Frequently Asked Questions

Celebrant Services

What is A Celebrant?

A Celebrant officiates at a ceremony such as at a Wedding or Funeral which may include religious, secular, and humanist elements.

Each Celebrant is different and some may choose to limit what they will include in your ceremony, therefore it is a good idea to find the Celebrant you resonate with, and who will reflect your own personal needs. After all, this is something, people will remember so you want to get it right.

As an Independent Celebrant, I am happy for you to include prayers and blessings reflective of your beliefs, however as I am not ordained, I may be restricted from some religious wording. We can discuss this in our meeting.

Andi Barker Celebrant stood in front of a floral backdrop ready to perform a wedding ceremony

Who Can Use A Celebrant?

Anyone can employ the services of a Celebrant, from assistance with writing vows, planning your own funeral, or the full package.

Many multicultural families, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and spiritual people are opting for a more relaxed less formal yet dignified way to welcome new life, celebrate a union, and bid farewell to their loved ones. If you are curious, get in touch, and let's discuss your wishes.

Many Funeral Directors will have a list of Celebrants they work with and may recommend one suited to your needs.

Alternatively, you may book your Celebrant directly if they offer that service. I am working with a number of Funeral Directors on the Isle of Man, and I am happy for you to contact me directly too.

bride and Groom walking through arch way in nature

Where Can A Celebrant Officiate

From a beach to a hilltop, a glen to your garden you can hold your ceremony outside, subject to the owner’s permission.

For an Indoor ceremony, you may choose a home, a village hall, a crematorium chapel, or a hotel.

Or maybe a mix of both? For a list of local venues get in touch.

How Do I Work and Charge

This very much depends on you and your requirements and the type of ceremony you are planning.

I can guide you through and assist you in curating that special memorable day

Your fees will include.

time allowed for meeting you in person or online to meet with you, learn about you, and gather information.
Crafting a beautifully personalised script with your curated vows or a eulogy
Researching information requested by you in a reasonable time
Meeting with you to review the wording and the order of proceedings.
Sourcing and purchasing any materials you may want to include. (Additional costs may be incurred and agreed)
Unlimited online support before the day
Preparation and Delivery of the Ceremony, checking in with you at each point
Ask me about my special offer for your emotional support and wellbeing packages and programs

Additional elements of your choice can be sourced and added at an additional charge.

Destination ceremonies (off-island) and public holidays/ bank holidays will include additional charges.

Further details can be found on the specific Celebrant Service pages.

Wedding and Vow Renewal Ceremonies

When you are planning your wedding there are so many things to consider and I strongly advise you to think about what you want and make a list of what is included in your dream ceremony.

This will support you in finding the person who aligns with your vision and will create a memorable day for you to look back and remember with tears of joy and happiness, rather than regrets and disappointment.

The Officiant (Celebrant/ Civil Celebrant / Registrar)

Is there a choice of an officiant, someone who gets who you are and sees your vision?

Yes

Can you meet the officiant before the ceremony?

Yes, at least twice with regular email/ telephone contact too.

Are there regular meetings and email contact with the officiant to discuss options or to amend and confirm details?

Yes, an initial consultation, a script review plus regular zoom and email contact.

Does the officiant have a set time limit for the ceremony?

Flexible - I only take 1 booking per day

Is there any flexibility to pause the ceremony if a child or adult needs special attention?

Yes – flexible time, this is your day

Is there any support from the officiant in writing your own meaningful and heartfelt vows?

Yes, you can write your own with guidance if needed.

Can the officiant carry out a Vow Renewal Ceremony

Yes – it will be unique and personalised

Would the officiant carry out a Wedding on the Isle of Man, if we already have a UK Marriage Licence?

Yes

Your Wedding / Vow Renewal Ceremony

Is there a set format for the ceremony to be adhered to

No, you can be as flexible as you like and I can guide you through this

Do you have the option to change the format or running order of the ceremony to suit you?

Yes, we can mix it up and include readings, music, poems, and elements, such as including your family in a Unity Sand Ceremony

Can you personalise the ceremony to reflect your lifestyle, uniqueness, and passions?

Absolutely, this is your day and should reflect you, not a copy-and-paste day that is forgettable

Can you personalise your vows and wording?

Yes, you can include funny little promises to heartfelt and solemn moments.

Are religious or spiritual references allowed?

Yes, I am happy to include them, but not all officiant will.

Will the officiant curate a ceremony that talks about who we are, our journey together, and our future hopes and dreams?

Yes, you will get the chance to review the script well in advance of the day and make amendments if needed

Can the couple keep back a personal message that they will share on the big day?

Yes, it can add a little bit of excitement and spice to the proceedings

Is there a rehearsal with the bridal party

Yes /optional

Can you include your family and friends in any part of the ceremony?

Yes, as part of an element, cultural or religious traditions

Are pets allowed and included in your ceremony such as my dog being the ring bearer?

Yes/ optional

Can you include food & and soft/ alcoholic drinks as part of your ceremony

Yes /optional. Some have sealed their vows with a unique gin cocktail created for them

Are you or your family allowed to perform any religious, or cultural traditions within the ceremony?

Yes, we will discuss your personal requirements and weave them into your ceremony with all due respect.

Are mobile phones and pagers allowed in the ceremony?

At the couple’s / family's discretion

Where can you hold your wedding ceremony?

Anywhere included the restricted places at government-licensed venues

Can the wedding ceremony be held anywhere indoors or outdoors?

Yes, with the venue/landowner's permission

Are the Ceremony guest numbers limited?

The size of the venue will determine the numbers allowed

Can you visit the ceremony venue with the officiant to discuss ideas and possibilities?

Yes, meeting there at least once before your ceremony is advisable.

Can the Ceremony wording, decoration, and dress code be themed from our favourite colours, films, hobbies, and passions?

Yes

Would the officiant dress to suit the theme

Yes/ optional

Is music allowed for the bridal procession, if so are there any restrictions?

Yes music is allowed and you can choose whatever tune you like played live or recorded

Is live music allowed in the ceremony room/ area?

Yes if the venue allows.

Is a Videographer allowed in the ceremony

Yes, and they can move to get the perfect images

Can Confetti be thrown at the ceremony

Yes – venue restrictions may apply

Remember always to check the details of what is advertised in any package.

For example -

Which actual location within a venue is the officiant allowed to act?

Can you include your family in the elements (eg a hand-tying) in the ceremony

Can you include your love story, personalise your vows, or change the format of your wedding ceremony to suit you?

Can you have a specific theme and decorations in your ceremony?

Will you know and be supported by the officiant before your ceremony?

Is the officiant flexible if you have to move the start time on the day, or pause mid-ceremony?

For answers to any other questions you may have please email me.

Please note, that these answers are based on Andi Barker Celebrant Services, for a Ceremony held in the Isle of Man and may vary to other Wedding Celebrants depending on their own beliefs, faiths, and local customs.