What Is a Celebrant? Everything You Need to Know About Celebrant Weddings in the UK, Spain & Beyond
By Nikki Kulin, Independent Wedding Celebrant & Celebrant Trainer
Costa del Sol, UK & Destination Weddings Across Europe
Even with the growing popularity of celebrant-led weddings in the UK, Spain, and across Europe, one question I still get asked is:
“What is a Celebrant, exactly?”
Let’s clear it up—and show you why choosing a celebrant (especially this celebrant!) can transform your wedding ceremony into something completely personal, authentic, and unforgettable.
What Makes a Celebrant Wedding Different?
In short: freedom. With a celebrant-led wedding, you can throw the rulebook out the window.
Celebrant ceremonies are not limited to licensed venues or religious scripts. This means you can have your ceremony:
Anywhere—from a Cornish cliffside to a Spanish beach
Anytime—sunrise, sunset, or under the stars
Any way you want—no fixed format, no restrictions
Because the legal marriage paperwork is completed separately at your local registry office (often in a quick, simple appointment), your wedding day becomes entirely your own.
A Ceremony Without Limits—Just Imagination
As a celebrant, I’ve conducted ceremonies on beaches, mountaintops, in olive groves, private gardens, villas, barns, and even a car park (yes, really!). Indoors or outdoors, intimate or grand—it’s completely up to you.
Your location sets the scene, but your story is the soul of the day.
A Celebrant-Led Wedding Means a Ceremony Built Around You
One of the biggest joys of my work is writing ceremonies that feel completely personal. I never use scripts or templates. I begin each ceremony with a blank page and build it from scratch—based on your journey, values, cultures, and quirks.
With my background as a writer, English graduate, and professional celebrant trainer with over five years of experience mentoring new celebrants, I bring a wealth of insight into making your words and ceremony structure feel natural, warm, and truly you.
Writing Your Wedding Vows—Without the Panic
Don’t worry if the thought of writing your vows makes you break out in a cold sweat. I’ve developed a tried-and-tested methodology to help couples write their vows with ease, meaning, and just the right amount of sentiment (and humour, if you like!).
And if speaking them on the day feels too nerve-wracking, I can incorporate your vows into the ceremony in a way that still honours your promises—such as a “Do you promise…” structure or a quieter exchange.
Include a Unique Ritual That Reflects Your Style
Fancy a handfasting? A rose or coin exchange? Something inspired by your heritage or shared love of travel, cocktails, or Harry Potter?
From bespoke Mojito rituals to readings from The Little Prince, I help couples blend their personal traditions, cultural backgrounds, and shared interests into moments that surprise and delight.
With a celebrant wedding, there are no rules—just imagination, creativity, and a lot of heart.
What to Expect on the Day
In the lead-up to your ceremony, we’ll meet (in person or virtually) and stay in regular contact. I’ll help you plan every detail—from where you’ll stand, to how the ceremony flows, to who’s involved.
On the day, I’ll arrive around 90 minutes early to liaise with your team and settle any last-minute nerves. Your ceremony is the start of your celebration, and I make sure it sets the tone: relaxed, personal, and joyful.
Even my most anxious couples say they feel calm, confident, and excited once I’m there.
The Legal Bit: How It Works
In both the UK and Spain, celebrant-led weddings are not currently legally binding. That part is done separately at your local Register Office—usually in a short, simple legal appointment with two witnesses.
Once that’s done, your real wedding—the one with the vows, the tears, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments—happens with me.
Did you know that over 86% of weddings in the UK are now non-religious, with more and more couples choosing celebrants over registrars for a ceremony that feels personal and free?
Why Choose Me as Your Celebrant?
As a seasoned celebrant and trainer of new celebrants with the Institute of Professional Celebrants, I bring not just passion, but professionalism and deep expertise to your day. My ceremonies are known for their warmth, originality, and heart—and I only take on a limited number of weddings each year so I can give each couple the attention they deserve.
When you work with me, you get:
✅ A professionally written, one-of-a-kind ceremony
✅ Full support in writing your vows and structuring your day
✅ A calm, confident, experienced presence on the day
✅ Guidance on incorporating cultural, spiritual, or family traditions
✅ Someone who really gets it—and really gets you
Ready to Create the Ceremony You Actually Want?
Whether you're planning a romantic elopement in Spain, a UK countryside wedding, or a destination celebration in Italy, Portugal, or beyond—I’d love to be part of it.
Let’s create a ceremony that makes your heart sing and your guests say,
"That was the best wedding I’ve ever been to."
Interested in learning more?
Contact me to book a no-obligation discovery call or follow along as I launch The Vow Atelier—a new service dedicated to helping couples craft incredible vows and promises, whether I’m officiating your ceremony or not.
