So What's the Difference?

I am often asked, what’s the difference between a wedding or commitment ceremony officiated by a celebrant & one that is officiated by a clergy person, or justice of the peace or in Florida a notary public?

Well for one a celebrant lead ceremony is one of a kind. There are no two ceremonies alike. Celebrants do not conduct “off the rake” ceremonies. Each Ceremony is custom fitted to reflect the personalities, values, beliefs, customs, and desires of the client. For example the Hallmark of a Celebrant lead wedding ceremony is the couples love story. Each couples love story is unique to them and each element of the ceremony, is a thread that weaves into the couples story, creating a beautiful tapestry. Every element (i.e. music, rituals, readings) is thought out and co-created with the couple to reflect those parts of themselves they want to share with their guest. So what I’m saying is you will not be hearing or viewing the same –old- same old. Celebrant lead ceremonies will capture your attention- you’ll be saying, or thinking- “what’s next?” or “tell me more!” Is that exciting or what?

Another difference you may notice is that the celebrant is not standing center stage with the couples’ back to their guest. The ceremony is all about the couple- not the celebrant. The couple face their guest and the celebrant is off to the side. I need to mention, however there may be certain parts/elements of the ceremony where the couple may choose to face the Celebrant in order to be lead to a space where a ceremonial ritual may take place. The celebrant choreographs each movement in the ceremonial space. Also the couple will choose to face each other during the more intimate rituals such as vow and ring exchanges and during those times the celebrant will be standing with them much like the traditional wedding ceremony.  The celebrant will be reading the ceremony script since it not memorized with fill in the blank names. The script is always unique and meaningful to the couple and may often include antidotes gleamed from the guest, if approved by the couple. The ceremony is the coming together of the couple’s community and gives the guest a feeling of inclusiveness. Another big difference is the fact that there will be no surprises to the couple. They own the ceremony and approve of every last word.  The script is not completed until it is perfect and exactly how the couple wants it and the couple will always receive a copy of the ceremony as a keepsake.