What is a celebrant, and how they differ from a registrar

By Ceremony Master editorial team · Reviewed 03/09/2026

Quick answer

A celebrant writes and leads a ceremony that sounds like you. A registrar makes a marriage legal. You can have both.

The short version

A celebrant is a trained (or experienced) person who writes and leads a ceremony that is not a standard religious service and not the legal register-office script.

A registrar (or an authorised person in a licensed venue) is the one who makes a marriage legal in England and Wales.

You can have both

Most couples who want a celebrant-led wedding in England and Wales do two things: the legal marriage with a registrar, often on a quieter day, and the ceremony their guests remember with a celebrant.

Funerals, namings and vow renewals do not have a legal twin in the same way.

How to use this directory

Search by ceremony and county. Read the bio as if you were hiring a writer, because you are. Then enquire.

Can a celebrant legally marry you in the UK?

It depends on the nation and the celebrant's legal authorisation. “Celebrant” is a role, not by itself a licence to solemnise a marriage.

England and Wales

For a civil marriage, a registrar must conduct or attend the legal ceremony at a register office or approved venue. An independent celebrant-led ceremony can be held separately but does not by itself create the legal marriage.

Scotland

A registrar or an authorised religious or belief celebrant can solemnise a legal marriage. A private or independent celebrant who does not hold that authorisation can lead a non-legal ceremony, blessing or renewal.

Northern Ireland

Civil marriages are conducted by an authorised registrar or deputy registrar. Religious or belief marriages follow their own authorised-officiant process. Check the officiant and marriage schedule requirements with the relevant district registrar.