Temple Island (above) at Henley is one of my all-time favourite wedding venues. It’s a tiny islet on the Thames and you arrive by boat. As you step onto the island, it feels like time stands still. Once the guests have arrived, I love seeing them buzzing with excitement as we wait for the couple. Geese and ducks are spontaneous guests, which creates such a sense of fun!”
Emily Rawlinson, Independent Celebrant
Emily Rawlinson is an Independent Celebrant based in the picturesque town of Marlborough, Wiltshire, England. With a profound commitment to marking the significant milestones in individuals’ lives, Emily conducts a diverse range of ceremonies, including weddings, renewals of vows, naming ceremonies, and commemorations. Her approach is characterised by a deep understanding of the personal narratives and emotional significance that each ceremony embodies, allowing her to craft unique and meaningful experiences tailored to the specific wishes of her clients.
In addition to her celebratory work, Emily collaborates with Civil Ceremonies Ltd, where she plays a pivotal role in training aspiring celebrants in the profession. Through her guidance, she cultivates a new generation of celebrants who are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to deliver memorable ceremonies. Emily’s contributions to both her local community and the broader celebrant profession reflect her dedication to fostering a deeper appreciation for the rituals that celebrate life’s important moments. Her passion for her work is evident in her commitment to excellence and her ability to connect with individuals on a profound level…
C&B: “Emily, can you describe your journey to becoming a wedding celebrant and why it’s become important to you?”
ER: “I’ve always been fascinated by people and loved hearing their stories. My degree was in Sociology, and after a ten-year career in Adult Social Care, I followed that with two years of teaching English in China. I was hungry for a new challenge. When I stumbled upon Wedding Celebrancy, I knew this was my vocation. I absolutely love how each day is different because no couple or family is the same…”
C&B: “As every couple is unique, which are the key elements you consider when personalising a wedding ceremony?”
ER: “It is important to create an experience rather than just a ceremony. I achieve this by taking time to really get to know my couples; finding out about them, their journey, their family and guests, and the important role they play in their lives too. Once I have these details, I can suggest ways of involving family and guests so they feel part of the ceremony. I weave all these details together to create a fully personalised script that my couples love…”
There has been a definite move towards celebrant-led weddings that reflect the uniqueness of a couple, rather than being ‘one size fits all’. As a result, the length of time to plan a wedding has increased, with two years not being uncommon. This allows couples to take time and do their research, so their day is perfect…”
Emily Rawlinson, Independent Celebrant
C&B: “In your experience, what are some of the most memorable or unique wedding ceremonies you have officiated, and what made them stand out?”
ER: “When a couple are fully committed to working with me to personalise their wedding ceremony, the magic really happens! One of the most memorable ceremonies I led was for an amazing couple who wanted a wedding festival. We spent hours discussing the ceremony in detail to make sure it was just right. They arrived by helicopter and the ceremony took place in a marquee and guests were seated ‘cabaret style’. After I shared their story, to much laughter, smiles and a few happy tears, we watched a speeded-up video of them completing their legalities with the registrar whilst ‘I Do, I Do, I Do’ by Abba played! They then exchanged secret vows. Family and friends shared readings and there was such an immense sense of love, happiness and fun in the room. It was so ‘them’ and it was a day I’ll never forget…”
I was lucky enough to be in Chamonix for an intimate winter wedding in 2023, where there was a magnificent snow dump the day before. The morning of the wedding heralded bright blue skies and the crisp snow underfoot was absolutely magical…”
Emily Rawlinson, Independent Celebrant
C&B: “That sounds incredible! Is there any specific advice you’d offer to couples who are considering a destination wedding, particularly regarding cultural nuances and logistical challenges?”
ER: “I advise employing a wedding planner with local knowledge to help you otherwise you can become overwhelmed trying to organise every detail yourself. A planner will remove any stress by liaising with suppliers and the guests on your behalf so everything runs smoothly. Within the ceremony itself, it’s great to weave in elements of the local culture and traditions – and this is something that I do love researching! It really adds to the vibe of the day…”
I once conducted a wedding on top of a mountain in Ager, Spain (not pictured) for two paraglider pilots. The idea was that, after the ceremony, we would fly down to the reception, however the wind didn’t quite play ball! It was an amazing experience though – the views up there were glorious…”
Emily Rawlinson, Independent Celebrant
C&B: “How do you ensure that each wedding ceremony reflects the couple’s personalities and love story while accommodating their families and traditions?”
ER: “The most important part of my role is to understand my couples completely and I achieve this through our wedding creation conversations. Being able to share important family traditions within the ceremony honours the couple and their families. Guests quickly recognise the emotional significance and power of a celebrant-led ceremony…”
C&B: “Looking to the future, Emily, what are your aspirations for your career, and do you see the role evolving in the coming years?”
ER: “There’s been a recent Marriage Law Review in England and Wales, which recommends changes to give couples more choice about where and how they get married, and who conducts the ceremony, which would bring us more in line with Australia and New Zealand. This would be a very exciting change and if the government go ahead with the recommendations, it will be a wonderful step forward because it will allow couples real choice. It’s their day, and I fully believe that it should be done their way…”
CONTACT: http://www.emilycelebrant.com
PHOTO CREDITS: Studio Westlake, Graham Wellcoat, Cuttlebone, Henry Woide, Sophie Stafford
