Welcome to part one of a huge Q&A with our fabulous Celebrants and Solemnisers – from how they write your marriage script to how they became celebrants in the first place – we’ve got all the answers!
Be sure to check back tomorrow for part two…
The Wedding Man – James
Q. Are there any restrictions that we can’t have?
A. Yes, occasionally I get requests from couples who would like me to conduct the ceremony in a way that reflects their religious beliefs.
On principle, as an atheist, I politely suggest they find someone else for their ceremony.
My feeling is that celebrants are here to offer humanist/non-religious ceremonies as a highly customisable, more bespoke alternative to religious ceremonies.
However, if couples merely want to include a friend or family member reading a religious text of some sort during the proceedings, I am ok with that.
Edel O’Flynn
Q. How would you describe your ceremony style?
A. Your ceremony should feel like you—authentic, fun, heartfelt, and maybe a little unexpected. With me as your celebrant, that’s exactly what you’ll get. I will guide you every step of the way—from our initial Zoom consultation, to texts, emails, and phone calls—making the whole process feel seamless, easy, and yes, even a little exciting!
I help turn your story, your quirks, your laughs, and even the messy, beautiful bits of life into a ceremony that feels completely yours.
Think warm, personal, emotional… but with plenty of smiles, giggles, and moments that catch everyone off guard in the best possible way. Handfastings, unity candles, surprise readings, bell ringing, oathing stone or other special touches? Let’s make it happen. I like to make sure everyone—guests, family, friends, vendor teams —feels included, grounded, connected, and part of the magic.
Whether you’re dreaming of something traditional, modern, relaxed, or a mash-up of all three, I’ll help you create a flow that feels effortless and totally true to you. From your couple story to your vows, rituals, and little surprises that make people smile, we’ll craft something that lands in hearts and sticks there.
With me as your celebrant, it’s more than a ceremony; it’s an experience packed with laughter, love & connection.
Medbh Boyle at Soulful Ceremonies
Q. Are there any restrictions that we can’t have?
A. In theory, no! In Ireland today, you can design your wedding ceremony however you like, to include whatever and whoever you want. I’ve had all sorts of wonders included in ceremonies- beloved canines carrying rings, mother of the groom reading Metallica lyrics, Jewish ‘breaking of the glass’, Polish vodka shot promise, couples paddling out to a lake island for the vows, surprise gifts and singing bridal parties!
In practice though, this is going to depend on a few factors including what your venue space allows for, how long or short you want the ceremony to be, and in particular what type of celebrant/ solemniser you choose. If there’s something specific you want to include, best to check with them before booking.
If you have a HSE registry civil ceremony there will be limits on how much you can personalise it, there may be a reading and a couple of pieces of music but no rituals such as candle lighting or handfasting. Humanist ceremonies can be very personalised but generally will not have an inclusion of any spiritual or religious content such as readings or prayers.
Interfaith and other spiritually inclusive celebrants will support couples to include whatever elements and beliefs are meaningful for them- which may include religious or cultural elements. Overall it’s about being able to have a ceremony that is meaningful and special for a couple- that can be as traditional, fun, simple or wild as a couple are comfortable with- what a gift it is that we have such freedom of choice these days!
Romy McAuley
Q. What do you think makes a memorable wedding ceremony?
A. A memorable ceremony is going to be engaging, heartfelt and true to your relationship.
Firstly, couples should talk about what they envisage the ceremony to be like. Thinking about if there’s anything they specifically are wanting to include (or not!) on the day.
Choosing elements & inclusions which mean something to each/both of you. This is really important. Beit if its Readings, Music, Rituals… or, more especially, the things which you’re saying yourselves – your wedding vows!
Writing your own wedding vows is a very personal choice – something that each needs to make their own decision on. The lovely thing about writing something yourself means that it’s definitely going to be a memorable moment! That emotional part of your ceremony that reveals your personal promises and heartfelt love for each other.
Including family & friends can make your ceremony more special too. If they’re participating by lending their voices – spoken or singing, playing music, or involved with rituals.. Unexpected touches can always be very memorable!
Finally, choose a Celebrant who will take the time to find out all the specifics about your vision. Someone who really gets you as a couple, and that has the right personality for the style of ceremony you’re wanting. Someone experienced will incorporate your emotion, authenticity, individuality and journey as a couple, together. Ensuring every moment feels intentional and connected to you both.
It’s really important that THAT person, standing up in front of all your family and friends, represents you both in the best possible way.
Lorraine Walker
Q. How do you work with couples to create the ceremony script?
A. The first thing I do is either meet or zoom my couples and have a chat and really get to know them so my ceremony can reflect the couples’ personalities.
We discuss what type of vibe they are looking for. We talk about all the beautiful traditions they can choose from to include their family and friends. I have so many original ideas, whether to go for romantic readings or sage and funny advice from the married guests. Because I am a spiritualist celebrant, I allow religious elements in my ceremonies too which can sometimes appease the grandparents!
I love to include the couples’ children too which can be really fun!.
I write the first draft, after our meeting and send it to my couplies for their review, if they have anything to include or add, they return it to me and it is included in the second/third draft.
My couples always feel very involved in their ceremonies and are free to include almost anything they like.
My favourite part of my job is getting to know my couples and finding out how they met, what they love about each other and how they came to their wedding day. It never gets old to hear genuine love stories! The best part is their family and friends’ reactions to funny events or romantic tales. It keeps them engaged and is so memorable too.
The adventure only begins with the wedding!
Celebrant Catherine McWade
Q. Why did you become a wedding celebrant?
I became a wedding celebrant because I connect well with people and I instinctively knew that I could have a really positive impact on couples planning their ceremony. I know how weddings work. I owned and sang in a busy wedding and event band for 17 years. I loved chatting with couples about music for their ceremonies and for the band. I noticed that I often got to hear a lot of their journey together during these planning calls.
It seemed like a natural transition for when I had to hang up my ‘heels’. Now I love that I get to be part of the day that really sets the tone for the rest of the celebration. From singing at ceremonies for many years I got to witness and observe what I thought worked and also what didn’t. I love being creative. I don’t provide a script to couples. I meet with a couple, take notes as they share their journey together with me. Out of this conversation the ceremony is born. My talent is drawing ideas from my couples. I help create a framework, and ensure everything flows perfectly. On the day, I am calm, organised and really the choreographer – it’s your ceremony.
I trained with OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation for two years. As well as a deep dive into all the world Faith Paths we really learnt the importance of listening and connecting with others. Whether religious, spiritual or somewhere in between, I will help curate the most personal ceremony.
Gareth Matthews
Q. What do you think makes a memorable wedding ceremony?
A. A memorable wedding ceremony is one that feels deeply personal, a moment where everyone present can sense the couple’s story and personalities woven into every element. For me, the heart of this begins long before the ceremony itself. I love working with my couples, getting to know them so that together we create something that truly reflects who they are, both as a couple and as individuals.
Incorporating important people is one of the best ways to achieve this. Wedding Enhancements, such as parents lighting unity candles to symbolise the joining of two families, or inviting loved ones to tie the knots during a handfasting, add emotional elements that resonate with everyone present.
Equally important are the couple’s choices: selecting music that reflects their personalities, choosing readings, poems, or quotes that represent their journey, and writing personal vows straight from the heart, as simple as promising to leave a cup of tea by the bed before leaving for work, or dancing the other around the kitchen when they are feeling blue.
Along with all the above, the love story is the most important part. Sharing how the couple met, fell in love, and their journey together brings warmth, love and humour to the ceremony. It reminds everyone that they’re not just witnessing a wedding, they’re also feeling part of the whole ceremony.
Ultimately, the more personal a couple makes their ceremony, the more memorable it will be. You always want your guests to leave saying, “That was totally them.”
Trisha Bonham Corcoran
Q. How do you work with couples to create their ceremony?
A. It all starts with a discovery call, I firmly believe a couple needs to get a ‘feel’ for their celebrant, see if we are a good fit. It’s vital they feel relaxed and comfortable with me, so I can capture all that they, this day, this moment means to them and their families.
Once they book me, I will send their login access to my tailormade client area, my online ‘one stop shop’ resource, packed with samples and choices for their ceremony. They can browse at their leisure before we have our first planning call. That way, they’ve had time to think about what/who they want involved in their ceremony. I also send them questionnaires on their choices, details about their bridal party, family members etc. I have one for their story too, which helps me write a unique love story about them. It all lays the ground work for our chats, where we get to flesh it all out. It helps me get to know them as a couple and what kind of vibe they want in their ceremony.
Over several chats, we build a ceremony that reflects them perfectly. I even have a specific vow questionnaire too, this helps them write their own personal vows, along with samples. These are such a beautiful part of a ceremony. My aim is to take all of the worry or need to remember anything from them, so they can be totally present in the moment and enjoy every second.
(Featured image: DRene Plunkett Photography)
Stay tuned for Part two tomorrow!
