Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Connemara, Co Galway
Hi - I'm Geraldine. I am an ordained Interfaith Minister and conducting weddings is an important and wonderful part of my Ministry. I work mainly in the West of Ireland.
All my ceremonies are tailored to the couple’s needs and beliefs and wishes and I make it as inclusive as possible for people of all religious persuasions or none who might be at the ceremony. And of course all the weddings I do are also legal so you will be legally married as well as having a beautiful personal ceremony. You choose the day (including Sundays), the time (including evenings) and the venue (including outside venues which comply with HSE regulations)
The ceremonies I do are mostly for people who want a sense of the spiritual in their wedding ceremony but don't want it to subscribe to any particular dogma or religion. So we would create together a ceremony that can draw on readings and poems from any and all of the traditions - or from none of them! I can also conduct a wedding that centres on nature, love, relationships, connections without any spiritual references at all. However you want it to be - so it will be created.
Apart from the legal aspect there are many beautiful elements you can include in your ceremony and I can advise you on all of them - but always it's your choice!
Feel free to check out my website and my brochures (you'll find those on this page)
Reviews of Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
5.0
15 reviews
Quality of service
5.0
Value
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Flexibility
5.0
Professionalism
5.0
Sort by
Gerard Farrell and Barry Cooley
5.0
Married on 7th Mar 2026
Emily & Chris Scully
5.0
Married on 25th Mar 2023
Geraldine was our celebrant for our civil ceremony and we couldn't have picked a better person. She was so warm, friendly, kind and caring. She created a beautiful sacred atmosphere and space for our ceremony and made it so personal to us. All of our guests commented on how special it was and how lovely Geraldine was. We couldn't recommend Geraldine highly enough to other couples, she was absolutely amazing. Thank you so much Geraldine.
Added 29th Mar 2023
Gary & Nick
5.0
Married on 20th Aug 2022
Words can't really express our gratitude to Geraldine. We first corresponded in 2019 for a wedding that was supposed to happen a year later but then we had to defer it, twice. From the very first conversation we had with her we knew we were in safe hands. We had a vague idea of what we thought we wanted but Geraldine guided us and gave us the advice we needed to make the ceremony as personal to us as it became. She worked with us to help us reflect on each other and our relationship and why it was we wanted to be married which helped shape the ceremony immensely. The wedding ceremony itself could not have been better. She was so calm and graceful and our guests fell in love with her and remarked that they had never been to such a thoughtful wedding where the focus was on us and our love for each other. Thank you Geraldine for everything.
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Thanks you Gary and Nick for such a thoughtful review. It was my pleasure to be your Celebrant and work with you both and I wish you continued happiness together.
Love Geraldine
Love Geraldine
Added 9th Sep 2022
John & Cat
5.0
Married on 31st Dec 2019
Hi Geraldine
On behave of myself and John we just want to say a huge thank you for the nicest ceremony ever.
Everyone was raving about it and how special
It was. You were absolutely amazing
I took in every word you said, thank for for making our day so special and best wishes for 2020
Lots of love
Cat & John xx
On behave of myself and John we just want to say a huge thank you for the nicest ceremony ever.
Everyone was raving about it and how special
It was. You were absolutely amazing
I took in every word you said, thank for for making our day so special and best wishes for 2020
Lots of love
Cat & John xx
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
It was a splendid wedding for a beautiful couple. Hope you had a fabulous New Year celebration at the G hotel. All the very best to both of you. Love Geraldine
Added 5th Jan 2020
Susie Brady
5.0
Married on 21st Dec 2019
Geraldine gave us a wonderful ceremony for our wedding in December, guiding us through every step, helping to create a service that was perfect for us. She gave lots of suggestions for what we could include on the day, sharing lots of different ideas we had not thought of before. She confidently guided us through the whole process whilst giving us the freedom to do what we wanted and take out anything we weren't comfortable with. We wanted a ceremony that our friends and family would feel included in, which was tailored to us and who we are.
Geraldine made us feel relaxed with her support, and delivered a beautiful, warm, loving service on the day. We had lots of people come up to us afterwards to tell us how much they enjoyed the ceremony. Particularly how inclusive it was for everyone. Even our photographer emailed us afterwards to say it was the best he had seen!
Geraldine, thank you for everything. For your help and guidance, and your wonderful delivery on the day. We loved it.
Geraldine made us feel relaxed with her support, and delivered a beautiful, warm, loving service on the day. We had lots of people come up to us afterwards to tell us how much they enjoyed the ceremony. Particularly how inclusive it was for everyone. Even our photographer emailed us afterwards to say it was the best he had seen!
Geraldine, thank you for everything. For your help and guidance, and your wonderful delivery on the day. We loved it.
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
What a fabulous day it was! Joy and happiness and laughter all round. Thanks so much for inviting me to be a part of it. I hope you stay as happy as you were on your wedding day. Love Geraldine x
Added 27th Feb 2020
Dooly's birr
5.0
Married on 27th Oct 2019
Fantastic job all round. Very pleased with the service provided. Geraldine was so nice
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Thanks Matt and Caroline - what a lovely day it was! I hope you are still as happy as you were on your wedding day. Thank you for inviting me to be part of it.
Love Geraldine
Love Geraldine
Added 10th Dec 2019
Fiona Gardner
5.0
Married on 29th Sep 2019
We connected with Geraldine from our first phone call, we knew she was the best fit for us. Geraldine made us feel at ease and was really supportive and guided us in creating the ceremony. On the day she was so calming and relaxed, helping us both ground ourselves and enjoy the ceremony. The ceremony was more then I could have imagined and we had amazing feedback from guests. She helped us to formulate and personalise our ceremony and it was something that is so special to both of us. We did the complete package and found the process of the reflective questions to be hugely important and enjoyable in the lead up to the wedding, when it can be a bit stressful. Geraldine has a lovely calmness and we would both highly recommend her for any ceremony.
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Hi Fiona and Dan - thanks so much for your kind words. You were both a pleasure to work with and the beauty of the ceremony was reflected in the beauty of your love. I wish you both so much happiness as you continue your journey together. Love Geraldine
Added 18th Dec 2019
John and Taissa
5.0
Married on 21st Sep 2019
As soon as the camera came on during our first Skype call, we were met by this beautiful bright smile. After that call, we knew we had found our celebrant. Over the several months that followed, we emailed back and forth until we came to a ceremony we all liked, and Geraldine was always available to answer any questions we had. On the big day itself, she was absolutely brilliant. Practical, very calming, a clever speaker and an excellent storyteller! It was a fantastic ceremony and everyone just loved the way she told our story? Big smiles all around!
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
It was a complete delight working with you both. You were in your van and I was in the middle of nowhere in Connemara yet it was all so easy to work together. People were obviously moved by the love you have for each other. Such a happy day for everyone. I wish you continued happiness.
Love Geraldine
Love Geraldine
Added 13th Nov 2019
Susan and Eileen
5.0
Married on 14th Sep 2019
My wife and I were lucky enough to be married by Geraldine in September. The whole experience was an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. She put us at ease right from the start by ensuring we knew exactly what to expect. Geraldine was always on hand to make suggestions and offer guidance so that we could make the ceremony a true representation of who we are as individuals and as a couple. We received so much positive feedback from our guests with some even saying that it made them fall in love all over again! It truly was the best day of our lives and that was in no small part thanks to Geraldine and the manner in which she conducted our ceremony, I couldn't recommend her enough.
Added 3rd Mar 2020
Roxanne DesForges
5.0
Married on 21st Jun 2019
Geraldine is such a wonderful calming person. Having her perform our ceremony made everything that extra bit special. As we decided to elope we wanted everything as fuss free and intimate as possible which Geraldine carried out in such a beautiful way. The fact we could also include a handfasting and a candle lighting in our ceremony was just wonderful, Thankyou so much Geraldine for making our wedding day so special xxxx
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Lovely day, lovely venue - lovely couple! Thanks so much for inviting me to be part of your special and private day. Wishing you a wonderful 2020 and beyond. Love Geraldine
Added 16th Dec 2019
John and Leyla
5.0
Married on 15th Jun 2019
Dear Geraldine,
Our most heartfelt thanks for making our ceremony beautiful and special. From the first time we met we got the sense that you are kind and empathetic and completely focused on helping us create a ceremony that was true and meaningful to us.
This support continued through the preparation period with you being very responsive and open to our needs and questions.
The day itself you were brilliant, bringing a joyful and calm presence to the occasion. The ceremony was more than we could ever have imagined and you led through it with true grace. We cherished your inclusive, warm hearted approach that helped us integrate our multicultural family and friends into the ceremony, bringing us and them great joy!
So many people came up to us afterwards saying that it was the most beautiful, meaningful ceremony that they had seen at a wedding.
We absolutely loved it and are sending you our most sincere gratitude!
Our most heartfelt thanks for making our ceremony beautiful and special. From the first time we met we got the sense that you are kind and empathetic and completely focused on helping us create a ceremony that was true and meaningful to us.
This support continued through the preparation period with you being very responsive and open to our needs and questions.
The day itself you were brilliant, bringing a joyful and calm presence to the occasion. The ceremony was more than we could ever have imagined and you led through it with true grace. We cherished your inclusive, warm hearted approach that helped us integrate our multicultural family and friends into the ceremony, bringing us and them great joy!
So many people came up to us afterwards saying that it was the most beautiful, meaningful ceremony that they had seen at a wedding.
We absolutely loved it and are sending you our most sincere gratitude!
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Thank you so much for this review. It was a pleasure working with you both and I have fond memories of a beautiful day. I wish you both continued happiness and a long and happy life. With love Geraldine
Added 13th Feb 2020
Kenneth and Michael
Married on 22nd Feb 2019
Geraldine, I cannot express eloquently enough just how much we loved our wedding ceremony on Friday. Usually in the aftermath of a wedding people talk about the food, music and how drunk and hungover they got in terms of how much they enjoyed it. For us they have been raving on about the ceremony - the general consensus was it was the best one they were ever at in terms of either church or civil ceremonies. People were saying they usually zone out during ceremonies but on Friday everyone was totally engaged wondering what would happen next. Myself and Michael loved it from start to finish and couldn't be any happier with how it went - it set the tone for what was an excellent wedding day. We appreciate so much the warmth and kindness you showed us both and the true professionalism in which you conducted the ceremony. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Thank you for this fabulous testimonial. Often people have no idea what to expect so it's great that people of all faiths and none can be so impacted by a ceremony. But what's not to love about a ceremony between two great people committing to loving each other for ever? It was a joy working with you and thank you for inviting me to be part of your special day.
Love Geraldine
Love Geraldine
Added 13th Nov 2019
Victor and Patricia
Married on 2nd Jul 2016
Reverend Geraldine was a delight to work with. She helped my husband and l enter into our sacred union consciously. We found her through a google search of Reverends who were not linked to any denomination. The ceremony was unique and reflective of us as a couple. She accommodated a combined wedding/ baby naming ceremony! She brings a calm, cantered and radiant energy. It was a pleasure getting to know you Rev. The experience was no unique that our guests still talk about it. Planning a destination wedding can be a challenge but Rev. Brown made the process so easy and honestly it was fun. I looked forward to our skype calls. She gave me practical conflict resolution tips that I still use to this day! Thank you.
Victor and Patricia, Texas, USA
Victor and Patricia, Texas, USA
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Hi Victor and Patricia - I can't believe it's been so long! What a joy it was to welcome your gorgeous baby boy as well. You were both so lovely and so stunning. It was a joy to work with you and get to know you. I was honoured to be a part of your special day.
Love Geraldine
Love Geraldine
Added 13th Nov 2019
Miriam and Isaac
Married on 25th Jun 2016
We could not have asked for a better celebrant, Geraldine helped us tailor our dream ceremony and not just that but carried it off so beautifully for us in the incredible setting we had. We loved every part of the ceremony and especially the kind words Geraldine had prepared based on the questionnaire we had filled out months previously and forgotten about. We cannot recommend Geraldine highly enough, for her kindness, her compassionate nature, her attention to detail, her support before and during the ceremony and her eloquence in the delivery of the service. Her encouragement and guidance made for a joy-filled experience.
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Hi Miriam and Isaac - that venue is so special isn't it? Getting to know you over Skype and emails really helped me to make the ceremony so personal to you. I loved working with you and loved being your Celebrant on the day. Thank you for involving me.
Love Geraldine
Love Geraldine
Added 13th Nov 2019
Laura and John
Married on 10th Jun 2016
We wanted to say a huge thank you for not only being part of our big day but for making it! The ceremony you created was exactly right for us. The presence you brought to the day was just stunning and was apparent to everyone there. We still talk about how much we loved meeting and getting to know you and I regularly tell people who ask about my wedding that the ceremony was hands down my absolute favourite memory of peace and love on the day. You are a joy! Thank you again and much love.
Response from Geraldine Bown Celebrant & Legal Solemniser
Hi Laura and John - thank you for your comments. The photo of us all laughing together is one of my favourite wedding photos ever! What a joy-filled day it was - stunning venue, stunning couple, stunning wedding. I loved every minute of it and am so glad your guests did too.
Love Geraldine
Love Geraldine
Added 13th Nov 2019
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+353 1 963 0432
Unit 106, Digital Office Centre, Balheary Road, Swords, Co Dublin, K67 E5A0
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From the moment it began, you brought everything to life in such a personal, meaningful, and beautiful way. Your warmth and kindness towards both of us put us completely at ease on the day, and that meant so much. You created an atmosphere that felt truly “us,” and we’ll always be grateful for that.
It was such a special ceremony—one we’ll never forget—and so many of our guests commented on how wonderful and personal it was. That’s all down to you.
Thank you again for everything, Geraldine. We sincerely appreciate the care, thought, and heart you put into making our day so memorable.
With our deepest thanks and gratitude,
Wishing you both continued happiness in your life together.
Love Geraldine