Lara Norris

Ceremonies mark life’s most important moments—weddings, funerals, naming days, and transitions of all kinds. But too often, traditional ceremonies feel impersonal, bound by rigid structures that don’t fully reflect the people at their heart. That’s where celebrancy comes in.

A celebrant-led wedding or funeral offers something unique: a ceremony crafted around the individual, their values, and their story. It allows for deep personalisation, creativity, and authenticity while still holding the gravitas these moments deserve. As a celebrant, I bring my background in psychology to shape ceremonies that resonate, honouring emotions, relationships, and the significance of the occasion.

The Personal Touch: A Ceremony That Feels Like You

A traditional church or registry office ceremony often follows a set script. A celebrant-led ceremony, on the other hand, starts with you—your love story, your family’s traditions, your beliefs. It can be spiritual or secular, formal or relaxed, blending cultural rituals or creating something entirely new.

For weddings, this might mean crafting vows that truly reflect your relationship or weaving in symbolic elements like handfasting or storytelling. For funerals, it’s about honouring a life in a way that feels right—whether that means poetry, music, or moments of shared reflection.

The Balance of Meaning and Creativity

One misconception about celebrant-led ceremonies is that they lack the weight of tradition. In reality, they can be deeply meaningful, even more so because every word is intentional. Whether it’s a funeral that celebrates a life with warmth and depth or a wedding that is as heartfelt as it is joyful, a well-crafted ceremony carries emotional power.

Psychology plays a key role here—understanding how people process emotions, memory, and ritual helps me design ceremonies that create lasting impact.

Beyond Celebrancy: Ceremony in All Aspects of Life

Ceremony isn’t just for weddings and funerals. I use the principles of meaningful ritual in all my work, from workshops and coaching to participatory design. Whether it’s marking transitions in a coaching session, setting the tone for a creative workshop, or using ritual in community engagement, ceremony is a powerful tool for connection and transformation.

Creating a Ceremony That Feels Right for You

Choosing a celebrant means choosing a ceremony that reflects who you are. Whether you want to celebrate love, honour a life, or mark a personal milestone, I work with you to create a moment that is both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.

If you’re looking for a ceremony that feels truly yours, let’s talk