What’s the Difference Between a Registrar and a Celebrant – And Why You Might Want Both

Confused About Who Does What at a Wedding?

If you're planning a wedding, you may have come across the terms “registrar” and “celebrant” and wondered what the difference is. Are they the same thing? Do you need both? And what’s legally required in the UK?

Let me help clear that up for you.

I’m Samantha Black Celebrant, based in Cheshire and working across North Wales and the North West, and I regularly work with couples to help them plan the most meaningful day of their lives, emotionally and symbolically.

What Is a Registrar?

A registrar is an official employed by the local council to legally register marriages (as well as births and deaths). They’re responsible for ensuring the marriage meets UK legal requirements — such as the use of legally binding words and signing the marriage register.

Registrars:

• Work for your local Register Office

• Follow a legal script

• Cannot include religious or spiritual content

• Offer a limited choice of venues (approved premises only)

What Is a Celebrant?

A celebrant is someone who creates and leads a personalised wedding ceremony. It can include any content you like, spiritual, cultural, symbolic or simply heartfelt. Celebrants like myself spend time getting to know you, crafting a ceremony that reflects your story, values and personalities.

Celebrants:

• Offer full flexibility in location and content

• Can include vows, rituals, readings, music — your story, your way

• Are not limited by legal wording

• Focus on your unique relationship and ceremony experience

You can learn more about my wedding celebrant services here.

So Do I Still Need a Registrar?

Yes — in the UK, you still need to legally register your marriage with a registrar.

But here’s the good news:You don’t have to do that on the same day as your wedding celebration.

Just like registering a birth or death, the legal part of getting married can be done separately from the actual celebration.

How to Register Your Marriage Separately

Many couples now choose to complete the legal marriage at a Register Office in a short, simple appointment, often referred to as the “2+2”:

• Just the couple and two witnesses

• Quick, affordable (starting from around £57)

• Often done a few days before the big day

That way, you’re free to have your celebrant-led ceremony exactly how and where you want — whether that’s in your garden, a woodland, on a beach, or in a venue that isn’t on the council’s “approved premises” list.

Learn more about registering your marriage on GOV.UK

Why Choose a Celebrant-Led Wedding?

Couples choose a celebrant-led wedding because they want:

• A personal story not a script

• Flexibility on date, time, location and format

• Cultural or spiritual elements (handfasting, rituals, family involvement)

• A relaxed atmosphere, tailored to them

You can even include your children, pets, favourite music, or write your own vows — none of which is typically allowed in a registrar-led ceremony.

Quick Summary: Celebrant vs Registrar

	Registrar	Celebrant
Legal marriage	✅ Yes	❌ No
Custom content	❌ No	✅ Yes
Religious/spiritual	❌ No	✅ Yes
Outdoor locations	❌ Limited	✅ Any (with owner's permission)
Personalised vows	❌ Limited	✅ Yes

Want a Wedding That Feels Like You?

If you’d love a wedding that reflects your love story, your values, and your style — I’d be delighted to help.

With years of experience in celebrancy and a background in compassionate care, I work with couples across Cheshire, Chester, North Wales and the North West to design ceremonies that are truly meaningful.

Contact me today to chat about your wedding ideas.