The Day Should Sound and Feel Like the Two of You
You are not looking for a script with your names slotted into it. You want the room to sound and feel like you, to hear your story told properly, and for your guests to leave saying that was so completely you.
That is the whole point of a celebrant. No fixed wording, no fixed venue list, no ten-minute slot. We start with a blank page and we fill it with you.
Bring the dog. Give the children a job. Ask your best friend to read something ridiculous. Blended families, second marriages, long engagements, a Tuesday in a field: all of it is welcome and none of it needs justifying.
The Legal Bit, Explained Simply
In England and Wales, a celebrant ceremony is not the legal marriage. Almost every couple handles this the same way, and it is far less of a hurdle than it sounds.
You book a short statutory ceremony at your local register office, usually on a quiet weekday with two witnesses. It takes a few minutes, it costs a fraction of a full registrar-led ceremony, and it is the paperwork done. Surrey and Hampshire County Councils both handle this online.
Your real wedding day is the one we build together. Most couples describe the register office as the admin and the celebrant ceremony as the wedding, because that is exactly how it feels.
So Why Not Just Use a Registrar?
A registrar can marry you legally, and they do it well. What they cannot do is come to your favourite woodland, write something personal, mention your faith or your dog, run a rehearsal, or spend hours getting to know you first.
As a celebrant, I can do all of that, and the ceremony can be as personal and playful or as solemn as you would like it, because it is tailored around you and your special person.
Everything That’s Included
Your wedding ceremony from £775.
A non-refundable booking fee of £275 secures the date and covers the work I begin immediately. The remaining balance is due six weeks prior to the wedding.
That includes:
- Reserving your wedding date exclusively
- An initial consultation
- Communication and support throughout
- Your ceremony planning questionnaire
- All research and planning
- Drafting and finalising your ceremony (two draft revisions included)
- Liaising with your venue if required
- My attendance on the day to deliver your ceremony
- A keepsake copy of your ceremony words afterwards
My travel within 25 miles of Farnham, Surrey is included. Further afield is absolutely fine, we’ll simply agree travel arrangements and any additional costs in advance. There will not be any surprises.
Renewing Your Vows
A vow renewal is a wholly intentional thing. Nobody has to do it. You are choosing each other again, out loud, in front of the people who have watched you get here.
Some couples mark a milestone anniversary. Some are celebrating coming through something hard. Some simply never had the wedding they actually wanted the first time. All of those are good reasons.
Vow renewals start at £550, with a non-refundable booking fee of £180 and the balance due six weeks before.
That includes:
- Reserving your ceremony date exclusively
- An initial consultation
- Communication and support throughout
- Your ceremony planning questionnaire
- All research and planning
- Drafting and finalising your ceremony
- Liaising with your venue if required
- My attendance on the day to deliver your ceremony
- A keepsake copy of your ceremony words afterwards
How We’ll Work Together
One, We Meet
Tell me what you are planning. No cost, no obligation, no sales pitch. If I am not the right fit for your day I will say so.
Two, You Secure the Date
Your booking fee reserves the date exclusively for you. I will not book another ceremony on this date. I send your confirmation and your documents straight away.
Three, You Fill In the Practical Bits
Your questionnaire covers the logistics and the finer details, so that when we meet we can spend the whole time on you rather than on admin.
Four, We Sit Down Properly
Face to face, at a time and place that suits you. Meeting in person tells me far more about what you need than anything written down, though video or phone is absolutely fine if that is what you would prefer.
Five, I Write and You Read
I draft your ceremony, you read it, we adjust anything that is not quite right. You are never handed something on the day you have not seen.
Six, The Day, and After
I arrive early, look after the room, and deliver your ceremony. Afterwards, your words come back to you as a keepsake.
Words That Mean the Most to Me
“If you are looking for someone who is full of love and has a beautiful way with words to celebrate your loved one, I would highly recommend Lorna as your celebrant. She will put everything she has into making your service incredibly personal and one which allows people the chance to not only remember, but also smile. Lorna cares deeply about ensuring your experience is as easy as possible, particularly in the hardest times. I have no doubt that she is the best person to choose for your special occasion.”
“Lorna is a great celebrant as she listens, has empathy and is a good public speaker. I would recommend her services to my family and friends.”
Where Your Ceremony Can Happen
Because we are not tied to a licensed venue, the answer is very nearly anywhere.
Barns and country houses across Surrey and Hampshire. Loseley Estate and the Tithe Barn at Guildford, which is glorious in winter. Farnham Castle. Pennyhill Park. Frimley Hall Hotel. The Aviator at Farnborough. Equally: a woodland clearing, a coastal path at sunset, a garden that has always mattered to your family.
Questions Couples Ask Me
Can you write religious or cultural elements into the ceremony?
Yes, and gladly. As an independent celebrant I am not restricted to any particular faith or culture, so we can include a blessing, a reading, a prayer, a cultural ritual, or a blend drawn from two families.
Can we include handfasting or ring warming?
What if it rains?
Can our children and our dog be part of it?
Let’s See If Your Date Is Free
Email hello@lornabye.co.uk or call 07347 082987 and tell me about the day you are imagining.