bride and groom standing beside brown wooden wall

Weddings LGBTQAI+ Funerals & Memorials Vow Renewals Naming Ceremonies ... and lots more!

Hello, I'm Martin

I'm a Celebrant providing bespoke heartfelt ceremonies in Somerset, Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire and throughout the UK, EU and happy to travel internationally if you need me to officiate your unique ceremony.

your ceremony ... your way

Originally from Wales, I now call Somerset my home ... and there's no distance I won't travel to officiate weddings, funerals, and every occasion in between.

Whatever your ceremony, it should be conducted your way and that's why I'm passionate about bringing warmth, humour (my love language!), empathy and individuality to my work, ensuring that every ceremony is inclusive and unique. No two ceremonies will ever be the same, so if you're looking for something a little different (or a lot!) - I've got your back.

With over 35 years of experience in writing and the arts - from performing in musicals, and plays - to creating and hosting to large scales shows and charity events and weddings, I am passionate about creating and delivering meaningful ceremonies that truly reflect your beliefs and values.

I am a soon-to-be author who is a creative, down-to-earth professional, driven by positive energy, and always willing to go the extra mile for my clients. If it's a ceremony you've always dreamed of, I can promise you - I'll go the extra mile and I'm behind you every step of the way.

I'm fully committed to providing exceptional care and service for each of life's milestones. If you'd like to find out more about me, and my experience then please check out the learn more button.

Let's make your ceremony something special - just the way you want it. I look forward to you getting in touch.

'Wow! Spellbinding! What a gift you have to capture the energy of your audience and include everyone at ceremony!'

'Incredible and passionate with the right touch of humour! Your gift to bring our story to life was sensational!'

and a very warm welcome to you

From our very first introduction, you can expect my unwavering support every step of the way. I am here to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the planning process, offering check-ins as often as you need. On the day of your ceremony, I will bring your vision to life with a personalized script that reflects your unique story and desires. My goal is to make your special day memorable and enjoyable, allowing you to fully embrace the moment while I handle the details. With my dedication and commitment, your ceremony will be everything you've dreamed of and more. Together, we will create a beautiful experience that you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

My commitment to you ...

What ceremonies do you offer ...

The easy answer is ... if you'd like someone to officiate a ceremony - I can do it for you. As a creative writer and soon-to-be author, crafting a ceremony that is unique to you will be an honour! I'm very much a people person and my years of experience in creating and hosting events combined with my other skills will ensure you have the best ceremony for you. I work for you and there are no hidden costs. I'll be creating a meaningful ceremony just for you is more important to me than you could ever know. Here are some of the ceremonies I create...

It's very important to me to ensure my pricing system is transparent and where possible, I've avoided the phrase 'prices from' and instead offered a set fee for almost everything. You'll see the prices 'from' on the additional add-on pages and as you can imagine there are so many variables depending on what you'd love, the costs of materials and so on, so we'll work together on these by communicating throughout so there will be no hidden surprises. I've got your back!

Everything is very straightforward and easy for everyone. On the day you decide to book me as your celebrant I will give you a booking form which will give details such as the date, time, location etc. I then take a 50% of the total price as a deposit in order to hold the date. This deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're sure!

Then, once we get a little closer (usually a month or less) to the date, I will take the remaining balance of the payment, and then I will release the script to you to be finalised.

I cannot hold the date without a deposit, and I cannot release the script until the final payment has been made.

You may choose to include certain symbolic items, or there may be a need for a specific costume, a hotel room or travel expenses. If they are known when we book then I will add them on at that stage, or if they are added later I will add them on at the end but you'll have prior knowledge as part of the planning process. You will have itemised invoices for all payments, so it should be very clear. I believe in complete transparency and being upfront from the get-go so there are no hidden surprises.

Pricing and Payment Policy

a bunch of chairs that have flowers on them
a bunch of chairs that have flowers on them

What is a Celebrant Ceremony?

It's exactly what it says on the tin! It's about celebrations for each of life's celebratory moments, from a glorious wedding or vow renewal designed to your liking to funerals and special farewells, naming ceremonies same-sex marriages or transitioning ceremonies - to name but a few! A celebrant is trained to provide a custom-made ceremony that is unique and personal to you. Unlike a registrar, there is no legal limitation or restriction as to what you can include in a Celebrant Ceremony.

You have the freedom to create a ceremony which is appropriate to you and your way of life, celebrating each of life's events in the most meaningful way.

Your ceremony will be a one-of-a-kind bespoke occasion that celebrates love and encapsulates your style, taking into consideration your personality, wishes and anything else you want to include. We will meet either in person or via Zoom (depending on where you live) and will work together and you'll be included every step of the way - after all, this is your ceremony.

Getting to know you is extremely important to me so I can create and bring your bespoke ceremony to life.

No two ceremonies are the same. A celebrant ceremony can freely incorporate different aspects of religion, symbolism, or cultural tradition if desired and can take place anywhere - indoors or outdoors, and if you are looking for a celebrant to officiate your wedding, you can have your dream wedding whether or not your venue holds a marriage license.

This means you can share your commitment in a way which is more unique and personal to you. So, if you want to include any other symbolic, religious, or cultural tradition that is meaningful to you - you can!

Legality - Currently in the UK, a celebrant ceremony is not legally binding, although that law may be changing very soon! So, to legalise your marriage, you'll need to book an appointment to visit your local registry office to register your marriage. It's a quick and simple procedure. You won't need to recite your vows or exchange wedding rings when signing the marriage register.

You'll do that with your very own bespoke wedding led by me! There's also no legal requirement for the registrar to attend your wedding venue or be present at your Celebrant Ceremony. So it really is all about you!

Whatever ceremony you are looking for - please check out the relevant ceremonies page where everything is included from fees, what's included and how we'll work together. I'm looking forward to working with you and creating your unique ceremony.

a bride and groom walking down the aisle
a bride and groom walking down the aisle

'Martin is one in a million! You'll never find anyone funnier, kinder or caring. He goes above and beyond like no other. He's something quite special.'

'This man has more compassion and heart with the most wicked sense of humour. I defy anyone not to love him straight away!'

Susan Marshall

George & Margaret Stevenson