Celebrant vs. Registrar: Which Is Right for Your Wedding?
- Isabel Raposo
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Celebrant vs Registrar: Which One Should Officiate Your Wedding?
Choosing who will lead your wedding ceremony is a big decision — it sets the tone for your entire day. Whether you're dreaming of a personal, story-filled celebration or a simple legal ceremony, the choice usually comes down to celebrant vs registrar.
This guide breaks down the key differences, pros, and cons of each option, so you can decide what’s best for your wedding.
What Is a Registrar?
A registrar is a government official who conducts legally binding weddings. In the UK, they work through local councils and usually perform ceremonies at registry offices, licensed venues, or approved locations.
Benefits of Choosing a Registrar:
Legally recognised: Your marriage is official the moment you say “I do.”
Efficient and straightforward: Ideal for couples who want a quick, no-fuss ceremony.
Government-approved venues: Easy to arrange in registry offices or licensed wedding venues.
Limitations of a Registrar Ceremony
Limited personalisation: Registrars use a standard script with little room for creativity.
Venue restrictions: Ceremonies can only take place in licensed locations.
Limited availability: You might not meet your registrar until the day of the wedding.
What Is a Celebrant?
A celebrant is a trained professional who creates and performs personalised wedding ceremonies. Unlike registrars, celebrants are not restricted by legal language, scripts, or venue rules.
Benefits of Choosing a Celebrant
Fully custom ceremonies: Your story, your way — with readings, rituals, music, and vows you choose.
Total location freedom: Get married anywhere — a beach, your garden, a forest, or even your living room.
Choose your officiant: You get to meet your celebrant ahead of time and build a relationship or you can ask a friend or a family member to conduct the ceremony
Include cultural or spiritual elements: Celebrants can incorporate any traditions or beliefs you value.
Deeper connection: Celebrants take time to understand you as a couple, creating a more intimate and heartfelt experience.
Limitations of a Celebrant Ceremony
Not legally binding in the UK and other EU Countries: In England and Wales, you'll need to register your marriage separately at a registry office.
Additional cost: Celebrants provide a bespoke service, which may cost more than a basic civil ceremony at the Registry Office.
Celebrant vs Registrar: Which One Is Right for You?
The right choice depends on your priorities, your budget, and how you want your ceremony to feel.
If you want... | Go with... |
A legally binding ceremony in one step | Registrar |
A simple, civil ceremony | Registrar |
A completely personalised experience | Celebrant |
The freedom to marry anywhere | Celebrant |
Cultural, spiritual or symbolic elements | Celebrant |
Someone who knows your story | Celebrant |
Two Step Ceremony that is legally binding and includes cultural, spiritual or symbolic elements | Both |
Can You Have Both?
Yes! Many couples choose to do the legal ceremony with a registrar first, then have a celebrant-led ceremony at the venue or vice-versa. This gives you legal peace of mind and the freedom to design a meaningful celebration that reflects your personalities and tells your love story.
Need Help Planning Your Ceremony?
Your wedding ceremony should feel like you, whether that means legal simplicity, deep emotional connection, or total creative freedom. Whether you choose a registrar, a celebrant, or decide to include both, the most important thing is that your ceremony reflects your love, your values, and your story.
This is your day — make it truly unforgettable.
We work with experienced celebrants and trusted wedding suppliers to help you plan a ceremony that’s personal, heartfelt, and stress-free. Ready to create a unique intimate and heartfelt ceremony that it's personalised to your personalities and that tells your love story? Get in touch to get started.
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