What is a celebrant?

An independent celebrant can create a ceremony that is totally personal to you, whether you want something short and sweet with just rings and vows, or something longer with multiple readings, symbolic elements, and numerous loved ones involved. Every part of your ceremony can be customised to what you want.

The ceremonies independent celebrants hold are not legally binding, but that means we can hold them wherever your heart desires: on a beach, in a forest, in a stately manor that does not have its own wedding license - the only true limit is your imagination!

Being non-legally binding it does mean that a ceremony hosted by an independent celebrant requires further paperwork with a Registry Office, but I am happy to help you though that when the time comes. Or, like I did with L&S (who you can see in the midst of their handtying, curtesy of the photo by Tux & Tales Photography), I can even perform a personalised ceremony on your wedding day right after the Registrars have left!

Photo by Tux & Tales Photography
Photo by Tux & Tales Photography

What will I do?

After an initial enquiry I will go through with you what sort of ceremony you might want, you can ask any questions of me and from there you can complete a booking form and get your date and ceremony set with me.

I will send you information about what you may want in your ceremony, and ask you many questions to help me draft you an order of service. Once an order of service is decided we can begin putting everything together! Within this I can help you write your own vows, or write them for you if you so wish, and help you decide on poems, readings, and any symbolic elements you would like to include and who of your friends or family you might want as a participant in your ceremony.

For a full wedding ceremony I can go through a rehearsal with you beforehand, and help choreograph how the ceremony will work and the positions to be in at each point to make sure you are happy and the ceremony is exactly what you want!

 

Who am I?

I'm Natalie (She/Her), founder and owner of Velvet Moon Ceremonies! As an individual I am creative and organised, with a passion for helping people get the most out of life. As a celebrant I aim to do this by making your ceremony the best it can be and as unique and personal as you are. I also believe any celebrant you find should truly resonate with you if they are to lead an important ceremony in your life, so please look through this to hopefully get a feel of what I'm like and what type of ceremonies I can really make shine!

If you want to host a themed ceremony where your celebrant can fit right in then look no further than Velvet Moon Ceremonies - whether it's an elven forest fantasy, a vintage gothic extravaganza or a Star Wars neon dream, I will make sure both your script and my attire fit within your vision for the perfect ceremony.

In the past I have taken festival themed weddings, a Final Fantasy themed ceremony, and Dungeons & Dragons themed ceremonies. You can be sure that whatever your theme or colour scheme I will be sure to find an outfit that fits in on the day and your ceremony will resonate with the exact vibe you want.

I have attended both vintage and steampunk events, as well as created and worn my own fantasy outfits, so if there is a specific look you would like me to wear I would be happy to oblige (pending possible costs, of course). I love simple modern looks too, so if all you wish for your ceremony is to be elegant and traditional then I am more than happy to wear whatever will fit your colour scheme and the look you are going for.

A couple holding Ahsoka Tano's lightsabers
Chloe Lee Photo
A White Mage costume I wore for a Final Fantasy themed ceremony in 2022.
A White Mage costume I wore for a Final Fantasy themed ceremony in 2022.

Outside of conducting fabulous ceremonies I am also a fantasy writer, participating in writing challenges and being an active member of a local Nottingham writing group. Writing about magicians and princesses in far away lands helps me hone my craft when it comes to the written word, improving my skills when it comes to creating bespoke ceremonies as well.

In my day job I work at a video game studio and I have two main hobbies: cosplay and aerial circus! Through these I express my creativity and am constantly learning new things. You will find both of these hobbies and my everyday work also lead me to be very open about whatever your passion is, and I'll be willing to take on any concept or theme to mould your ceremony around.

As a nerd myself who occasionally runs away with the circus and is constantly exploring magical worlds, you will find nothing is too bizarre for me and the more fantastical your concept for your ceremony the more I'd love to take it on!

Want to learn more?

You've found out what a celebrant is and what I will do, so now maybe you want to find out more about me and if I'm the right fit for your special day!