A Wedding Ceremony That Feels Like You – Not One You've Sat Through Before.
By Claire Vickery, Wedding Celebrant
There’s a moment in almost every ceremony I lead where it happens.
People are laughing… properly laughing…
and then, almost without realising it, someone reaches for a tissue.
And then someone else does.
And then suddenly the whole room has shifted.
That’s the sweet spot.
(Top tip: tissues - compulsory. Waterproof mascara - highly recommended)
Because for me, a wedding ceremony shouldn’t feel like something you sit politely through thinking, “Yep… seen this before.”
It should feel like something you’re in.
Something you feel.
Something full of love.
So what’s the difference with a celebrant?
In simple terms?
It’s the difference between a ceremony that feels a bit “we’ve all been to one of these”…
and one that feels completely, unmistakably you.
Everything I do is completely bespoke. Handwritten. Built from real conversations. The good bits, the daft bits, the “we are absolutely not saying that out loud” bits (don’t worry - I filter!).
And yes - while I’m known for being warm, relaxed and (very) smiley, I’m also professionally trained, qualified and a Hitched Wedding Awards 2026 winner.
That award is based entirely on real couples’ feedback - which makes it all the more meaningful.
And practically, it also gives you more freedom than most couples realise.
If a registrar is fully booked on your dream date, it doesn’t necessarily mean your venue isn’t available.
Sometimes it just means… we do it differently.
From the first chat to the aisle (and that grin)
We’ve talked. Properly talked.
About your story, your people, what matters, what doesn’t, what absolutely must be included and what absolutely must not.
Because we’ve built it together.
So when you walk into your ceremony…
You’re not standing there with a stranger.
You’ve got a friendly, known face at the top of the aisle, grinning at you with absolute pride.
You know what’s coming.
You know you’re in safe hands.
And that means you can relax into it, be present, and actually enjoy your ceremony.
Not “on ceremony”.
Just… in it.
Personal doesn’t mean serious (thank goodness)
Yes, there will be emotion.
But there will also be laughter. Proper laughter.
Because the best ceremonies reflect real life - and real life is rarely silent and solemn.
I’ve had:
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Dogs proudly (and occasionally chaotically) making their way up the aisle with the rings
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Children playing brilliant, unpredictable roles
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Much-loved grandparents included in ways that feel genuinely special
And then there are the bespoke moments.
These can be beautifully symbolic, include spiritual, cultural or religious elements if that’s important to you…
or they can be something like a full-on cocktail mixing ceremony where we match the couple’s personalities to the ingredients and everyone gets far too invested in how it’s going to turn out.
Either way, the goal is the same:
Everyone feels included.
Everyone feels part of it.
Everyone feels the love in the room.
Why The Elephant works so beautifully
The Elephant is one of those venues where this all just… works.
It’s got personality. It’s not trying to be something it isn’t.
You’ve got the elegance of the house, but also the freedom to use the space in a way that feels relaxed and personal - indoors, outdoors, tucked-away corners, whatever suits your day.
And then there’s Pangbourne.
For couples coming from London or nearby towns, it feels like you’ve stepped into somewhere a little different - a proper village feel, without disappearing off the map.
It creates that lovely sense of occasion without any stiffness.
A final thought (and a gentle nudge)
When you’re planning your ceremony, it’s so easy to focus on logistics.
Where to stand.
How long it lasts.
Who says what.
But the real question is:
How do you want it to feel?
Because this is the moment you gather everyone you love in one place.
And when it’s right…
it’s full of warmth, joy, laughter, emotion - and a kind of magic that can’t be recreated.
The kind people talk about for years.
Let’s make that happen
If that sounds like a bit of you and your kind of ceremony, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
You can find loads of ideas, inspiration and practical tips here: www.allyourlove.co.uk/weddings
And if you fancy a relaxed, no-obligation chat, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
No pressure. No hard sell. Just a proper conversation about making your ceremony feel exactly right.