General FAQ’s
Can I have a celebratory ceremony anywhere?
Yes you can have your celebratory ceremony anywhere (within reason), after completing the legal ceremony in a registration office or approved venue. You can have your ceremony:
- on a beach
- in a garden
- in your home
- in a marquee
- in a village hall
- in a field
- in a woodland
- on the moors
- on a headland
- on a steam train or other moving vehicle
- on a boat (moored up)
- on an island
For some locations you do need to make sure that you have the permission necessary to have a ceremony there and there may also be implications with tide times and boat hire. You can have your ceremony on board a boat so long as it is moored up or it is very calm, neither one of us are good sailors!
Can I have a celebratory ceremony at anytime?
Yes you can have your celebratory ceremony at any time , certain times may incur a premium payment – within reason. Popular times include:
- Sunset
- Dawn
- At night
- Moon rise
Can we write our own vows?
Yes you can write your own vows for your ceremonial celebration.
Can we exchange rings?
Yes you can exchange rings within the celebratory ceremony. Or you may exchange different gifts instead of rings if you wish.
Can our pet/pets be included?
Yes you can include your pet/pets. You may want to have your pet dog as a ring bearer or even have an owl if you wish!
Can we wear fancy dress or have a themed ceremony?
Yes you can have a fancy dress or a themed celebratory ceremony.
Can we light a unity candle?
Yes you can light a unity candle during your celebratory ceremony.
How much does it cost to have a ceremony?
Please refer to our ‘What does it cost?’ section for our current prices.
Can we have an alternative celebratory ceremony?
Yes you can have an alternative celebratory ceremony.
Can you help write speeches?
Yes we can help with this for an additional fee.
Can you write all my ceremony?
Yes we can.
Can you suggest some readings?
Yes – we have a comprehensive selection and suggestions for your ceremony.
Can I include songs, hymns and/or prayers?
Yes you can, but we will not lead a prayer. You can sing a song or hymn in your celebratory ceremony.
Can we have music playing?
Of course you can have music playing live or recorded.
Can you recommend some musicians?
We do have some contacts that we could recommend.
Can I include religious readings?
Yes you can include religious readings in your ceremony.
Can the ceremony be filmed?
Yes we are happy for the ceremony to be filmed.
Can the ceremony be streamed over Skype?
Yes we are happy for the ceremony to be streamed over Skype or an alternative video call.
Can we have a rehearsal?
Yes – although a rehearsal is not necessary and we reserve the right to make an additional charge.
Can you recommend a photographer?
We do have some contacts that we could recommend.
Can you recommend a marquee hire company?
We do have some contacts that we could recommend.
Can you recommend vintage cars?
We do have some contacts that we could recommend.
Can you recommend caterers?
We do have some contacts that we could recommend.
Can we throw confetti?
Yes – but please check with the venue/ location as some will require biodegradable etc
Does the location need to be licensed?
Your ceremony does not need to take place in a licensed venue, however, you do need to make sure that you have the permission necessary to have a ceremony there.
Are we allowed to have alcohol at the ceremony?
Yes you are, but obviously we would like you to be able to enjoy the ceremony with all your guests without being inebriated.
Do we have a personal meeting to discuss the ceremony?
Yes you can have a personal meeting with your celebrant either in person or by Skype.
What happens if I cry?
Don’t worry, the words that mean the most are the most difficult to say – we expect tears and we are used to dealing with all emotions .
Can I have photos of people who are no longer with us?
Yes you can have photos of people who are no longer with us at your ceremony.
Do we need to sign in a register?
We have a “Guild of Cornish Celebrants” register which you can sign if you would like to do so for a small additional charge.
Do we get a certificate?
You will receive a commemorative certificate which will be presented at the end of the ceremony, this is not a legal certificate.
Can we have a Cornish ceremony?
Yes you can have a Cornish ceremony.
Does the celebrant speak Cornish?
No we don’t speak Cornish but we can incorporate some Cornish phrases into the ceremony and may be able to source a Cornish speaker for readings this would incur an additional charge.
Can you help plan our ceremony?
We can help and advise – however we don’t offer a full planning service at present.
Can we have our ceremony outside of Cornwall?
Yes you can, but it will incur additional charges for us to attend.
Naming Ceremony FAQ’s
Is a Naming Ceremony a legal ceremony?
No the Naming ceremony has no legal status.
Can we include more than one child in the Naming Ceremony?
Yes you can and they can be natural, adopted or step children.
Can we have a Naming Ceremony for our adopted child?
Yes you can have a Naming Ceremony for your adopted child.
Now we are married, can we have a Naming Ceremony for our children so that we all share the same surname?
Yes you can have a Naming Ceremony for your natural, adopted or step children.
Do we need designated people to act as God parents*?
It is your choice who you want to include in your Naming ceremony and whether you wish to include other people.
*A God parent is for use when a child is welcomed into a church community; we use Gwithaiz (Cornish for Guardian) within the Kordh (Cornish for extended clan/tribe/family).
Can we give gifts?
Yes you can give gifts.
What promises do we need to say?
You can make whatever promises you like.
Can we have a Naming ceremony if we are a same sex couple?
Yes you can.
Does a Naming Ceremony have to be for a baby or can it be for anyone of any age?
A Naming Ceremony can be for anyone of any age.
Renewing of Vows FAQ’s
Can we throw confetti?
Yes – but please check with the venue/ location as some will require biodegradable etc
What promises do we need to say to each other?
You can make whatever promises you like to each other
Do we need to be legally married?
No you do not need to be legally married but your renewal of vows ceremony would be more in the form of a commitment ceremony and would not be legally binding.
Is a renewal of vows a legal ceremony?
No the renewal of vows ceremony has no legal status.