Sid & Sarah’s Wedding Ceremony at Moor Barn, Chickerell

Laura Bell
Sep 9
5 min read

Some weddings take years to plan. But Sid and Sarah proved that with love, determination, and the right team around them, you can create something truly magical in just two months.

Their wedding at Moor Barn in Chickerell, Dorset was a day full of joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments – and I had the absolute honour of being their celebrant and on-the-day coordinator.

A Wedding Ceremony at Moor Barn with Heart

Sarah first contacted me in June 2024 asking if it was possible to plan a wedding for a budget within 2 months. Their original plans had changed due to her dad being terminally unwell and they were seeking a venue and key suppliers to bring the day together.

My first suggestion when anyone mentions a budget and needing space, was Moor Barn. This venue provided the perfect setting for Sid and Sarah’s relaxed yet meaningful wedding day.

With its rustic charm and warm atmosphere, it was the ideal backdrop for a celebration that reflected the couple’s personalities and love story. Despite planning everything in such a short timeframe, every detail came together beautifully, with the love of family and friends woven into every moment.

A Ceremony Filled with Personal Touches

They chose me for their celebrant-led wedding ceremony and it was designed entirely around them, no templates, no rules, just a story of love told in the way that felt right.

Emotions were fragile due to Sarah's dad passing weeks before so when writing the script, I needed this ceremony to be the perfect balance between a tribute and a celebration, to hold space but to also spark joy and great memories - not an easy task.

✨ Handfasting Ceremony – One of the most moving moments was the handfasting ritual. Ribbons, lovingly presented by family and her dad's best friends, (who also walked her down the aisle) were placed around Sid and Sarah’s hands, symbolising the bonds of love, unity, and commitment.

✨ A Reading by the Bride’s Sister – Sarah’s sister shared a heartfelt reading called "Like a River" by Whitney Hanson that captured the couple’s relationship perfectly. Having loved ones involved added even more meaning to the ceremony. I then blessed their handfasting knotted ribbons with water from the pond at Moor Farm.

✨ A Four-Legged Ring Bearer – Perhaps the biggest smile of the day came when Sid and Sarah’s beloved labrador, Lucy proudly trotted down the aisle carrying the rings. It was such a joyful, personal moment – and a reminder that weddings can be whatever you want them to be. Sarah joked that her dad thought this moment would be terrible as Lucy wasn't the best at paying attention!

Coordinating the Day

In addition to writing and leading their ceremony, I also had the pleasure of acting as Sid and Sarah’s wedding day coordinator. Working closely with key suppliers, I managed the timings, kept everything running smoothly, and ensured the couple didn’t need to worry about a thing. This meant Sid and Sarah could stay fully present in the moment, knowing every detail of their day was taken care of.

Capturing the Magic

Every detail of Sid and Sarah’s day was beautifully documented by photographer Kelly Tawse. Kelly has an incredible ability to capture not just moments, but emotions – from the nervous excitement before the ceremony to the laughter and happy tears that followed.

Why I Loved This Ceremony

What made Sid and Sarah’s wedding so special wasn’t just the handfasting, the readings, or even the dog as ring bearer (though that was unforgettable!). It was the way they made the ceremony theirs. In just two months, they planned a wedding that was heartfelt, relaxed, and full of joy – proof that love really is all you need.

Planning Your Own Celebrant-Led Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that reflects your love story – whether you have two years or two months to plan it – a celebrant-led ceremony could be the perfect choice. A wedding ceremony at Moor Barn is one of my favourites.

With Ceremonies by Laura Bell, I work with couples across Dorset to create ceremonies that are personal, meaningful, and completely unique. And if you’d like that extra support on the day, I also offer wedding coordination (diary and venue dependent) to keep everything on track, so you can focus on celebrating.

📍 Venue: Moor Barn, Chickerell, Dorset

📸 Photographer: Kelly Tawse

💍 Celebrant & Coordinator: Laura Bell

FAQs: Celebrant-Led Weddings at Moor Barn, Dorset

1. Can you really plan a wedding in two months? Yes! Sid and Sarah are proof that it can be done. With the right venue, supportive suppliers, and a celebrant who can also coordinate, it’s possible to plan a beautiful, meaningful wedding in a short timeframe.

2. What is a handfasting ceremony? Handfasting is an ancient ritual where ribbons are wrapped around the couple’s hands to symbolise their union. In Sid and Sarah’s wedding, loved ones presented the ribbons, making the ritual even more personal.

3. Can we involve family and friends in the ceremony? Absolutely. Readings, presenting ribbons for a handfasting, or even acting as a ring bearer (whether human or canine!) are wonderful ways to include those closest to you.

4. Can our dog really be the ring bearer? Yes! Many couples choose to involve their pets in the ceremony. Sid and Sarah’s dog proudly carried the rings, adding joy and laughter to the occasion. If your venue allows and your pet is happy to, there's no reason you can't!

5. What does a wedding day coordinator do? On-the-day coordination means managing the timings, liaising with suppliers, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. As both celebrant and coordinator, I was able to guide Sid and Sarah through their ceremony and oversee the flow of the day, giving them peace of mind. This service is different to a wedding planner.

6. Is Moor Barn a good venue for a celebrant-led wedding? Moor Barn in Chickerell is a rustic, charming space that works beautifully for couples who want a relaxed and personal celebration. As it isn’t restricted by the rules of licensed venues, it’s ideal for a fully bespoke celebrant-led ceremony.

7. How long does a celebrant-led ceremony last? Most ceremonies last around 20–30 minutes, depending on how many readings, rituals, and personal touches you include.

8. Is a celebrant-led ceremony legally binding? Not yet in England. Most couples complete the legal paperwork at their local register office, then enjoy a personalised celebrant-led ceremony with family and friends as the real celebration.

9. Can you combine celebrant services with on-the-day coordination? Yes! Many couples love having one trusted person leading both the ceremony and the day’s schedule. It means seamless communication with suppliers and less stress for you.

10. How do we book you for our wedding? Simply get in touch via Ceremonies by Laura Bell to chat about your plans. Whether you have two years or two months, we can design a day that’s unique, personal, and unforgettable.