Weddings FAQ
-
Do we have to include anything religious in the Wedding Ceremony?
No. However, you can include elements of any religion if that is what you want eg. a prayer or a reading.
-
How long is a Wedding Ceremony?
A wedding ceremony is usually about 30 minutes. It can be longer or shorter depending on your choices of music, readings and ceremonial enhancements.
-
What is a ‘ceremonial enhancement’?
This can involve candles, ribbons/bands, sand and other ideas from other cultural traditions. We can discuss these ideas in more detail in a consultation.
-
How much notice do you need to prepare for a Wedding Ceremony?
It’s good to have at least 3 months’ notice. I can perform a ceremony with relatively short notice as long as you have the legal side of things tied up. I’m used to turning things around quite quickly as funerals have to be done this way, although for weddings it’s not ideal.
-
Where do I get all the information about the legal side of getting married?
There are two parts to getting married in Ireland; the legal and ceremonial. You will need to go the HSE website which guides you through the legal requirements. You can also get into contact with me whilst you are making these arrangements.
-
As a Celebrant, are you legally able to marry couples?
No, I am not. You will need to complete the legal part of the ceremony at the registry office, just as you would complete the legal documents for a funeral separately from the funeral itself.
-
How much notice of intent to marry do we need to give the HSE?
The HSE needs a minimum of 3 months’ notice of intent.
-
Are there any restrictions on where a ceremony can take place and what it can include?
No. A ceremony led by a Celebrant can take place at any time and place. It can include other family members such as children, it can incorporate familial, spiritual and cultural traditions and it can be entirely personalised to suit the couple.
-
What does 'secular' mean?
Very simply, ‘secular’ means non-religious. The ceremony does not follow any religious format.
Funerals and Memorials FAQ
Do we book you through a Funeral Director?
If you wanted to work with me, then I would make contact and collaborate with the Funeral Director. Funeral Directors also refer Celebrants on to clients where there is a working relationship.
Do we or the Funeral Director pay you?
Generally, the payment is part of the overall fee to the Funeral Director. The Funeral Director then pays me separately. This can be discussed on an individual basis.
What does a non-religious Funeral Ceremony look like?
I aim to capture the essence of the loved one by talking to the family. I will then shape the service around their life, their values and who and what they held dear. I begin with a welcome and some words of reflection and finish with a ‘goodbye’ and further reflection through poetry, prose and my own words. Obviously, members of the family have much to contribute and say as well in their own tributes and eulogies.
What is a Memorial Ceremony?
A memorial ceremony can take many shapes and forms. It can be formal or informal. It can take place at home in the house or garden, at a favourite park or beauty spot or at a particular venue. Each family is different in how they want to approach this way of remembering their loved ones.
Does a Memorial Ceremony have to happen around the anniversary of the death?
No. A memorial service can happen any time. It could be after 6 months or 6 years. The significance of the time has to be what matters to the family.
Naming Ceremonies FAQ
What is a Naming Ceremony?
A Naming Ceremony is way of marking a child’s rite of passage at a particular age, in the same way that it is practiced in a religious context, eg. Bar mitzvah or a Confirmation.
Who can get involved in a Naming Ceremony
The whole family can get involved. Extended family and friends too, if that is what you would like.
Where does a Naming Ceremony take place?
A Naming Ceremony can take place at your family’s home or at a chosen venue.
What does a Naming Ceremony look like?
This will depend on your family’s wishes but many ideas can be incorporated. Parents and children can make statements/promises and friends can state their wishes out loud. Ceremonial enhancements can be included such as signing around a picture or painting, leaving messages in a jar or pinning messages on a tree, or in a book etc.
Commitment Ceremonies FAQ
What is a Commitment Ceremony?
A Commitment Ceremony is a way of honouring someone you love and demonstrating your commitment to them.
When would you have a Commitment Ceremony?
There could be many reasons. Here are a few:
You have been married for a long time and would like to reflect on the time you have shared and would like to thank each other whilst you consider the next chapter.
You have been through a difficult time maybe as a result of illness or separation and you would like to re-commit to each other.
You may want to commit to each other in front of family and friends who may not have been able to attend your actual wedding for whatever reason.
Is a Commitment Ceremony for anybody at any time in their relationship?
Absolutely! There are no limits to what is possible as long as the couple are over 18 years of age.
I performed several Commitment Ceremonies during Covid-19. You can see the Press page for more details.
