ASK YOUR CELEBRANT

HINTS + TIPS

Questions to ask your wedidng celebrant

FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE

Now we photographers LOVE it when your celebrant stands to the side for some of your wedding ceremony. Especially when they step away for that all-important FIRST KISS. It gives us an opportunity to get photos of just you and your wedding crew. There are important times when they will be standing with you, supporting and guiding you as well.

So do ask your Celebrant:

  • Where do you stand when we take that first kiss?

  • Do you stand with us for the whole ceremony? This can be important as I have captured weddings where a Celebrant has spent the whole time standing with the couple (even during the kiss) and they’re in every shot of your ceremony photography. I had one who once wore bright orange and that was all we could see outlining the couple as they had their first kiss- not to mention the awkwardness of having someone right there in your space when you lean in to have that first smooch.

What your Celebrant wants you to know

I’ve gathered some great tips from these fabulous Celebrants I have worked with. Get the low-down below.

 
 

JULIE RATTENBURY

Canberra marriage celebrant

STEPHANIE SLATER

Steph Slater Celebrant

 

Write vows that sound like you. Make them yours.

Speak how you actually speak. Simple, honest words are far more powerful than poetic pressure. You’re not performing. You’re choosing each other, out loud, in front of your people. That alone is powerful.

Breathe and slow down. Nerves make people rush. Pause, look at each other, and soak in the moment – it goes fast.

 

Unplugged ceremony. Phones down means faces up.

No phones help everyone to be fully present and leaves the photo-taking to your professionals. Often it is also a request from the couple to ask guests not to post any images of them on the socials until the couple have a chance to do so.

You may love a selfie and be happy for guests to snap away, let your celebrant know what instructions to give guests. We could even incorporate a selfie with guests in the background if that is something you would like.

Think about sound. Ask your celebrant if they have a good-quality speaker and mic. It’s important that everyone can hear. If you’re not using a microphone, keep your circle intimate and your guests close so everyone can hear and feel included.