LGBTQ+
Weddings
Inclusive, Open-Minded Celebrations
With the UK only recently celebrating the 10 year anniversary of legalising gay marriage, LGBTQ+ marriages have historically been overlooked in the “wedding world”. This space, that so readily promotes cis-het people, can feel isolating for those who don’t fit into that mould. Whether LGBTQ+ to-be-weds can get married in a church depends on the denomination and the specific church’s beliefs and policies. Although some churches are welcoming and inclusive of LGBTQ+ to-be-weds and perform same-sex weddings, others are not.
Many to-be-weds are not religious or don’t feel strongly enough about it to have a traditional wedding, but aren’t sure about the alternatives. You might feel the only other option is a registry office, but that’s not the case and celebrant-led wedding is for you!
LGBTQ+ WEDDING CELEBRANT
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I will collaborate with you to create a ceremony that truly reflects your values. Whether you are to-be-weds from unique backgrounds, cultural traditions, have differing spiritual beliefs, or your name, pronouns, and gender are different from those reflected in your legal documents, I am here to help you express your love and commitment your way! There’s no gendered language, deadnaming, or misgendering, round these parts - even my cis-het marriers are free from the term ‘bride & groom’ unless they request it!
Some people may be thinking “Well Hannah, Love Is Love so why the need for a whole separate page for LGBTQ+ weddings?”
The thing is, “love is love'‘ doesn’t exist when LGBTQ+ lovers have to question whether or not a supplier is inclusive, are unsure if they are in safe hands, or are turned away entirely. I want everyone that I work with (not just my LGBTQ+ marriers) to know where I stand on this issue. If you’re not onboard with marriage equality then you are not on board with me.
To my LGBTQ+ lovers, in this little corner of the wedding world...
You are Seen
You are Safe
You are Celebrated
Surprise Vow Affirmation Ceremony in East London
Brendan & Shaun were about to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversay when Brendan got in touch with me. They didn’t want a big party or gathering, but Brendan wanted to give the day the moment that it deserved, so we got together and organised a Surprise Vow Affirmation Ceremony for Shaun in their favourite place in East London. Shaun had absolutely no idea any of it was about to happen (which I think you can tell from his voice!!) but it was absolutely perfect, and when it came time for them to share some words to each other he did not hesitate is speaking straight from the heart. A true example of real love. This is what Brendan had to say - “I had the most amazing experience with Hannah, she went over and beyond for our beautiful ceremony”
“We knew we wanted a celebrant for our Big Gay Wedding but when we spoke to Hannah we immediately knew she was The One. Such a dream to work with, with her open mind (so important when planning a queer wedding!) brilliant ideas and wicked sense of humour”
ARI & AMY
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY VIP CEREMONY PACKAGE?
INITIAL CONSULATION
Initial consultation over a video call where we get to know each other
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
If you decide that I’m the right celebrant for your wedding then everything kicks off with a hella in-depth Relationship Questionnaire. I make a start on the script using this before meeting up IRL (ideal - video call is also excellent if this isn’t possible due to distance) where we deep dive into the details
BESPOKE CEREMONY SCRIPT
An original and bespoke ceremony script, with any tweaks and edits needed to make it perfect for you
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
Advice and guidance on symbolic elements, writing your vows, selecting readings and ways to get your friends and family involved
TRAVEL
Travel & accommodation to your wedding is included if within the M25. If your location is outside the M25 we’ll chat about travel and accommodation options at the time of booking.
Prices from £750
A tree planted for every booking made
Yep, you heard that right – for every new booking a tree will be planted in honour of your celebration. I will donate to the The National Trust’s Plant a Tree scheme, and dedicate a tree to you and your big day. Not only that, you’ll also get a digital certificate to keep, and your celebration will become a part of the UK countryside forever! This is just a small gesture, from me to you, to help to make the world a better place, one wedding at a time. This was inspired by my late Dad, Mike, a decades long National Trust member, and lover of nature. LOVE THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.
Handfasting
You may have seen them all over Pinterest and wedding-inspo posts, and there’s a reason why we love them so much
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition (those dudes must have been doing something right for us to still be using their methods thousands of years later ay?) that predates modern Christian weddings entirely. There there are many explanations for this ancient tradition one of the most common is that the marriers’s hands were tied until midnight. It was said that if they could survive the trials and challenges of the day together, then they would survive in marriage.
Modern to-be-weds choose to do a handfasting for many reasons – as an excuse to get friends and family involved in the ritual; to create a keepsake using meaningful fabrics or colours; or simply to have a physical representation of their promises and union. No matter why you might choose to do a handfasting, the symbolism is strong and clear – as long as the knot remains tied your marriage will stay strong and steadfast. Lovely, right?
Let’s do this!
If you’re ready to chat all things celebration then fill in the form on the contact page. No pressure, just a cuppa and a chat to see if we’re a match.
Lovely words from lovely humans
🧡
Lovely words from lovely humans 🧡