Independent Celebrant

Weddings

Work with Annie Oulton, an independent marriage and wedding celebrant in Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and the South-East, to make sure that your wedding ceremony means something special to you.

WEDDINGS

Celebrating your relationship through marriage or civil partnership is a precious experience. Your ceremony should reflect the wishes, personalities, and beliefs of you and your partner.
I would love to help you craft and lead your perfect ceremony as your marriage or wedding celebrant. 

Do get in touch so we can have an initial conversation about working together for your wedding – including civil partnership, same-sex marriage, inter-faith weddings, and vow renewals.

 
Hand & Heart Ceremonies Weccing 2022

Annie facilitated such a special wedding ceremony for us, she couldn't have found a better tone to set or more special words to say. We had so many comments from our guests on what a lovely ceremony it was and such fond memories. Thank you!

Nicole & Sam - June 2022
Photo: The Kensignton Photographer

 

What is aN independent wedding celebrant?

You have decided to take this great step forward to committing yourselves to your relationship and you deserve a special day to remember – one that is rich with personal moments to enjoy and treasure. 

Many people ask "what is an independent wedding celebrant?"  I help create and conduct your wedding ceremony – and if you choose, I can work alongside a Registrar.  

Working with an independent wedding or marriage celebrant, you have the freedom to craft the ceremony you want – without the limitations of time or requirements from the Registrar – including vows, music, readings and traditions or rituals.

In the preparations, we meet to discuss your ideas for your wedding ceremony including what readings, poems, songs or music you'd like and the special people that you wish to be a part of the ceremony.

On the big day itself, I am there to lead the service, ensure all participants are calm and happy – and to make certain your future life together starts with a celebration, perfect for you.

Annie Lou Oulton Hand and Heart Ceremonies Independent Celebrant_17.jpg
 

The ceremony was everything we could've wished for and more. We loved the way that Annie made it so personal to us, and it felt truly magical in the woodlands.  All of our guests have said that it was the most special and memorable marriage ceremony that they had been to. Thank you so much for making it a memory we will always cherish.

Molly & Ezra - June 2022

Hand and Heart Ceremonies Annie Lou Oulton

“We wanted a ceremony that brought together our lives and heritage (British and Indian) in a beautiful and meaningful celebration of our marriage – Annie was the perfect choice for this.”

Alexandra & Simran – Spring 2018

 
Annie Lou Oulton Hand and Heart Ceremonies Independent Celebrant_7.jpg

What I do as an independent celebrant?

  • We initially meet to talk about your vision for your ceremony

  • I will help you create a ceremony to suit your individual tastes, assisting with wording, and the form you wish it to take. You can compose your own vows if you wish, or follow a version that I can write – or a bit of both.

  • I can help you decide on the ideal readings, poems, songs or music

  • I can work alongside your chosen Registrar, who officially marries you

  • I will visit the wedding venue in advance to make sure it will suit the ceremony we have planned.

  • I will oversee a rehearsal of the wedding ceremony the day before, if requested.

  • I will arrive an hour before the ceremony on the day, meet with the Bridegroom and any other members of the party to make sure everything is under control, and set up the wedding table and sound system if needed.

  • On the day, I coordinate all elements of the ceremony – leaving you relaxed and confident in my ability to lead the celebrations

  • I ensure that all participants are confident and well-rehearsed in their roles on the day

  • I will conduct the ceremony in the style that you have requested, and hope to bring to it an individual charm that will give significance to the occasion and make it truly memorable.

 
Hand and Heart Ceremonies Annie Lou Oulton

“Most importantly the ceremony went exactly how we wanted it - being romantic, slightly informal and obviously with a lot of joy.”

 
 
Hand and Heart Ceremonies Annie Lou Oulton

“You really helped us to pull together our day and give it structure whilst adding that special something.”

Lisa & Chris – Hand Fasting Ceremony
Summer 2018

 
 
 
 
Hand and Heart Ceremonies Annie Lou Oulton.jpg

“We cannot stress how memorable she made our day and have no doubt that she would do the same for yours.”

Hannah & Guy – Summer 2017

Hand and Heart Ceremonies Annie Lou Oulton

“Annie also put our parents at ease about the idea of having a independent celebrant conducting our ceremony.”

Kirsty & Attie – Summer 2017