So, you’ve decided to get married, popped the question, and set the date, congratulations! But while you’re off tasting cakes, sampling catering menus, choosing rings, dresses and a million other things, there’s a crucial decision which may have slipped your mind: who will lead your big “I do” moment?

Before you choose a venue, let’s discuss your options for a wedding officiant. Your venue choice may just depend on it! 

Your wedding day is centred on your love story and you’ve got three main story tellers to choose from:

• The Clergy: stalwarts of tradition and faith. If your dream wedding is a reflection of your faith, give your favourite member of the clergy a ring.
• The Council Registrars: the legal eagles of the marriage world. Not just there to register births and deaths, they will be happy to hitch you up, too. Whether you talk to the Clergy or a Celebrant, you may well be needing one of these chaps anyway.
• The Civil Celebrants (like yours truly!): The creative writers of the marriage world, all about crafting a wedding day as unique as you are. We don’t have the power to make it legal, but we are experts in telling your love story in a way that reflects everything you are as a couple.

Ok, so on to the venue. 

With the clergy, it’s an easy choice, your marriage will be in the Church, Mosque, Synagogue or Temple. You just need to find somewhere to hold your reception.

With the Registrars it’s a tad more complex. The Registrars will only strut their stuff in a licensed wedding venue.  That can be your local Register Office or a venue authorised to hold legal marriage ceremonies. If your favourite venue has a wedding licence and you are happy for the Registrar to conduct the ceremony, you’re all sorted,

The Civil Celebrants, however, can offer a vast array of other options. To explain, as Celebrants can’t conduct legal marriage, we can conduct your dream ceremony in any location, with the owner’s permission, no venue licence required.  True, you will have to go to a Register Office to conduct a simple legal marriage but, beyond that, everything about your wedding day can be anything you dream of, location, music, story, readings, participation of your family and friends. You want to get married by Darth Vader? You need a Civil Celebrant!

Your wedding day is your story, and it should be told in your way. Choosing an officiant and a venue that align with your values, dreams, and desires will make your day uniquely yours. Whether you go the traditional route with the clergy, opt for the legal expertise of the registrars, or embrace the creative freedom of a Civil Celebrant, your love story deserves to be told in a way that reflects everything you are as a couple.

And when it comes to the venue, remember that your options can be as boundless as your imagination. Civil Celebrants can make your dream ceremony a reality in almost any location with the owner's permission. While a simple legal marriage visit to the Register Office may be required, everything else about your wedding day can be tailored to your unique vision. So, whether you envision a classic wedding in a sacred space or saying 'I do' in the presence of your favourite fictional characters, the choice is yours.

Your love story is as exceptional as you are, and your wedding should be too. So, as you continue with your wedding planning adventures, remember that you're the author of your love story, and these decisions are just the next thrilling chapters. 

Happy planning!