Every ceremony I create is written completely from scratch. I'll get to know you properly, find the stories and little details that make your relationship yours, and turn them into a ceremony filled with warmth, personality, laughter and all the moments that matter.
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you want, either. I'll guide you through everything - from the overall feel of your ceremony to vows, readings, music and ways to involve the people (or pets!) you love. Romantic, funny, sentimental, completely unconventional or a bit of everything - we'll work out what feels right for you.
From our first chat to standing beside you on your wedding day, I'll be there to make the whole process feel easy, relaxed and genuinely enjoyable.
I spent five years working as a registrar and had the privilege of conducting hundreds of weddings. I loved being part of such an important moment in people's lives, but I also saw how limiting a standard ceremony could sometimes be.
I knew there was so much more room for personality, storytelling, laughter and all those little details that make a couple who they are - and that's what led me to become an independent celebrant.
I trained with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy and created Emily Ayres Celebrates so I could combine everything I'd learned from hundreds of ceremonies with the freedom to create something completely personal.
For me, the best ceremonies aren't about following traditions for the sake of it. They're about getting to know the people in front of me, telling their story properly and creating a moment that feels unmistakably theirs.
Because the ceremony isn't just the bit you have to get through before the party starts. It's the reason everyone's there in the first place.
Not your average wedding ceremony. And that's rather the point.
In a word, no.
Independent celebrants cannot perform legal marriages in England and Wales (yet!)
Most couples choose to complete the legal paperwork separately at a Register Office either before or after their celebrant-led ceremony.
The benefit? Your celebrant ceremony can be held anywhere and designed entirely around you
A registrar is a Council employee. Two registrars will attend a ceremony, one will officiate the ceremony, and the other will register. They will conduct a legal marriage and must follow a prescribed script in a licensed venue. However, you will have very little choice over the wording of your script, if any at all. You may never have met the registrars who turn up on the day. Your registrars will more than likely have other ceremonies on the same day, and usually quite close together.
As a celebrant I only book one wedding per day, and I write a completely bespoke script especially for you. We will have built up a rapport over the months we will have worked together, and I will be a recognisable friendly face on your wedding day.
As someone who has worked as a registrar, I understand both sides and can guide you through the process clearly and calmly.
Yes please! Our first conversation is completely free and there is no obligation to book. You are choosing the person who will speak at your wedding. You should like them!
Nope. Not ever. Not for anyone. If I am at your wedding, I have nowhere else to be that day.
Yes, I provide guidance with personal vows, readings, rituals, and music choices to help shape a ceremony that feels natural and meaningful.
This is all provided as part of my fee
Once you get in touch we’ll arrange a relaxed discovery call to see if we’re the right fit. If you decide to book, a booking fee secures your date, you sign the contract, and we begin creating your ceremony together.
You can reach me anytime via my contact page on my website - www.emilyayrescelebrates.co.uk or by email - [email protected]