Differences Between a Celebrant and a Registrar

When it comes to planning your wedding ceremony, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who will officiate the event. In the UK, there are three main types of wedding officiants: independent celebrants, humanist celebrants and registrars.

While both can conduct a wedding ceremony, their roles, flexibility, and the type of experience they offer differ significantly.

Read on to find out more about the key differences.

What Is the Role of a Registrar?

A registrar is a government-appointed official responsible for conducting civil weddings. These ceremonies are legally binding and take place in a register office or another venue licensed by the local council. The registrar’s role is to ensure that the ceremony adheres to legal requirements, which includes ensuring the couple and witnesses sign the official marriage register.

Pros of a Registrar:

Legal Requirement: For your marriage to be legally recognised, you must sign the marriage register in front of a registrar.
Simplicity: Registrars can offer a straightforward, no-frills wedding ceremony.
Standardised Format: The ceremony is typically brief and includes legal declarations and vows.

However, if you want something more personal, creative, or reflective of your unique story as a couple, a registrar’s ceremony may feel too structured or impersonal for you.

Registrars are branding themselves as a Registrar and Celebrant duo and offering some rituals. No matter how this is dressed up, they cannot provide the same time, dedication and detail that Independent Celebrants do.

Did you know, there are only 38 words required by law to legally marry you? My celebrant friend Juliette Williams worked this out recently. It costs just £56 in Dorset to legalise your marriage. You will then need to pay £35 each to register your intent at the registry office and give notice. More information about the Dorset Registry Service can be found online.

Registrars legalise, Independent Celebrants personalise.

What Is an Independent Celebrant?

A garden wedding in Dorset with Independent Celebrant Laura Bell. Photo by Laura Dean Photography.

An independent celebrant is a trained professional who works outside the restrictions of government regulations. They are not tied to any specific legal framework, which means they can offer complete flexibility in terms of ceremony content, location, and style.

Independent celebrants can craft a ceremony that truly reflects the couple’s personality, love story, and vision for their big day.

Pros of an Independent Celebrant:

Customisation: Celebrants can create a ceremony that is entirely unique to you, including personal readings, vows, rituals, and even music.
Freedom of Location: Celebrants aren’t bound to just licensed venues, so you can get married anywhere—from a beach to a forest, a family garden to an art gallery.
Personal Connection: Celebrants typically take the time to get to know the couple, allowing them to craft a ceremony that’s deeply meaningful and reflective of their relationship.
Include both religious and spiritual content - or none at all! The beauty of an independent celebrant means you can have whatever you like.

What Is a Humanist Celebrant?

Another type of independent celebrant that many couples choose is a humanist celebrant. Humanist celebrants are trained to officiate ceremonies that are based on humanist principles, which emphasise personal choice, rational thinking, and respect for human values, rather than religious doctrines.

This approach makes humanist weddings a great option for couples who want a ceremony that is meaningful and personalised, but without any religious content.

Key Features of a Humanist Ceremony:

Non-religious: A humanist celebrant will craft a ceremony that reflects your values and beliefs but typically doesn't include religious rituals or references.
Tailored to You: Just like a traditional celebrant, a humanist celebrant takes time to understand your unique story and creates a ceremony that feels authentic and personal.
Inclusive and Ethical: Humanist celebrants often focus on love, equality, and shared human values, making them a great fit for couples looking for a non-religious, inclusive ceremony.

Differences between a Celebrant and a Registrar

Here are just a few reasons why I might be the perfect choice for your wedding:

1. Personalised Ceremonies That Reflect Your Story

I take the time to get to know you as a couple, working closely with you to understand your love story, values, and vision for the ceremony. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun ceremony or a deeply emotional and meaningful one, I will ensure every word spoken resonates with your personal journey.

2. Flexibility and Creativity

With me you have complete creative freedom to design a ceremony that reflects your personality and preferences. From traditional vows to modern twists, readings, rituals, and even music choices, my flexibility allows you to create the ceremony of your dreams—free from the constraints of a registrar’s script.

3. Expert Guidance and Support

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and I can provide expert guidance throughout the process. I will help you navigate the many options available and ensure your ceremony runs smoothly, from the pre-ceremony consultation to the final moment when you say "I do."

4. Ceremony Tailored to Your Location

Whether you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, a rural barn, or even your own living room, I can officiate at any location of your choosing. I am not restricted to licensed venues, which means you can marry anywhere that’s meaningful to you, adding an extra layer of personalisation to your big day.

5. Warm, Approachable, and Professional

I'm approachable and professional, ensuring you feel at ease during the process. My warm nature creates a calm, relaxed atmosphere on the big day, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love.

6. A Ceremony You’ll Never Forget

With me, you won’t just have a ceremony; you’ll have an experience. My thoughtful approach, combined with her storytelling skills, ensures that your ceremony is one you and your guests will remember for years to come.

Which Option Is Right for Your Wedding Ceremony?

Moor Barn Wedding. Photography by Kelly Tawse.

Choosing between a registrar and an independent celebrant ultimately comes down to the type of ceremony you want to have. If you're looking for a more personal, bespoke experience, an independent celebrant like Laura Bell offers the flexibility, creativity, and emotional depth that many couples desire.

If you want to ensure your ceremony is legally binding but still want to make it special, you can also have a registrar conduct the legal part of the marriage (often in a small, no-frills ceremony) and then have Laura officiate your celebratory ceremony afterward—combining the best of both worlds.

If a registrar or local registry office is offering you exactly what an Independent Celebrant can - they actually can't.

Registrars can't guarantee who will be delivering your ceremony on the day, they won't dress to match your colour scheme, they can't write about the hilarious proposal moment when your bikini top fell off, allow a grandparent to share The Lord's Prayer or deliver the ceremony in any area of the venue (licensed or unlicensed). These are the key differences between a registrar and an Independent Wedding Celebrant.

A true celebrant wedding ceremony is collaborative from start to finish, not just a few token sentences here and there.

If you want a ceremony that truly reflects who you are as a couple, consider working with Laura Bell, an independent celebrant who will craft a celebration as unique and meaningful as your love story.