All your questions answered?
What is a celebrant?
A Celebrant is an independent person, not affiliated to any church or faith. We just believe people should have the right to celebrate their special day in their way. As a Celebrant, I can offer you a very personal alternative to a standard legal or religious ceremony. We have total flexibility.
Is the ceremony legally binding?
In Ireland I am a registered solemniser so YES I can legally marry you in Ireland.
In Spain:
No. I am a Celebrant and not a Registrar. Therefore, in order for your marriage to be recognised in law, you must complete the legal formalities at a Registry Office prior to or after the Ceremony.
In order to complete the legal side of the marriage most couples go to their local registry office in their home country, with a couple of witnesses, and then have their wedding day celebrations in the sun with all the people who matter most to them in an amazing location.
It is possible to get legally married in Spain if you are resident but it can take quite a few months to arrange the paperwork so a wedding blessing is often the easier option although I consider it far more personal and romantic.
Are there any restrictions on what we can include in our wedding ceremony?
When you choose me to be your wedding celebrant I get to know you both and together we will design a unique ceremony that reflects you as a couple. There are no restrictions, no script to follow and with my help, you can create and incorporate any type of religious, spiritual or faith based belief into the service from vows to readings to symbolic and traditional rituals. After all its your day so we will do it your way.
How do you put the ceremony together?
I learn from you, what makes your relationship unique. I will make suggestions, and help you to create a truly special and unique ceremony however, you will always have the final say. I bring my own style and personality into its design and delivery, but every word is approved by you. This is totally unlike a registry office where they approve the words you want to use and the same ceremony applies for everyone.
I am always at the end of a phone, or email if you want to make any changes or just talk things through.
When will you arrive on our wedding day?
I will arrive at least one hour before the wedding ceremony starts. I will coordinate with wedding planners, photographers, musicians or DJ, florist and anybody else involved in your day. I usually have a chat with the groom or best men and the bride if necessary to calm any last minute nerves or answer any queries.
We want to book you, what do we do now?
The booking process
1. Check with me to see I am available to officiate at your wedding ceremony.
2. We meet or video call to discuss your unique ceremony requirements.
3. Confirm the date and pay your deposit.
4. I send you sample vows and readings and any other relevant information. Once you have decided which ones you would like to include I put together a draft.
5. I send you a draft of the ceremony for your approval. We make any necessary changes.
6. I conduct the ceremony for your big day.
Do you travel to other areas of Andalucia or the rest of Spain?
I live in the the Malaga area of the Costa del Sol and cover Benalmadena, Mijas, Marbella, Sotogrande, Ronda, Malaga, Nerja but I am happy to travel to other coastal areas of Cadiz and inland to Seville, Granada, Cordoba and will consider enquiries for any other destinations on request.
Travel expenses will be charged for travel over one hour and excessive distances may incur travel and accommodation costs.
Do you offer Same-Sex Weddings?
Yes of course! I do Wedding Ceremonies for any couple of any sexual preference or gender orientation.
Does it matter what culture, faith or religion I am?
No. The content of a celebrant ceremony is not restricted to any culture, faith or religion. If you wish to also incorporate a cultural or religious tradition into your ceremony, you can.
Where can I hold my Wedding Ceremony?
Anywhere you wish! Your venue does not need to be a licensed wedding venue as your ceremony is not legally binding. Just be sure to have permission from the venue owner before you invite all of your guests.
Can I hold my ceremony outdoors?
Yes in fact most of my wedding ceremonies in Spain are held outside. The options are endless. It may be wise to have a back-up plan just in case if it is during the winter months.
Can I include a symbolic ceremony?
Yes. Celebrant ceremonies often include symbolic unity ceremonies such as Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies, Hand fasting, Ring Warming etc. see the unity rituals page but you don't have to include one its entirely up to you.
Can I include readings and poems in my ceremony?
Yes. You can include as many readings as you wish – whether religious or non-religious, humorous or sentimental. Its a good way to include a friend or family member in your wedding ceremony. They can even choose to write something personal.
Can I include music and/or hymns?
You can include as many songs, music or hymns as you like, and can choose to play these either on a PA System or have live singers or musicians, it’s entirely up to you.
Do we have to write our own wedding vows?
Not if you don’t want to. You’re welcome to use traditional recognised wedding vows if you prefer, or have humorous vows if you want to keep it lighthearted and personal or simply have no vows at all – it’s totally up to you. But if you would like to write your own vows its good to discuss this together first so you both have an idea as to how this should go.
A family member or friend has passed away, can we remember them in our ceremony?
Yes absolutely. I will ask you if there is anyone you would like to give mention to when we meet, and you may wish to include a photo or keepsake on a nearby table or light a candle in their memory. We can honour them in any way you wish.
How long does the ceremony last?
It depends on how much you would like to include e.g. reading, rituals etc. Usually 20-30 minutes but it can be shorter or longer depending on your requirements.
Will we meet you before the ceremony?
Its always nice to meet in person before the wedding ceremony. However this isn't always possible if you are in a different country and not here until just before the big day. If we cannot meet in person, we will meet over Skype or FaceTime instead. I always come and say hello when I arrive on the day so we will at least have met briefly if its not possible befrore!
What other types of ceremony do you conduct?
I do wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, elopements and baby naming ceremonies.
I hope that this has answered some of your questions, but please contact me to discuss any queries you may have in more detail.
A Celebrant is an independent person, not affiliated to any church or faith. We just believe people should have the right to celebrate their special day in their way. As a Celebrant, I can offer you a very personal alternative to a standard legal or religious ceremony. We have total flexibility.
Is the ceremony legally binding?
In Ireland I am a registered solemniser so YES I can legally marry you in Ireland.
In Spain:
No. I am a Celebrant and not a Registrar. Therefore, in order for your marriage to be recognised in law, you must complete the legal formalities at a Registry Office prior to or after the Ceremony.
In order to complete the legal side of the marriage most couples go to their local registry office in their home country, with a couple of witnesses, and then have their wedding day celebrations in the sun with all the people who matter most to them in an amazing location.
It is possible to get legally married in Spain if you are resident but it can take quite a few months to arrange the paperwork so a wedding blessing is often the easier option although I consider it far more personal and romantic.
Are there any restrictions on what we can include in our wedding ceremony?
When you choose me to be your wedding celebrant I get to know you both and together we will design a unique ceremony that reflects you as a couple. There are no restrictions, no script to follow and with my help, you can create and incorporate any type of religious, spiritual or faith based belief into the service from vows to readings to symbolic and traditional rituals. After all its your day so we will do it your way.
How do you put the ceremony together?
I learn from you, what makes your relationship unique. I will make suggestions, and help you to create a truly special and unique ceremony however, you will always have the final say. I bring my own style and personality into its design and delivery, but every word is approved by you. This is totally unlike a registry office where they approve the words you want to use and the same ceremony applies for everyone.
I am always at the end of a phone, or email if you want to make any changes or just talk things through.
When will you arrive on our wedding day?
I will arrive at least one hour before the wedding ceremony starts. I will coordinate with wedding planners, photographers, musicians or DJ, florist and anybody else involved in your day. I usually have a chat with the groom or best men and the bride if necessary to calm any last minute nerves or answer any queries.
We want to book you, what do we do now?
The booking process
1. Check with me to see I am available to officiate at your wedding ceremony.
2. We meet or video call to discuss your unique ceremony requirements.
3. Confirm the date and pay your deposit.
4. I send you sample vows and readings and any other relevant information. Once you have decided which ones you would like to include I put together a draft.
5. I send you a draft of the ceremony for your approval. We make any necessary changes.
6. I conduct the ceremony for your big day.
Do you travel to other areas of Andalucia or the rest of Spain?
I live in the the Malaga area of the Costa del Sol and cover Benalmadena, Mijas, Marbella, Sotogrande, Ronda, Malaga, Nerja but I am happy to travel to other coastal areas of Cadiz and inland to Seville, Granada, Cordoba and will consider enquiries for any other destinations on request.
Travel expenses will be charged for travel over one hour and excessive distances may incur travel and accommodation costs.
Do you offer Same-Sex Weddings?
Yes of course! I do Wedding Ceremonies for any couple of any sexual preference or gender orientation.
Does it matter what culture, faith or religion I am?
No. The content of a celebrant ceremony is not restricted to any culture, faith or religion. If you wish to also incorporate a cultural or religious tradition into your ceremony, you can.
Where can I hold my Wedding Ceremony?
Anywhere you wish! Your venue does not need to be a licensed wedding venue as your ceremony is not legally binding. Just be sure to have permission from the venue owner before you invite all of your guests.
Can I hold my ceremony outdoors?
Yes in fact most of my wedding ceremonies in Spain are held outside. The options are endless. It may be wise to have a back-up plan just in case if it is during the winter months.
Can I include a symbolic ceremony?
Yes. Celebrant ceremonies often include symbolic unity ceremonies such as Unity Candles, Sand Ceremonies, Hand fasting, Ring Warming etc. see the unity rituals page but you don't have to include one its entirely up to you.
Can I include readings and poems in my ceremony?
Yes. You can include as many readings as you wish – whether religious or non-religious, humorous or sentimental. Its a good way to include a friend or family member in your wedding ceremony. They can even choose to write something personal.
Can I include music and/or hymns?
You can include as many songs, music or hymns as you like, and can choose to play these either on a PA System or have live singers or musicians, it’s entirely up to you.
Do we have to write our own wedding vows?
Not if you don’t want to. You’re welcome to use traditional recognised wedding vows if you prefer, or have humorous vows if you want to keep it lighthearted and personal or simply have no vows at all – it’s totally up to you. But if you would like to write your own vows its good to discuss this together first so you both have an idea as to how this should go.
A family member or friend has passed away, can we remember them in our ceremony?
Yes absolutely. I will ask you if there is anyone you would like to give mention to when we meet, and you may wish to include a photo or keepsake on a nearby table or light a candle in their memory. We can honour them in any way you wish.
How long does the ceremony last?
It depends on how much you would like to include e.g. reading, rituals etc. Usually 20-30 minutes but it can be shorter or longer depending on your requirements.
Will we meet you before the ceremony?
Its always nice to meet in person before the wedding ceremony. However this isn't always possible if you are in a different country and not here until just before the big day. If we cannot meet in person, we will meet over Skype or FaceTime instead. I always come and say hello when I arrive on the day so we will at least have met briefly if its not possible befrore!
What other types of ceremony do you conduct?
I do wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, elopements and baby naming ceremonies.
I hope that this has answered some of your questions, but please contact me to discuss any queries you may have in more detail.
Wedding Ceremony Fee
My fee includes all the necessary planning, discussing and designing of your special Ceremony as many times as you require until you are totally satisfied. The cost also includes:
- Ceremony on the day, including taxes
- Local pre ceremony meeting if you are coming out to Spain before hand.
- PA Microphone system and mic.
- Assistance choosing vows, or the freedom to write your own or both.
- Assistance with choosing appropriate poems and readings for your service.
- Option to include a symbolic ceremony such as a Unity Candles, Sand Ceremony or Hand Fasting, or anything else which is more personal to you. Some materials may incur additional charges. Please ask for details.
- Wedding Certificate & signing of the Register (if required)
- Your wedding ceremony will be officiated by me in full in English. If you wish to say your vows or include readings in another language, you are welcome to do so. I can also include parts in Spanish. Please ask for details.
Please note: A celebrant ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony. For your marriage to be recognised by law in your own country, you must also complete the necessary legal formalities at home before or after your visit to your chosen destination. Celebrant ceremonies do not include the sourcing of a wedding venue. It is the responsibility of the couple to source a suitable venue in advance of their wedding.
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What Our Couples Are Saying"Michelle thank you again for your amazing work on our wedding day. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and exactly what we wanted. So many of our guests commented on how personable you made it. We really appreciate the work that went in to make our day really special. We would highly recommend you to anyone getting married in Spain. Thanks so much."
Shira & Denis "We were so happy with our ceremony thank you so so much. We loved how you told our story and the effort you put into the way it flowed, it was really beautiful. The pace of the ceremony was perfect, it was just long enough but it didn’t feel rushed and it was relaxed.
Alex & Jason "Michelle we honestly can’t thank you enough for the ceremony you prepared for us.It was timed perfectly, it was heart-felt, personal, unique, and just everything we wanted. There wasn't a dry eye in the house".
Sophie & Dualta |
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