
My dream is to conduct a ceremony in outer space, specifically Venus – even though I know that it’s too hot for human life – so the moon will do! Hopefully, City & Beach Lifestyle Magazine will be there to capture it all!”
Jennifer Patrice, Independent Celebrant
Jennifer Patrice is a highly connected, detail-oriented independent celebrant based in London who travels internationally to officiate ceremonies for couples choosing destination weddings. She collaborates with many of the world’s top planners and is a wellspring of wisdom on all matters related to creating a dream wedding. Jennifer appears on the list of CITY & BEACH LIFESTYLE’s ‘TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL WEDDING EXPERTS 2024/2025’. In this discussion, we explore Jennifer’s experience and the elements that contribute to the perfect day:
C&B: “Jennifer, could you share your journey on how you became a celebrant?”
JP: “I attended my first wedding at the tender age of three, serving as a bridesmaid for my aunt and uncle. Since that day, I’ve been ‘head over heels in love’ with weddings. My business journey began with the inspiration provided by my son, Dwayne, and his partner, Erin, who sparked my interest in this path when they started discussing marriage. Some time ago, I’d assisted in planning small weddings and events, which led to my interest in being involved in Dwayne and Erin’s wedding ceremony. Through extensive research, I discovered the remarkable field of Celebrancy. Since then, I have not looked back and typically I’m fortunate to officiate between 30 and 35 weddings per year…”

I’m exceptionally lucky in that I’m often referred to clients by other wedding suppliers, particularly wedding planners. I can also be found via my website, Google, Instagram, Guides for Brides and other wedding platforms, and via word of mouth…”
Jennifer Patrice, Independent Celebrant
C&B: “What inspired you to focus on destination weddings, and how does this reflect in your approach to ceremonies?”
JP: “I absolutely love travel, experiencing different countries and cultures; this and my love for weddings means that destination weddings are a perfect fit for me. The world has opened up so much that couples are able to be married in a beautiful location, which has meaning to them, surrounded by their loved ones. The fact that I am privileged to be a part of that is something I don’t take for granted…”
CB: “How do you tailor your services to meet the unique needs and desires of couples from different cultural backgrounds?”
JP: “Every ceremony is unique, even if there are no cultural differences. I always take the time to listen to my clients, listen to what is important to them, who is important to them, what they want their guests to experience. Listening is key and that is where the magic happens…”

C&B: “What are some of the most memorable destinations where you have officiated weddings, and what made them special?”
JP: “Ohhh, that’s so difficult as they are all memorable in their own way. That being said I think the top four that immediately spring to mind are:
“An elopement at Blea Tarn in the Lake District. It was just myself, the couple, the photographer and the videographer. It was memorable because it a) was a stunningly beautiful day, the sunlight over the landscape after it had rained was mesmerising and (b) as we were standing on the top of the mountain/hill we could hear a car horn blaring incessantly. When we looked down there was a red car, which looked tiny in the distance, and there were people standing next to the car jumping up and down waving and cheering.”
“A ceremony in Portimão, Portugal. We were stood on a cliff overlooking the Três Irmãos beach and the atlantic ocean, the ceremony was bilingual and the couples family had travelled from South Africa and Brazil to be there. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful location with beautiful people.”
“I’d been contacted by a couple from Detroit and their ceremony was held in Château de Villette, Paris. It springs to mind because not only is the Château a wedding venue of dreams, it was because we were a very international team hailing from Scotland, England, America and France.”
“The last one to spring to mind is my first wedding on a boat, on the Thames. It was special because I love the water – being in it or on it, it was my 60th birthday and it was perfectly timed so that as the couple were exchanging their vows we were approaching Tower Bridge, my favourite bridge in London.”

Jennifer Patrice Celebrant is one of the most hands-on officiants I’ve ever met; simply amazing!”
Gabby Koya, A Flair To Remember Events
C&B: “Can you describe the process you go through to prepare for a wedding ceremony?”
JP: “Going through the process involves meeting with my clients – both online and in person, getting to know them together and individually, understanding what they both want and writing the ceremony of their dreams. Once, on my way to a wedding, the taxi driver asked what I do and when I told him he said ‘you are the maker of happiness’, which is my end goal. The preparation is the beginning of that…”
C&B: “That is such a lovely interpretation of what you do! How do you manage the challenges that come with coordinating and officiating weddings in various international locations?”
JP: “I advise my couples to conduct the legal formalities of their marriage in their home town, which is key. Also, when officiating weddings in international locations I’m always working with a wedding planner which is invaluable. Between us we are able to navigate any challenge that may arise ensuring that our couples have no concerns on their big day…”

Having worked with many Celebrants over the years, I haven’t come across one who works at this level of detail and who’s also willing to help out where needed on the day.”
Melanie Helen, Cranberry Blue Weddings & Events
C&B: “Are there any particular trends that you’ve noticed in destination weddings over recent years, and how have you adapted to them?”
JP: “I’ve noticed a trend for intimate destination weddings where couples are inviting only their very closest loved ones, immediate family and friends. Last year I officiated over a wedding where just the couple, six guests, the photographer and myself were in attendance. It meant that I could include everyone in the ceremony, all of the guests had a role to play, from readings to a *ring warming…”
A ring warming ceremony is a unique and meaningful tradition often incorporated into wedding ceremonies. During this ritual, the wedding rings are passed around to the guests, allowing each person to hold them briefly and impart their good wishes, blessings, or prayers for the couple’s future together. This act symbolises the support and love of family and friends, infusing the rings with positive energy and well-wishes before they are exchanged by the couple. It’s a beautiful way to involve all guests in the ceremony and to create a collective sense of community and shared joy on the couple’s special day…”
City & Beach Lifestyle Magazine

C&B: “Could you share some advice for couples considering a destination wedding?”
JP: “Of course – my advice would be to consider these points here:
a) Conduct the legal formalities before the destination ceremony
b) Always choose a destination that means something. Perhaps it’s a place where the couple first holidayed together and subsequently got engaged there.
c) Work with a wedding planner, work with a wedding planner, work with a wedding planner! I cannot stress that enough.
d) Think about who should be invited, consider the budget, make everything easy for the guests, and when I say ‘easy’ by that I mean: Create a website with all of the required information; give details of flights from different airports; suggest details of at least three different hotels in varying budgets; offer details of the currency used, dress, local culture, customs and laws ; greet guests with a lovely welcome guide and host a pre-wedding dinner…”
C&B: “That’s truly excellent advice! What type of seminars or industry events do you attend to refine your service so you’re in the best position to inform your couples and stay ahead?”
JP: “I attend different symposiums around the world, supplier socials, virtual meet ups and webinars both for networking, making new contacts and, most importantly, self development…”
C&B: “In addition to this invaluable advice, what are the key roles a celebrant plays in enhancing the overall wedding experience for a couple and their guests?”
JP: “A Celebrant is imperative to creating a unique ceremony experience for the couple and their guests. It’s not only officiating, it’s setting the tone for the rest of the occasion and ensuring that the couple’s love story is at the centre of the day, for example:
• The Celebrant is the couple’s guide, the person they collaborate with and their ‘storyteller’.
• The Celebrant ensures that the guests are engaged, included in the ceremony and that they walk away saying that it’s the best ceremony they have ever attended.
• The Celebrant’s role is to ensure that the ceremony is an experience that lingers in everyone’s heart and memory long after the day has ended.”

C&B: “Looking ahead, what are your aspirations or plans for your career as a celebrant in the global wedding industry?”
JP: “I’m passionate about weddings, about being a Celebrant and expanding my service further in the global wedding industry. I’m keen to learn more about emerging trends, officiating weddings in unconventional venues/locations and working with other talented wedding suppliers…”
C&B: “Finally, Jennifer, how do you ensure that each wedding ceremony you officiate is personalised and meaningful for the couple involved?”
JP: “Personalisation is at the very heart of every ceremony I officiate. Truly understanding my couples – their expectations, their vision, their likes and dislikes, what makes them laugh, what moves them emotionally, and what brings them joy – is essential to ensuring that the ceremony is meaningful for them…”
CONTACT: http://www.jenniferpatrice.com