends and then telling the story through visual tribute, music, poetry, readings and supporting loved ones who wish to speak their own words.

Naming Ceremonies

Welcoming someone into your family should be met with Ceremony!! Whether this be the welcoming of a tiny new addition to the family, a heartfelt Adoption Ceremony, where a child is officially welcomed into the family or a Naming Ceremony to welcome or introduce yourself after transitioning. All should be celebrated with an official ceremony

About Me

Hi, I'm Kelley

“I’m an Independent Celebrant based in Hertfordshire but cover all surrounding counties. I conduct ceremonies for all of life’s important events, including weddings, funeral, naming ceremonies and renewal of vows. I’m a friendly, warm and professional celebrant. I know how important it is to have a celebrant who takes a leadership role, regardless of the type of ceremony they are conducting, so this is something that I pride myself on providing the families, couples and individuals I work with. I do this because I love it, I love being part of such momentous occasions and consider it an honor to be entrusted with so many personal details about a person’s life and love. I decided to do this after suffering a terrible loss of my own, my son, and every day I strive to make him proud by living each day to its fullest, to embrace love and what makes up happy and to honor those we love”

Services

The beauty of a Wedding ceremony led by me, is that there is complete versatility in the style, length and setting of your Ceremony. I work closely with couples to ensure it is exactly as you want. This is your opportunity to tell your very special love story, interwoven with special memories, poems and speeches that are read either by myself or close friends or family members.

Your Wedding ceremony can take place inside or outside a venue; for example, it can take place on a beach, in a museum, in a stately home or in mum and dad’s back garden. It can be as formal or relaxed as you want and all the special people will still be there, including the Best Man, bridesmaids and ring bearers. You can exchange Wedding rings and Wedding vows that have written specially for each other. There are no standard vows in my ceremonies, only words spoken from your heart to your partners

The majority of ceremonies conducted by me are non-religious but can contain religious elements and can also include traditional and cultural customs such as hand-fasting etc. My ceremonies are usually very relaxed and special because of its personalised touches and its bespoke style. I make sure to spend plenty of time with the happy couple before your Wedding Day, helping you to plan the Wedding of your dreams, so it is not surprising that often a special and lasting friendship develops too.

A Vow Renewal is a ceremony in which two people reaffirm their commitment to each other through a ceremony or service. This ceremony can be conducted anywhere in the whole world, and it does not have to be held in a registered or religious building/area, like a lot of Weddings. Usually, a lot of people renew their vows to show their commitment to each other throughout the years of being married, and usually these ceremonies are often conducted in intervals i.e., after 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, 25 years or 50 years. A lot of people find it reassuring and usually they will find that their love grows more and more each day, which is why they want to celebrate their love. 

As for the structure of the ceremony, Vow Renewals are usually very similar to Weddings in terms of timings, style and how the day is planned out. Usually, a Vow Renewal will consist of a couple, a Vow Renewal Celebrant & their guests. Of course, you can also have an intimate ceremony and not include any guests if you choose too. There are also several types of Vow Renewal Traditions which you and your partner can choose from; for example, handfasting (which is a tradition in which two people tie their hands with a ribbon), a religious ceremony, a non-religious ceremony, relationship repair ceremony, a group vow renewal ceremony (a number of couples renew their vows) & a standard vow renewal ceremony between two people. 

There are no real legalities when it comes to Vow Renewal Ceremonies, unlike a Wedding of course, which is a legally binding ceremony. A Vow Renewal can be as bespoke and personal as you wish, you will be able to include poems, gifts, writings, music and more!

A unity ceremony is a tradition that can be one of the most beautiful parts of the overall ceremony because it’s a visual symbol of two lives coming together as one. Over the years, it’s also become one of the best ways for a couple to personalise their wedding. From lighting a taper candle to creating a cocktail, couples are finding sweet and sentimental ways to make the unity ceremony their own, which is why I love adding these moments

Including a Unity ceremonies provides one of the few moments on your wedding day to slow down, pause, and reflect on the promises you’ve made to each other, there are truly creative unity ceremony ideas, so here are some of my favorites to help you pick the one that speaks to you!

Make A Unity Ceremony Sandwich

This one is one of the cutest, most lighthearted unity ceremonies that we have ever seen. Choose your favorite sandwich, prepare both slices of bread, and bring the sandwich together as a sweet—and tasty—metaphor for your new marriage, also a great way to get younger kids involved

Light A Unity Candle

This is by far the most traditional unity ceremony option, so it’s perfect for couples who want something a bit more classic. Before the ceremony, three candles are placed on the altar: two taper candles and one large candle—the “unity candle”—in the middle. At the beginning of the ceremony, a member from each family–traditionally the mothers–lights one of the taper candles. After you exchange vows, each spouse uses one of the candles to light the unity candle at the same time. If either or both of you have children, you can even get the entire family involved. Just add extra taper candles for each child and invite them to join you as you light the unity candle.

Plant A Tree Together

Many couples are drawn to the symbolism found in nature, which makes a tree-planting ceremony such a great option–especially for outdoor weddings. Before the ceremony, a tree is placed in a large pot near the front of the space. During the ceremony, you each take turns adding soil and water to the pot. Then, when the wedding is over, you can take the tree home and plant it in your garden

We’ve even seen couples who get married in their own backyard plant the tree directly in the ground during the ceremony. This is a truly touching unity ceremony idea that will be a constant and ever-growing reminder of your commitment to each other.

Warm The Ring

In this unity ceremony, the couple’s wedding rings are placed either in a lovely box or sometimes tied together. The officiant gives them to the first person and asks them to take a moment, hold the rings in their hands– warming the rings up–and put their happy thoughts, well wishes, or prayers for the couple silently into the rings. They then pass them on to the next guest and the rings make their way around to all guests before coming back to the officiant where the couple will then place the rings on each other’s finger.

This works really well with intimate or micro weddings but can be done at larger weddings as well. It brings extra loving, positive energy to the ceremony and is a wonderful way to include all of your guests in that special moment of your special day.

Seal An Anniversary Box

This super sweet unity ceremony idea also serves as an anniversary surprise. Have a custom box made with your names and your wedding date, and place it on a table along with handwritten love letters and a bottle of wine. If you plan to wait for your five or ten-year anniversary, ask an expert to help you pick a wine that will age nicely.

During the unity ceremony, you will both place the love letters and the bottle of wine in the box and seal it shut–either with a hammer and nails or a lock. During the ceremony, you can have the officiant explain the significance of the wine you chose and the anniversary you plan to open it. When that date rolls around, enjoy a trip down memory lane as you enjoy a glass of wine, read your love letters, and remember your magical wedding day!”

Pour Sand For Your Unity Ceremony

This is another oldie-but-goodie that continues to evolve as couples find modern ways to make it their own. The most common sand pouring ceremony involves two jars of sand that you both pour into a single glass. If you want to create a statement art piece for your home, you can use two different colors and layer them or create a unique design inside the jar. We’ve also seen clear frames in which you place a photo of yourselves and pour the sand into the background space.

If you have children, you can also use multiple jars of sand–labeled with each person’s name–to pour into the collective jar. You can then display the jar in your home as a reminder of your new, unified family.

Create A Cocktail

This might be our current favorite unity ceremony idea because it combines the sentimentality of tradition with a fun—and delicious—modern twist. If you are beer lovers, pour two different but complementary beers–usually a light and a dark–into a glass and enjoy your first brew as husband and wife. If liquor is your thing, gather up single servings of your favorite ingredients, shake them up, and enjoy your custom creation. We recommend choosing a simple cocktail, such as a single mixer and liquor so that you can pour it together effortlessly.

Baby Naming Ceremonies

Welcome to a Journey of Love and Joy

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most magical experiences life has to offer. A baby naming ceremony is a heartfelt way to celebrate the arrival of your precious little one, surrounded by loved ones. It’s a moment to bestow your child with a name that carries hope, meaning, and love.

What is a Baby Naming Ceremony?

A baby naming ceremony is a beautiful alternative to religious ceremonies, designed to welcome your baby into the world and introduce them to family and friends. It is a joyous occasion filled with love, promises, and dreams for your child’s future.

Personalized Ceremonies Tailored to Your Family

Every family is unique, and so should be every naming ceremony. I work closely with you to create a personalized ceremony that reflects your values, beliefs, and wishes for your child. From selecting readings and music to incorporating meaningful rituals, every detail is crafted to make this day unforgettable.

Ceremony Elements:

  • Welcome and Introduction: Welcoming guests and introducing the significance of the day.
  • Naming and Blessing: Officially naming your child and offering blessings and good wishes.
  • Promises and Commitments: Parents and godparents (or chosen guardians) make promises to guide and support the child.
  • Readings and Poems: Special readings, poems, or messages from family and friends.
  • Symbolic Rituals: Candle lighting, planting a tree, or other meaningful rituals.
  • Closing Remarks: Concluding the ceremony with words of hope and love for the future.

Celebrate Your Baby’s Arrival with Love and Joy

Let’s create a ceremony that not only celebrates your baby’s arrival but also honors your family’s journey and dreams. Contact me today to begin planning a baby naming ceremony that will be remembered for a lifetime.

 

Renaming Ceremonies

Embrace Your New Identity with Grace and Pride

A renaming ceremony is a profound way to honor and celebrate a new chapter in life. Whether you are reclaiming your identity, transitioning, or simply wish to redefine who you are, a renaming ceremony is a powerful affirmation of your true self.

What is a Renaming Ceremony?

A renaming ceremony is a personalized event that acknowledges and celebrates your new name and the journey it represents. It is an opportunity to gather with loved ones, share your story, and embrace your new identity with pride and joy.

Creating Meaningful and Personal Ceremonies

Every renaming ceremony is as unique as the individual it celebrates. I work with you to craft a ceremony that resonates with your personal journey and reflects your values, beliefs, and aspirations. Together, we’ll create a memorable occasion that honors your past and celebrates your future.

Ceremony Elements:

  • Welcome and Introduction: Welcoming guests and explaining the significance of the renaming.
  • Sharing Your Journey: Sharing your story, the reasons for your name change, and what it means to you.
  • Official Naming: Formally announcing your new name and its significance.
  • Affirmations and Blessings: Friends and family offer affirmations, blessings, and messages of support.
  • Symbolic Rituals: Incorporating rituals such as a certificate signing, lighting a unity candle, or other meaningful acts.
  • Celebratory Activities: Music, poetry, or other creative expressions that reflect your identity.
  • Closing Remarks: Concluding the ceremony with hopeful and empowering words for your future.

Celebrate Your Identity with a Renaming Ceremony

Embrace your new name and identity with a ceremony that is as unique and special as you are. Let’s work together to create a day that celebrates your journey, honors your courage, and sets the stage for your future. Contact me today to start planning your renaming ceremony.

Through experience, both professionally and personally, I know how hard it is for people to make decisions about what their loved ones would have wanted. Usually down to the pain of loss, but also in many circumstances, their loved ones never made it very clear their wishes for their service. And sometimes when there are no plans for a funeral ceremony, loved ones may have to guess what their wishes might be, and this can cause confusion and additional worry, sometimes even disagreement.

I can offer a pre-planning service allows people to discuss their funeral wishes with a in advance and know that these have been recorded.

I talk to them about the type of funeral or memorial service they would like to have, who you would like to be involved, what music should be played, which poems or text should be included, and whether they would like anyone to contribute a tribute or a reading. I can advise on many practical matters and suggest ways in which to make the ceremony unique and meaningful.

The fee charged will reflect the level of service you require: an enquiry (free of charge); consultation only; script writing; a full ceremony delivery.

Pricing

Weddings

£ 700
00
  • Initial Big Picture Meeting
  • Unlimited Call / Zoom Meetings
  • Venue Run through
  • Personalised Service
  • Handwritten Vows
  • Presentation Certificate
  • Presentation copies of Service

Vow Renewal

£ 600
00
  • Initial Big Picture Meeting
  • Unlimited Call / Zoom Meetings
  • Venue Run through
  • Personalised Service
  • Handwritten Vows
  • Presentation Certificate
  • Presentation copies of Service

Naming Ceremonies

£ 350
00
  • Initial Naming Meeting
  • Reading / Music Suggestions
  • Venue Meeting
  • Presentation Certificate

Funeral Service

£ 250
00
  • Initial face to face meeting to Discuss Service
  • Eulogy Writing
  • Poetry / Reading Suggestions
  • Service Design, including any personalisation
  • Liase with Funeral Director
  • Music / Reading Suggestions
  • Order of Service Content

Contact

For further information on any of my services please feel free to get in touch using the contact form or email me directly using the address at the bottom of this page.

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