Celebrant-Led Ceremony, On-The-Day Co-Ordination & Photography

Welcome to Lover of the Light Ceremonies

I’m Christie – proud Yorkshire lass, lover of love stories, and the heart behind Lover of the Light Ceremonies. If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re planning something really special – and I’m so glad you’ve found me.

Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back woodland wedding, a festival-style celebration in a field, a chic city elopement, or a cosy candlelit ceremony in a historic venue, I’m here to help bring your vision to life – your way. From romantic handfastings to gothic-themed gatherings, and everything in between, I create ceremonies that are bursting with personality, meaning and joy.

A bit about me… I was born in Bradford, raised under the South African sun in Cape Town, and now I live in lovely Leeds with my husband John, our gorgeous kids, and a busy life full of family, football, and fresh air. I’m a people person through and through, and there’s nothing I love more than hearing your story and turning it into something unforgettable.

I create ceremonies that are relaxed, personal, and full of heart. You won’t find any boring scripts or stiff traditions here (unless you want them!). Just thoughtful, inclusive, beautifully crafted moments that feel like you.

Whatever your vibe – romantic, playful, spiritual, quirky, goth (yes, really!) – I’ll meet you there with open arms and an open mind. Love is love, and everyone is welcome.

So, if you’re after a celebrant who’ll champion your ideas, help you feel totally at ease, and deliver a ceremony that’s genuinely meaningful – you’ve just found her.

So… what is a celebrant, exactly?

Great question – and one I get asked all the time!

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a celebrant is someone who creates and leads bespoke, non-legally binding ceremonies. That might sound a bit official, but what it really means is this: with a celebrant, your ceremony can be absolutely anything you want it to be.

There are no scripts, no rules, and no restrictions on location, content or creativity. Want to get married barefoot in a forest? Go for it. Fancy including a handfasting, a sand ceremony, a shot of tequila mid-vows, or a poem your nan wrote? Absolutely. It’s your day, your way.

The key thing to know is that celebrant-led weddings (outside of Scotland) aren’t legally binding – just like a church blessing or a symbolic ceremony. To make it official, couples usually pop to the local registry office to do the legal bit before or after the big day. Lots of people call this the “two-part” wedding: one bit for the paperwork, and one for the celebration.

And let me tell you – the celebration bit is where the magic happens.

As a celebrant, I take time to get to know you, learn your love story, and create a ceremony that feels like you. It's personal, meaningful, full of heart (and often a few happy tears!). Whether it’s a wedding, vow renewal, or commitment ceremony, I’m there to hold the space, guide the energy, and help you and your guests feel relaxed, connected and totally present in the moment.

So, in short: a celebrant gives you the freedom to say "I do" your way – wherever, whenever, and however feels right for you.

Making it legal – the simple (and affordable) way

Because celebrant-led weddings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland aren’t legally binding (just yet!), most couples choose to do the legal bit separately – and it’s honestly super straightforward.

Here’s how it works:

1. Give Notice
   You’ll need to book an appointment at your local register office to give notice of marriage. This is a legal requirement where you confirm who you’re marrying, where, and when. You both need to attend in person, and it must be done at least 29 days before your legal ceremony. Most councils charge around £35 per person for this step.

2. Book a “2 + 2” Ceremony
   Once your notice period is complete, you can book a basic legal ceremony – just the two of you, two witnesses, and a registrar. It’s short, sweet and fuss-free – usually just enough time to say the legal vows and sign the register. Costs are typically around £50–£70, depending on your local authority.

3. Celebrate Your Way
   Now you’re legally married, we get to focus on the good stuff – your personal, joy-filled ceremony with all the love, laughter and meaningful moments you truly want. Whether that’s in a woodland glade, your nan’s back garden, or a windswept hilltop – we’ll make it magical.

✨ Simple. Stress-free. And exactly how you want it.

What is On-the-Day Coordination?

You’ve spent months (maybe years!) planning your wedding – every detail lovingly chosen, every moment imagined. But when the big day arrives, the last thing you want is to be worrying about whether the confetti’s in the right place, the suppliers have arrived, or the music’s cued at the right time.

That’s where I come in.

On-the-Day Coordination means I’m there behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly – so you can relax and enjoy every second.

I’ll be your go-to person on the day – checking in with suppliers, keeping an eye on timings, managing any last-minute changes, and making sure everything flows just as you planned. From ceremony setup to confetti toss, I’ve got you covered.

Think of me as your calm, organised, friendly extra pair of hands – quietly making sure things happen as they should, without you having to lift a finger.

It’s perfect if:

• You’ve planned the wedding yourselves but want peace of mind on the day

• You don’t have a venue coordinator (or they’re limited in what they do)

• You want someone who knows your plans and truly gets your vibe

I’ll work with you ahead of time to understand your vision, your suppliers, your timeline – and then on the day, I’ll bring it all together, so you and your guests can just soak up the magic.

No stress, no drama – just a smooth, joyful day where you feel totally taken care of.

Ceremony Moments