Wedding Celebrant Charter

This agreement outlines the most critical expectations of an outstanding wedding/family celebrant and is intended to act as a benchmark by which all wedding celebrants can be measured. In adopting this charter, a wedding celebrant is committing to the following minimum requirements:

• Act to the highest possible standard of professional and personal conduct at all times.

• Ensure you can be easily contacted and respond to all contacts promptly.

• Be organised and work within the necessary timeframes.

• Dress appropriately and be well-groomed.

• Develop and maintain good relationships with other professionals, such as wedding venues/wedding planners and their staff.

• Have a demeanour that blends empathy with leadership.

• Have sufficient IT skills to commit to producing professional written materials.

• Understand the law surrounding GDPR and the need for confidentiality.

• Possess Personal Liability and Indemnity Insurance.

• Understand the requirements for legally binding marriage and inform all couples that the ceremony conducted does not equal a legally binding marriage.

• Access available ceremony choices and advise the clients accordingly.

• Guide and inform couples about their choices of music, poems, and other materials to be included in the ceremony.

• Work closely with clients to write and deliver a ceremony which accurately reflects their wishes.

• Whenever possible, meet with the clients in person before writing the ceremony.

• Offer to meet with the clients at a time and place that suits them best, whether at home, online, or elsewhere. Please make sure the time slot is open-ended so that they don’t feel rushed.

• Provide the client with a written draft of the ceremony in good time before the day itself so that they have a chance to communicate any feedback or changes.

• Provide accurate information about the services you offer and the prices of such services.

• Arrive at the venue early on the day itself to ensure smooth running of the ceremony.

Disclaimer

By displaying the ‘I’ve adopted the Celebrant Charter’ symbol, celebrants are confirming that they are willing to be measured against the attributes and skills defined in the Celebrant Charter detailed on this page. Use of the Celebrant Charter symbol does not endorse either the individual or the standard of their work and the UK Society of Celebrants cannot be held responsible for any individual failing to deliver best practice.