How to find a celebrant for your handfasting
In my previous blog I told you why I like a celebrant led handfasting and what you need to know to decide whether it is for you. Since you are here, I take it you are planning on having a celebrant. So let’s have a look where you can find a handfasting celebrant that is right for you.
Celebrants largely hang out where your other wedding suppliers can be found: directories, wedding fairs, social media. But how to find the right one without spending weeks searching!
Here is the good news, I am here to save you hours of trawling through generic directories and web searches.
What kind of celebrant is right for you
Is it bold of me to assume, that you are on my site because you are either planning an handfasting, or you have something very unusual in mind for your wedding? Probably not!
So pass by the generic directories and first of all, think about what type of celebrant do you want.
Getting clear of this will save you lots of time!
Where to find a handfasting celebrant
If you want a religious or spiritual handfasting celebrant, then you have to look in the places spiritual people hang out. For example:
- Specialist handfasting directories
- The Association of Independent Celebrants’ directory
- Specialist handfasting social media groups
- Your own spiritual community
- Alternative wedding fairs
- Festivals and events that have handfastings
- A recommendation from another specialist handfasting supplier or your venue
Not only can you search the listings and advertisements, you can also ask in groups and communities whether they know and would recommend someone.
“Just google it”
Did you expect me to put google on the above list?
I have tried it and google does not seem to know what to do with the likes of us just yet.
This is because Google looks for phrases on websites, that people have searched for. The more people search for something, the more effort google will put into finding quality search results in the future. Apparently, not enough people have searched for handfasting suppliers via google.
So do future couples and us handfasting suppliers a huge favour and search for handfasting suppliers on google. You might not get great results, but you have done a good deed.
Thank you!
How to find a non-denominational celebrant
If you want to keep it non-denominational, but you are not ready to accept the restrictions a registrar led ceremony, then there are plenty of places to find a celebrant.
Google can do this one!
It was not great 10 years ago (I know, because I got married then), but it is now.
The very same places as I have listed for handfastingse: social media groups, recommendations and directories specialising in alternative weddings are useful here.
Then there are organisations, like the Humanists UK and the Association of Independent Celebrants, who train celebrants. Both organisations have a directory on their website.
The latter in particular caters for many different flavours of ceremonies. Want Dolly Parton as your celebrant? They got you!
How to make your final decision?
This, is a very personal choice, and you have to make it yourself.
Apart from doing your diligence, like with any other wedding supplier, have a zoom call and ask them questions.
This is basically a job interview, and a veeeryyy important one.
The only real advice I can give you is the same as I give for choosing your photographer (or anyone working on your wedding on the day):
Chose someone you are comfortable having around!
I hope this blog post gave you some ideas about where to get started with your search for a celebrant.
If you are not sure whether a celebrant led wedding or handfasting is for you, check out my earlier blog of why you should book a celebrant.
Any questions, get in touch. I look forward to hear about your wedding!
Bright blessings,
Alternative Wedding And Handfasting Photographer UK and EU
