Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

Okay, so what’s the cost?

My fee for 2026 weddings is £700 and for 2027 it is £800 plus travel expenses over 20 miles from my north Birmingham home and accommodation if it is too far to travel on the day. The fee for vow renewals and elopements can differ so please contact me to discuss requirements.

And what do I get for my money?

The fee covers:

  • my guide to planning your ceremony & writing your vows
  • all planning meetings, calls and conversations
  • script writing and any edits
  • a wedding ceremony rehearsal if required
  • the delivery of the wedding ceremony
  • a keepsake presentation copy of the script
  • all the ongoing communication, help and advice that I can share with you right up until you are married…and sometimes beyond!

What is the difference between a registrar and a celebrant led ceremony?

A registrar ceremony can be lovely but is 20 minutes of formal, legal wording that is the same for everyone {insert name here} and there are restrictions and limits on personalising the ceremony with any readings or music. Some local registry offices are offering an upgrade to their ceremonies (and calling themselves 'legal celebrants') with more flexibility in readings and music however, they are still unable to offer the truly personal service that a celebrant can. You will also not know who will turn up on the day.
A celebrant ceremony is created by yourselves and the celebrant you have chosen. It will be a reflection of you two in terms of style and personality and you have complete freedom to personalise it however you wish. You will also have a familiar face greeting you on your wedding day and not a stranger. I only have one wedding on a day, so if delays occur or we need to push the ceremony back by 30 minutes to miss the rain, then we can. Truth is, I will probably care more about your ceremony than you do and I will definitely know how to pronounce your name!

How long does a ceremony last?

That’s up to you and what you want to include in the ceremony – whether you are including readings, a symbolic gesture or even a flashmob! However, on average they last around 30 minutes.
Where can I get married?

That’s one of the best bits - pretty much anywhere! Since you are not legally tied to licensed premises, like with a registrar wedding, the choice comes down to you (and maybe the permission of the land/property owner!) Your parent’s garden…no problem! Your favourite beach…let’s do it! The place where you met…tell me the story!
However, I can also marry you in a licenced premises too. I have complete flexibility.
While I’m based in Birmingham, I have a lovely suitcase and can travel!
Do you conduct LGBTQ+ weddings?


Absolutely! This is a safe and supportive space for *all* couples who want to marry. Moreover, I hope that one day you won’t even feel like you have to ask this question. I'm an inclusive celebrant who welcomes and celebrates all gender identities, sexualities and expressions. Whoever you are, and whoever you love, I’ll work with you to create a ceremony that feels like you.

Can you help us write our vows? We don’t know where to start.

Yes. You will receive a copy of my Little Guide to Planning your Humanist Wedding Ceremony and included in there are several pages of advice, plus I’m here to help you along the way.

What is involved in the creation and planning part of the process?


While on the day, I am the person who tells your story, the story itself is yours to tell so the more you share with me, the more personal the story will be!
Personally, I’m not that great at small talk but I love a really good chat. Preferably with all the details. We need to get personal fast! I want to hear all about how you met, your engagement and your marriage aspirations! This is not a time to worry about oversharing or being shy! I want the love, the cringe, the tears and tantrums and all the aww, gorgeous and mushy bits in between!
But don’t be daunted! Any time that we spend together creating the ceremony will be light hearted and a fun part of the process.

On average, a couple will spend around 2 hours on the 'date night' questionaire and around 2 hours in person with me.

We are not really sure where to start as there’s so much choice…

At this stage, I appreciate that planning your ceremony may not sound exciting, it may actually feel a little overwhelming on top of all the other wedding admin. However, that’s why I am here. I will help you discover the bits that are important to you that you really *must* include. I’m also here to help you break it down into very manageable chunks and have some fun along the way. As a result, we will create something so extra special, you’ll be so glad that you did it!
Can you conduct our ceremony is another language?

I am a linguist and studied Spanish and Italian to degree level and French to A level.
As I am not a native speaker, I wouldn’t like to offer a full ceremony in the languages however I am happy to discuss how we could include elements of the ceremony in another language that makes it more inclusive for your friends and family. So far, I have also included bits of Dutch, Polish and Indonesian into ceremonies even though I don't speak those languages! I just appreciate the opportunity to include non English speakers as much as possible.
I am also very open to incorporating any elements of the cultures and traditions of different countries into a ceremony or officiating a destination wedding ceremony abroad. (However I do limit the number of these per year.)

Can you recommend other wedding suppliers?

Hell yeah! I am very happy to point you in the direction of some very lovely people to help you create your ideal day.
How are you accredited?

I was trained by and am accredited by Humanists UK. They offer a thorough, five star training programme and accreditation requires ongoing training and CPD. I am also fully insured. It also means that I am part of a nationwide network of celebrants who can step in last minute should any emergencies happen. NB not all celebrants are trained or accredited so please do check this before booking.

Okay, so far so good. We’re interested! What do we do now?


Get in touch with me to arrange a no-obligation ‘chemistry’ chat where we get to find out more, ask a few more questions and find out if we’re a good fit. Use your preferred contact options from the list and come and say hello!

Humanism FAQs

What is humanism?

Humanism is a way of thinking and living our one, best life. It is living a full and happy life guided by logic, reason, facts and evidence rather than a book written in the distant past and fear or guilt. It’s treating those around us with warmth, kindness and respect because it’s the right thing to do rather than because it is what we are told to do. Many people are humanists without even realising it!

What is a humanist wedding?
A humanist ceremony is non-religious but it can be full of tradition, culture and ritual. Your ceremony will be totally welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of any faith or beliefs you or your guests may have. You don’t necessarily have to see yourself as humanist in order to have a humanist ceremony. Actually, some couples choose a humanist ceremony because each has different beliefs and backgrounds that they want honoured and shared.
Is a humanist ceremony legal?

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, Guernsey and Jersey – yes!


Although Humanists UK are campaigning to change the law, sadly, they still aren’t legal *yet* in England and Wales.

What does that mean for us?

For the time being, you will have to legally register your wedding at your local registry office. The price of this varies but a statutory (2+2) ceremony locally starts from £58. Do not be daunted by this. Bear in mind that this happens when you register a birth – the naming ceremony is a separate celebration or that registering a death doesn’t happen on the same day as the funeral. If this bothers you, we can plan a ceremony where we can ensure that none of your guests will even realise that it is not officially legal.
What does a humanist wedding look like?


A humanist wedding can be a small, intimate, traditional affair or a huge, elaborate, fun-filled celebration. The choice is yours! They can follow the practices and rituals of the weddings that you are used to or be a unique, individual version of a ceremony created just for you. You have the total freedom to decide what is right for you. Perhaps you don’t love attention and don’t want to walk down the aisle, we can come up with alternatives. Or perhaps you’re an absolute diva and want a flashmob to accompany you singing and dancing as you enter? I can’t wait to find out more.

What is involved in the creation and planning part of the process?

While on the day, I am the person who tells your story, the story itself is yours to tell so the more you share with me, the more personal the story will be!
Personally, I’m not that great at small talk but I love a really good chat. Preferably with all the details. We need to get personal fast! I want to hear all about how you met, your engagement and your marriage aspirations! This is not a time to worry about oversharing or being shy! I want the love, the cringe, the tears and tantrums and all the aww, gorgeous and mushy bits in between!
But don’t be daunted! Any time that we spend together creating the ceremony will be light hearted and a fun part of the process.

Let's Begin YourUnique Ceremony Journey

If you are interested in finding out a little more, fill out my contact form, then let’s have a chat and find out if we’re a good fit.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

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Lisa Carpenter Photography