Celebrant Ceremonies
With You In Mind
Always as unique as you and yours…
If you are looking
In an Individual way
For words of the heart
On that special day
Tell me your colours
My brush will flow true
In painting a picture
Uniquely for you
Hello and Welcome!
Let me introduce myself, I’m Karey Walsh, a down to earth Yorkshire lass with a twist of Canadiana…. who likes to think she has the soul of a poet. I’ve never been one to stand on tradition or formality but what I take great joy in is making a special moment perfect for the people involved and a memory to be cherished.
If you would like to speak to someone who has a genuine, heartfelt interest in helping you achieve your hopes and wishes and completing the picture you have in mind, call me.
We can put the kettle on and enjoy a no obligation chat, no matter the occasion.
Ceremonies
To Have…
Ready to exchange vows!? I DO, I DO, I do like to add a bit of magic!
To Honour…
As you say goodbye, let’s make you proud that you’ve done them proud.
To Hold…
You give them their name…they give you new meaning.
To Have…
I’d Choose You – Kiersten White
And I’d choose you,
In a hundred lifetimes
In a hundred worlds,
In any version of reality
I’d find you and I’d choose you.
“Love is all around us…”, croons the song. Yet when you find your one and only, you can’t help but feel the bond you share is yours and yours alone and you’d like your wedding or renewal of vows to reflect that connection.
You may want romantic and sweet. A little bit country – or a little bit rock ‘n roll. Something a bit quirky and offbeat or more romantic and traditional. The location of a sunlit meadow or smack in the middle of a raceway complete with checkered flag.
Whatever your wishes are, it would be my honour to help you make it happen and as your celebrant share with you in the joy of your story – on your day.
Why use a celebrant opposed to a registrar?
Simply put and in the famous words of William Wallace …FREEDOM!!! What, where, how and how long are only limited by your imagination and no desire whatsoever to get either yourself, your guests or myself arrested. Your service is bespoke and not limited to premises that have a wedding license permit.
Am I legally wed by a Celebrant?
Unfortunately, no, not yet. Laws and regulations are being reviewed all the time, so hopefully in the near future this answer will change.
To be legally wed requires a quick trip down to the register office to give at least 28 days’ notice of your marriage or civil partnership. Following that you will then appear at the Registrars to marry with two witnesses and asked to exchange from each of the following legal statements: Declaratory Words and Contractual Vows. A small fee will be paid at each of these events. Once the necessary legalities are out of the way – the beautiful bespoke wedding day of your choice – done as you like, where and how you like it.
Or alternatively, you can have your wedding first and take these steps after.
Why should we choose you as our Celebrant?
A happy husband and wife makes for me a very happy life. I bring to the table a strong code of ethics, imagination, creativity, moral support and humour wrapped up in the professional bundle of celebrant.
…A celebrant that takes a genuine interest in helping you make your day shine with your own unique light.
Will the wedding feel less real if we’ve married at the registrar’s first?
Not at all – the registrars are simply a signing of the legal documents required to be married and only takes around 15 minutes. You don’t even have to exchange rings.
Your wedding day is the ceremony designed by you and I, with all the bells, whistles, dresses and bow ties. Family, friends and music making your day complete. Oh, and don’t forget the cake!
There is also the option of wedding first and registrars after but I must stress that until it is registered, it is not as yet recognised by law and it is always best to double-check with your local authorities.
What can be included in the Ceremony?
Again, simply put – anything that makes it yours. As your celebrant I can bring to the table innovative ideas on words, poems, verses and rituals or styles.
You can have religious content such as a verse or a hymn, a reading from the bible or conversely have none at all. The beauty of using a celebrant is the choice truly is yours.
My role as your celebrant is to put all the pieces that YOU like together into a beautifully worded and co-ordinated bespoke ceremony – tailored only for you and never to be repeated.
FEES
Weddings or Handfasting £595.00
Renewal of Vows £495.00
This includes the initial no obligation consultation. At this point I will hold the date for 7 days.
Upon agreement to go ahead, a non-refundable deposit of £300 with remaining balance to be paid in full 30 days prior to the ceremony, upon receipt of invoice.
As many consultations as required via phone, various media or email at the end of which will be a beautifully written unique script for your wedding ceremony, with any editing required up until 7 days prior to the ceremony.
Any rituals or traditions that you’d like to include, unity candle, blending sands etc. Props to be supplied by yourselves.
Optional rehearsal the evening before or early morning of the wedding.
Your wedding officiated by me.
A beautiful keepsake copy of the wedding script for you the lucky couple – complete with wedding certificate for you to sign to commemorate the day.
LEGALITIES & PRACTICALITIES
FEES: Your non-refundable deposit, much like the department stores has a 14 day grace period. If, within that 14 days, you change your mind you owe me no explanation. I ask only that you notify me in writing (post or email) of your decision. It is also advised that you have proof that you’ve let me know.
At this point, I will refund your deposit in full, via the means in which it was paid. There will be no cost to you.
If you change your mind after the 14 days, then it truly is a non-refundable deposit and you may be liable for any work undertaken in that time. If you cancel 28 days or less before your ceremony you may be liable for the full cost of my services.
PRIVACY: All of your personal information will only be used by me and only then for the express purpose of planning and conducting your ceremony. The information will not be shared with anyone else without your consent.
To Honour…
Inside our Dreams – Jeanne Willis
Where do People go to when they die?
Somewhere down below? Or in the sky?
“I can’t be sure,” said Grandad, “but it seems. They simply set up home inside our dreams.”
The grief you experience at the loss of someone is a reflection of just how much you loved them.
Whether a funeral or a memorial it’s a chance to give one last salute to the treasured memory of a loved ones’ life, a celebration of all they gave, to hold close for the rest of your life. To share tears for their absence, smiles for their memory and laughter for their antics.
Working together we’ll create a fitting tribute, whether this includes chanting their teams’ song, the wildest tales of their youth or simply a gentle tribute to their uniqueness.
As your celebrant, it will always be written and delivered with sincerity, compassion, sensitivity and a touch of levity when fitting.
How do I get in touch?
In the case of a memorial service or scattering of ashes, please call, text or send me an email.
For funerals, just let the Funeral Director know you have chosen me as your celebrant and they can contact me directly.
What are the steps?
When celebrating someone’s life it can be both an emotional and stressful time. Throughout all I will work closely with yourselves and/or the Funeral Director, with the earnest intent of taking a little of the weight off your shoulders and hopefully offering you a small measure of relief, comfort and support.
First we will meet in person and discuss your lost loved one. The details, personality and characteristics that made them who they were as a person and to you.
What you would like included in the ceremony, poems, tributes, songs or music – up to three pieces for a funeral and unlimited for a memorial or scattering of ashes, depending on the venue you choose. We can also discuss if there are any family members or close friends who would like to say their own words. Any photos or video tributes, if there is family abroad who would like to take part via webcast etc.
Secondly from these notes we’ll create their own bespoke personal tribute and upon completion, send it to you for approval or any changes you would like to make – so there are no surprises and they are portrayed exactly how you’d hoped.
And lastly on the day, before I officiate the ceremony, I will be there to meet you ahead of time in the appropriate area, i.e.: crematorium, grave site or natural burial ground. In the case of a memorial/scattering of ashes, at your chosen venue.
Before we part, your own sentimental keepsake copy of the service script.
FEES
Funerals – to be paid by Funeral Director
Memorials – £225
Scattering of Ashes – £190
A Written Tribute – £ 90
This will include an initial no obligation consultation. At this point I will hold the date for 7 days.
Upon agreement to go ahead a non-refundable deposit of £100.00 is paid. With the remainder to be paid 30 days prior to the ceremony upon receipt of invoice.
In the case of a written tribute the full balance is due upon agreement of my services.
Numerous communications via phone/video etc. for any support, questions, information or changes/ additions you’d like to make for the tribute.
Editing of the service itself up until the deadlines required for an Order of Service.
Professionally crafted Order of Service.
Officiating the Service.
Your own personal keepsake of the service itself with which to remember.
LEGALITIES & PRACTICALITIES
FEES: Your non-refundable deposit, much like the department stores has a 14 day grace period. If, within that 14 days, you change your mind you owe me no explanation. I ask only that you notify me in writing (post or email) of your decision. It is also advised that you have proof that you’ve let me know.
At this point, I will refund your deposit in full, via the means in which it was paid. There will be no cost to you.
If you change your mind after the 14 days, then it truly is a non-refundable deposit and you may be liable for any work undertaken in that time. If you cancel 28 days or less before your ceremony you may be liable for the full cost of my services.
PRIVACY: All of your personal information will only be used by me and only then for the express purpose of planning and conducting your ceremony. The information will not be shared with anyone else without your consent.
To Hold…
“Once upon a time…..our stories start the same. What makes it theirs alone, all begins with the chosen name.”
Pauline Breddy
“Babies are such a nice way to start people.”
Don Herrold
After all, ……. who would have thought that something so tiny, could make you feel so much love that you could burst with it?
No matter how the new star in your life arrived – birth or adoption – you’d like to introduce them to the world and also honour the family and friends who will play a significant role in their future.
Nowadays naming ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular.
With more families of mixed cultures, faiths and traditions wanting a ceremony that embraces and celebrates the richness of all the blessings being brought to their young ones lives.
Or are you a blended family and are wanting to find a way to “officially” join your two halves and make them whole?
A naming ceremony is a great inclusive way of making the children feel welcome, involved and accepted.
The venue can be wherever sentiment takes you from your own backyard to the local cricket club.
If you’re looking for an inventive way with words or ceremony, as your celebrant I would greatly enjoy working with you to make it happen.
Is a naming ceremony a legal ceremony?
No it is not a legal ceremony but rather a more symbolic introduction.
When beautifully written and presented it can in its tender sincerity be a deeply moving way to introduce your child to the world.
What happens during a naming ceremony?
As always when working with a celebrant the choice is purely yours and is based simply and completely on your needs.
It may involve but is not limited to:
- A Blessing
- Vows or Pledges made by yourselves as parents and who you choose as guardians
- Poems or Readings
- Music that hold special significance to you and your family
- An explanation of the name you chose and why
- Symbolic gestures i.e. Lighting candles /tying of ribbons
- The involvement of grandparents or close relatives and words or pledges they’d like to speak
The possibilities are unlimited.
As your celebrant I offer guidance, inspiration and only as much support as you would like or need and on the day warmly deliver a professional ceremony, crafted around your desires as you celebrate the new life -in your life.
FEES
£275
This will include the initial no obligation consultation. At this point I will hold the date for 7 days.
If we agree to go ahead an initial non-refundable deposit of £100.
With the remainder to be paid 30 days prior to the ceremony upon receipt of invoice.
Numerous communications via phone/video, email etc., for any support, questions, information or changes/ additions you’d like to make for the ceremony at the end of which the crafting of a beautifully written professional script for the service and any editing required up until 7 days prior to the ceremony.
Any rituals or traditions that you’d like to include, unity candle, blending sands etc. Props to be supplied by yourselves.
Officiate the naming ceremony.
A naming certificate for you as parents or as a family to sign.
A sentimental copy of the naming script as a keepsake and treasured memory
LEGALITIES & PRACTICALITIES
FEES: Your non-refundable deposit, much like the department stores has a 14 day grace period. If, within that 14 days, you change your mind you owe me no explanation. I ask only that you notify me in writing (post or email) of your decision. It is also advised that you have proof that you’ve let me know.
At this point, I will refund your deposit in full, via the means in which it was paid. There will be no cost to you.
If you change your mind after the 14 days, then it truly is a non-refundable deposit and you may be liable for any work undertaken in that time. If you cancel 28 days or less before your ceremony you may be liable for the full cost of my services.
PRIVACY: All of your personal information will only be used by me and only then for the express purpose of planning and conducting your ceremony. The information will not be shared with anyone else without your consent.
Kind Words……
Get in Touch
I would love to hear your dreams and ideas for your perfect ceremony…
