Why More and More Couples Are Choosing a “Free Wedding” Instead of a Registrar

Written By Josephine
 

"Every life is a story worth telling, every moment a thread in the fabric of time. To write is to preserve the beauty of the world and the imprint every soul leaves behind."

 

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What is a celebrant-led wedding?

Let’s be honest: for many couples, the legal bit of a wedding isn’t the part they remember most. It’s the vows, the stories, the laughter, the moment your eyes meet and everything else disappears. And that’s exactly why more and more people are stepping away from traditional registrar-led ceremonies and choosing what’s often called a “free wedding” instead.

So what is a free wedding, and how is it different from a registrar ceremony? Let me break it down for you.

A Registrar Wedding

A registrar is the legal official who conducts civil weddings. If you’re not getting married in a church, chances are you’ll be dealing with a registrar from your local registry office. They’re authorised to legally marry you, and their ceremonies follow a pretty standard format.

You usually get two options:

  1. A quick and simple appointment at the registry office

  2. A slightly more personalized version at a licensed venue (though there are still strict rules about what can be said)

You can’t include religious references, you can’t really tell your full story, and you’re often one of several couples getting married that day. The ceremony might last 15-20 minutes, and then it’s done. You’re legally married - but was it really your moment?

A Free Wedding (Sometimes Called a Celebrant Wedding)

Now here’s where things get interesting. A free wedding is led by a celebrant (like me!) and it’s “free” in the sense that it’s not legally binding. But it is deeply personal, creative, and completely tailored to you.

It can take place anywhere: a mountaintop, your family’s garden, a beach in Mallorca, or even a cozy Airbnb in the forest. You can walk in together, alone, with your dog, or barefoot to the sound of your favorite song. You can write your own vows, include your heritage or different languages, involve your guests, or just keep it intimate. There are no templates — we build it together from scratch.

Many couples take care of the legal part with a simple visit to the registry office earlier in the week. And then they have the real celebration — the one with the heart and the meaning — on their wedding day.

Why More Couples Are Going This Route

Honestly, it makes total sense. Our generation doesn’t just want to tick boxes. We want experiences. We want moments that reflect who we really are, not just a formal script that sounds like every other ceremony.

So many of the couples I speak with say they didn’t even know this was an option until recently. But once they find out, there’s no turning back. Because when you’ve spent months (or years!) planning a day that reflects your love, your journey, your vibe .. why should the ceremony be the one part that’s out of your hands?

And if you’re thinking, “But I still want it to feel official and real,” I promise you: a free wedding can be even more emotional and unforgettable than a legal one. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll remember every single word.

My Take

To me, being a celebrant is about so much more than guiding a ceremony. It’s about telling your story your way. It’s about creating a space that feels safe, joyful, and true to you. Whether you're same-sex, intercultural, spiritual-but-not-religious, or just doing things your own way... this kind of wedding gives you the freedom to celebrate it all.

And that’s why I believe the future of weddings isn’t about following rules. It’s about writing your own chapter.

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Let me know if this speaks to you, or if you’re curious what a “free wedding” could look like for you. I’d love to hear your story.

#ChaptersOfYou

 
 
 
Josephine