People often ask me, “Why did you become a wedding celebrant?” – usually right after I’ve just finished tearing up at yet another set of vows, or the young bridesmaid decides she wants to hold onto mums dress the whole ceremony whilst screaming the place down! The truth is, I didn’t just choose this job – it kind of chose me. I’ve always loved people, stories, and a good celebration (preferably one with cake), so becoming a celebrant felt like the perfect combination of all three.
where do you get the inspiration for a ceremony from?
For me, it’s all about connection with couple and storytelling. Every couple has a unique tale – some are straight out of a romantic movie, others are more “we met in the supermarket aisle fighting over the last avocado” – but all of them are beautiful and unique in their own way. I get the absolute joy of turning those stories into a ceremony that feels real, personal, and, most importantly, them.
What is the thing you most enjoy about being a celebrant?
What I love about being a celebrant is that no two weddings are ever the same. One weekend, I might be leading a barefoot beach ceremony on the beach; the next, I’m helping a couple tie the knot in a cosy garden surrounded by fairy lights and happy tears, and my last wedding was a tropical theme in the style of a rave!. ! There’s always laughter, sometimes chaos, and always a touch of magic. And yes, I’ve learned to carry tissues — for myself as much as for the guests! Without fail, I am the first person to shed a tear as soon as I see the bride… they are all so beautiful, glowing, and finally enjoying their special day.
Working as a wedding celebrant, I have free reign to create a bespoke ceremony exactly as the couple want it, right down to the last detail. Whether it’s writing personalised vows, or adding in traditions and rituals which include family, friends or pets, it’s always unique, and at times challenging (especially when children have the rings and then decide to run off with them!) Actually, children and pets aren’t always misbehaved – in one of my summer wedding this year the bride arrived on a horse and it was truly magical… and the horse was very well behaved (the bride below – you can’t tell, but the bride is wearing riding boots)!
Venue-wise, a I can lead a ceremony almost anywhere… and I mean anywhere, which I love. From your mother in law’s back garden, down on Branksome beach, on the windswept cliff overlooking Old Harry, and even on a train or in a tree house! Yes, I’ve done all these.
Personally, I love the off the wall ideas which people come up with which fire up my imagination (including the Dr Who themed wedding last year, and the Marvel Themed one this year)! I have endless ideas to explore with couples (so no creative imagination needed on there side, which takes a lot of the stress away from them).
There’s something truly special about standing beside two people as they make one of the biggest promises of their lives. It’s a front-row seat to pure joy -and I’ll be honest, it never gets old. Even after all the “I do’s,” happy tears, and spontaneous dance moves, I still walk away from each ceremony thinking, “Wow, I get to do this for a living.”
Being a wedding celebrant isn’t just about officiating; it’s about celebrating love, laughter, and life’s beautiful messiness. And if I can help make that moment a little more memorable (and keep everyone smiling along the way), then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
5 reasons why i love being a celebrant
- I get to be a part of a couple’s celebration
How many jobs let you spend your time surrounded by happy people, beautiful stories, and all the good vibes? It’s pretty hard to have a bad day when you’re literally celebrating love for a living!
- Every ceremony is completely unique
No two couples are the same – and that means no two weddings are either. One weekend I’m in a vineyard with a couple who wrote their own hilarious vows, the next I’m in a garden full of dogs acting as ring bearers. It keeps things fresh, fun, and wonderfully unpredictable.
- I get to tell incredible love stories
I’m basically a storyteller with a front-row seat to some of life’s most magical moments. Hearing how people met, fell in love, and decided on forever – it’s endlessly inspiring (and sometimes downright hilarious).
- I help create memorises that last a lifetime
Knowing that my words and presence help shape one of the most meaningful days in someone’s life? That’s huge. It’s a privilege and an honour I never take for granted – even if I do have to fight back a few happy tears mid-ceremony.
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- There’s always laughter, love… and cake
Let’s be honest — weddings are fun! From the joyful chaos of last-minute nerves to the pure magic of that “just married” moment, I get to be part of something truly special. And if there’s cake at the end? Well, that’s just a sweet bonus.
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am I the right celebrant for you?
In conclusion, the answer is “let’s find out!” I love being a celebrant . I have a professional qualification through USOC (UK Society of Celebrants) and it’s important that the one thing you have with your celebrant is the right connection. To give you confidence that I am the right celebrant for you, have a look at all my very positive reviews Anna Bowen in Weymouth, Dorset – Updated prices | hitched.co.uk.
If you want to have a look at my other blogs, a good one to start with is why you need a celebrant Dorset Celebrant – 5 Supportive Thoughts
Still unsure? Then don’t hesitate to get in contact for an informal chat! Get in Touch – Anna Bowen Celebrant
Happy wedding!!
