What is a celebrant-led wedding? A thoughtful alternative to a traditional ceremony

They say it takes a village to plan a wedding and anyone who’s been through it knows that’s true... At Ethica Diamonds, we’re lucky to be a small part of many unique love stories. One beautiful way couples bring their journey to life and create a truly memorable experience is through a celebrant-led wedding ceremony. We recently spoke with Marie-Claire from Willow and Wild Weddings,, a celebrant based in Devon and Cornwall, who shared her insights into the joy and meaning behind her role..

How would you describe the role of a celebrant? And why do you feel they bring something truly special to a couple’s wedding day?

At the core of it all, they are the one who writes and delivers the ceremony - think of it as leading the couple (and their guests) through one of the most significant moments in their lives. Unlike a traditional officiant or registrar who speaks from religious or legal scripts, a celebrant will craft a ceremony that’s a reflection of the couple’s personalities, values and love story. It’s all about connecting and working with the couple in the months leading up to the wedding day. A lot of couples opt to include funny stories and anecdotes which really sets the tone for the rest of the day.

There are so many reasons why choosing a celebrant-led wedding can make your wedding day extra special. For one, the time and care that goes into building a relationship before the day itself. It’s not just about turning up and reading a script - it’s about getting to know the couple and what matters most to them. That connection is everything. By the time your wedding day arrives, your celebrant often feels more like a friend - someone you trust, who’s been with you through the planning process. It can be a nerve-racking experience standing up there in front of everyone and having a familiar face holding space for you (besides your partner!) can make all the difference.

One of the most exciting things about working with an independent celebrant is the total freedom you have. Want to include a handfasting ritual? Blend spiritual and cultural elements? Write your own vows or surprise each other on the day? There are no rules - anything that reflects you can be woven in. I think historically, people saw the ceremony as the ‘boring admin’ part of the wedding day. But with a celebrant, it becomes the heart of the celebration, as it should be!

Weddings are all about love, joy, and celebrating life, it’s easy to see the draw! But what was it that made you want to become a celebrant in particular?

To be totally honest, I fell into this job by accident. Some very dear friends asked me to officiate their wedding in Mexico. I hesitated at first - public speaking didn’t exactly feel like my natural habitat - but I said yes, deciding that my best effort would be good enough for them and they would just appreciate me saying yes. What I didn’t expect was the electric feeling I had once the ceremony was over. Watching two people I love walk back down the aisle, grinning from ear to ear, surrounded by everyone who means the most to them...it was indescribable. With a gentle shove from them - and quite a few enthusiastic wedding guests - I decided to explore it further. And honestly? It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. This is, hands down, the most joyful, meaningful and rewarding job I’ve ever had.

Describe the day of the wedding, from the perspective of the wedding celebrant?

No two wedding days are ever the same - each one brings its own energy, location and rhythm. Most ceremonies happen in the afternoon, so my morning routine is about staying calm and grounded. That usually starts with a beach walk with Pippin, our dog, followed by steaming my outfit (colour-coordinated with the couple, of course) and gathering any last bits I need. I like to create a little keepsake box as a gift for the couple where I also throw in practical things, like spare hair clips - just in case anyone in the wedding party needs a last-minute fix.

I’m rarely using a microphone, so looking after my voice is important. That means warm drinks (with honey), vocal warm-ups. 

I arrive at the venue 90 minutes early then I check in with the other suppliers - the planner, photographer, videographer. A lot of planning will have happened in advance: I’ll already have liaised with the team and often attended the rehearsal the day before. But we still do a final run-through on the day to make sure everything flows seamlessly. It’s a great chance to help calm any last-minute nerves and remind them that everything is in safe hands. I also check in with anyone who’s playing a part in the ceremony - readers, ring bearers, musicians - to make sure they’re all set.

From there, I lend a hand wherever I’m needed: moving chairs, adjusting flowers, helping the

planner with finishing touches. I always spend a few quiet minutes in the ceremony space beforehand - getting a feel for it and making sure I’ve got everything I need to hand.

 And then - it’s go time!

The ceremony always flies by. My hope is to see a few tears, hear a lot of laughs and to make the couple and the guests feel completely at home. Once it's over, I stick around to say my congratulations, maybe take a few photos with the couple and then quietly slip away to let the rest of the party unfold. It’s a whirlwind every time, but in the best possible way.

Do you have a favourite love story that you’ve been a celebrant for?

One of the most special parts of being a celebrant is hearing couples talk about how they met, what they love about each other and what makes their connection unique. It is almost impossible to choose a favourite. That said, there’s one wedding that will always hold a special place in my heart - the wedding of my dear friends, Amy and Nick. It was my very first ceremony and their trust in me to lead such a meaningful moment was the beginning of something incredibly special. I’ll always be so grateful to them for believing in me and encouraging me to step into this role. Their wedding was the spark that led me to this career, and I’ve never looked back.

Amy and Nick are wedding suppliers themselves - Sunday Love Photo & Film (check them out, they’re amazing!) - so the fact that they’ve witnessed so many ceremonies and still chose me felt like such an honour. 

What would be your top piece of advice for any couples currently organising a wedding?

There’s honestly so much I’d love to share, but here are some of the most important things.

1. Consider a celebrant-led ceremony.It gives you the freedom to create something personal, meaningful and entirely your own. No rules, just a ceremony that feels completely you. You won’t regret it.

2. It’s your day, make choices that feel right. Weddings can come with so much pressure: who to invite, what traditions to follow, what people might expect. But your celebration should reflect your values, your relationship, and your vision for the future. I always remind my couples, your guest list should be made up of the people you’re excited to take with you into the next chapter of your life - the ones who will cheer you on from the sidelines, show up for you in hard times and truly celebrate you.

3. Work with suppliers you trust. Surround yourself with people who get you. Find suppliers who not only do incredible work, but who you feel comfortable with and excited to collaborate with. 

4. If you can, hire a planner (even just for the day!) Not every venue comes with a coordinator, and if you’re marrying somewhere a bit less traditional (a family home, a field, a blank canvas), having a planner can be a game-changer. Even a day-of coordinator can take so much pressure off. If you're looking for a recommendation, check out Fynnesse Weddings & Events, run by my lovely Mum.

5. Don’t get lost in the scroll. Social media can be a great tool for inspiration, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like you need to have everything: a reception outfit, a champagne tower, fireworks. If it’s within your budget and feels right, go for it! You don’t need to go viral - your wedding just needs to feel like you.

6. And a little bonus tip...

Ask your guests to send you the name of a song that would get them on the dance floor when they RSVP. Put all those songs into a playlist - and trust me, your dance floor will be absolutely popping.