I recently saw a job post for a Registrar and was surprised that the term “Celebratory Officer” was being used… upon researching, it turns out Councils are using this term to compete with Celebrants. As couples are becoming more aware that a Celebrant can offer a much more personal ceremony, they are getting more bookings, reducing the registry bookings.
But the two roles are really quite different. One wears a uniform, reads a script and has rarely met you… the other, well if you have met me you know I wear what works for your wedding vibe, write a ceremony starting with a blank page and know more about you than Great Aunt Fanny!
I looked at the job spec and thought it would be good to use it to highlight the differences…
1. Register and conduct Ceremonies at Register Offices, Approved Premises, religious non-conformist churches and other approved locations to ensure that all statutory Ceremonies are completed within the legal framework of the Marriage and the Civil Partnership Acts.
A Celebrant can conduct a wedding ceremony at any location, whether it be a licenced venue or not. No venue is out of bounds, a private garden, a cliff edge, a forest, in the sea! We do not need approved premises (only the permission of the landowner).
2. Complete the formalities for the registration of marriages, interview couples prior to ceremonies, issue certificates, collect fees and complete the Registration. In compliance with the General Register Office Handbook, ensure the safety of Secure stock and documentation when traveling between the office base and the venue adhering to Public Protection and Counter Fraud Guidelines.
Yes we do all our own paperwork too, however, we start it waaaaay before your Wedding day. A registrar will interview you about an hour before your wedding. Hell, how can you get to know someone who is performing one of the MOST IMPORTANT ceremonies of your life in an hour?! Celebrants will work with you for months (normally 12) in the run up to your big day, around 20 hours in total, if not more. You will have laughed together, maybe even cried, and the beauty is you will know each other and feel comfortable with them.
3. Conduct and amend the choices script to meet customers preferred requirements for their ceremony. Ensure that knowledge and familiarity of venue locations is maintained.
CELEBRANTS DO NOT USE A SCRIPT! Each and every one of our ceremonies is unique and written from scratch, no two will ever be the same. The amendments mentioned are a choice of options within the script. They don’t include how you met, how you fell in love and what your future dreams are. Or a tequila ceremony… Meh…
4. Display active commitment to a customer focused service by placing the customer at the heart of every aspect of our work. For example: engaging with customers in a friendly, helpful manner; contributing to public involvement and achieving the best possible outcome for the customer.
A registrar will be at your venue about an hour before. A Celebrant will have already checked in with you both a few hours before : I will likely be bear hugging you before we begin, and again when your ceremony is finished. I’ll know your ma’s sense of humour, which granny will be knocking back from the hipflask and which uncle we need to sit at the back so his bellowing laugh doesn’t drown your words out! All of this before we even begin.
5. Maintain a working knowledge of relevant legislation; comply at all times with the national standards, service standards and best practices.
Same Same, that is why I am a member of the UK Society of Celebrants. Plus my own service standards and best practices are ridiculously high you will be pleased to know!
6. Use LRA Management Systems and web-based systems to undertake ceremony administration and delivery.
We use our own systems, which means they are personalised to work the way we want them. Me? I’m Google, one of the more sustainable online DM software tools.
7. Work to and within regulations and ensure compliance with the Registration Acts to account for secure stock and documents
Celebrants should be GDPR compliant (if you want their Privacy policy just ask) and manage their own security. And as for our stock, it is often really quite pretty and has handmade tweaks,
8. Be responsible for ensuring organisational Health and Safety procedures and good practice are used to maintain security of facilities and the health and safety of self, colleagues and public using our premises.
We are trained to prepare for the unplanned! We have an idea from you about any risks, and we share our planning, First Aid Kit advice and challenges within the Society to ensure we are always bettering ourselves. I’m also First Aid Trained (and an ex-copper should a swift arm hold ever be needed 😉 )
9. Be responsible for delivering services that comply with equality policy, procedure and legislation.
Celebrants are more often than not progressive and I for one fully support ED&I
There is nothing wrong with a Registrar, but lets keep it real people and be honest about what you are booking and getting. I really do not want disappointed couples on their big day.
Dx
#CelebrantsRock