About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2023
Last update: January 2026
🌿 Rites of Way — Ceremonies with Soul
Ceremonies with soul — rooted in nature, crafted with love, laughter, and poetry.
Hi, I’m Carolyn (Cas) Holmes, the outdoor celebrant behind Rites of Way. I create wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, naming ceremonies, and celebrations of life that feel heartfelt, inclusive, and joyfully personal.
With over 40 years’ experience in health and social care — alongside work in management, training, research, and events — I bring calm guidance, disability awareness, and professional expertise to every celebration. My ceremonies are designed to feel authentic, uplifting, and full of meaning, while still holding space for fun, laughter, and lightness.
What I Offer: Weddings, Vow Renewals, Naming and Pet Ceremonies
Bespoke ceremonies rooted in your story, with options for themed celebrations, creative rituals, and co‑produced elements.
Vow Challenge Workbook
Gentle guidance, reflective exercises, and flexible short‑notice support to help you shape vows that feel true to you.
Inclusive Ceremonies
Disability‑aware, multi‑faith, and including languages in your ceremony (German, French, Italian, Portuguese), with a focus on emotional safety and adaptability.
Pet‑Friendly Celebrations
Welcoming beloved animals into symbolic roles in weddings, namings, or celebrations of life.
Naming Ceremonies
For babies, children, adults, and pets — warm, personal, and rooted in your family’s story.
Rituals & Symbolism
Handfastings, unity rituals, guest participation, and creative symbolic acts that make your ceremony unmistakably yours.
Poetry & Music Guidance
Drawing on my love of literature and sound to weave words and music that resonate deeply.
Eco‑Conscious Support
Gentle advice for sustainable choices, whether outdoors under open skies or indoors in meaningful spaces.
Complimentary Ceremony Audit
A no‑pressure conversation to explore your vision and possibilities.
What Couples Say
Couples often describe my ceremonies as “far more than just a ceremony — it was a deeply meaningful experience that touched every guest.” Others call me “a calming figure who put everyone at ease” and “our dream celebrant.”
Why Choose Rites of Way?
-
Nature‑rooted symbolism for eco‑conscious couples
-
Disability‑aware practice for emotional safety and accessibility
-
Interactive rituals that invite guests to participate meaningfully
-
A unique breadth of services beyond weddings, including namings and celebrations of life
-
Pet inclusion and multilingual options rarely found locally
-
A balance of soulful depth with fun, laughter, and joy
-
A celebrant who blends artistry (poetry, music, literature) with professional event expertise
Let’s Create Something Magical
Your ceremony should feel like you — personal, soulful, and unforgettable. Whether outdoors in nature or indoors in a space that matters to you, I’ll co‑create your ceremony with care, creativity, and flexibility.
You’re warmly invited to get in touch — no pressure, just a friendly chat to explore your vision. Celebrant in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire & Beyond | Celebrant
Carolyn the Celebrant is based near Hitchin, Hertfordshire and serves neighbouring counties — just ask if you’re unsure.
- Woman-owned
Frequently asked questions
Language:
Religion:
Type:
Do you have any questions?
Reviews for Carolyn the Celebrant
Did the reviews win you over?
Deals
Your events
Live Q&A coming up. If you’re planning a 2025 ceremony, pop in and ask me your burning questions. I'll be available between 7.30pm - 8.00pm
Join me for a live Q&A about celebrant‑led ceremonies. I’ll share a link during the session so you can reach me directly afterwards, or you’re welcome to email me if that’s easier.
Rites of Way is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Q & A with Carolyn the Celebrant at Rites of Way
Time: Jan 29, 2026 07:30 PM London
Live Q&A coming up. If you’re planning a 2025 ceremony, pop in and ask me your burning questions. I'll be available between 8.30pm - 9.00pm
Join me for a live Q&A about celebrant‑led ceremonies. I’ll share a link during the session so you can reach me directly afterwards, or you’re welcome to email me if that’s easier.
Rites of Way is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Live Online Q and A with Carolyn the Celebrant, Rites of Way
Time: Jan 29, 2026 08:30 PM London
Meet the team
.🌿 Let Me Tell Your Story
I’m deeply passionate about working with couples to create ceremonies that reflect their dreams, values, and personalities. My aim is simple: to make your day joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable — a true celebration of you.
As your celebrant, I’m here to empower and support you. I love helping couples and families step into their moment with confidence, authenticity, and connection.
My Journey to Celebrancy
In 2023, I organised my mum’s funeral — a deeply emotional and transformative experience. The heartfelt compliments I received were a sign. It felt like a now‑or‑never moment to follow my dream of designing and leading ceremonies. So I took the leap… and I haven’t looked back. I love every single ceremony I’m trusted with.
My path has been shaped by a rich tapestry of life experiences:
-
A long career in health and social care
- Growing up my the sea and New Forest in Bournemouth
- My Italian heritage
-
Becoming a living kidney donor to my husband
-
Volunteering and training in personal development
-
Performing music and publishing my own work
-
Being a mum to two incredible humans
-
“Grandpawrenting” my beloved Teddy
-
Carrying forward my mother’s love of poetry
-
And a deep love of walking in nature, photography, and outdoor swimming at our local lidos
These threads weave together into the celebrant I am today — calm, creative, grounded, and wholeheartedly invested in your story.
🏳️🌈 Proudly Inclusive and Celebratory of Every Kind of Love
I warmly welcome LGBTQ+ couples and celebrate love in all its beautiful forms. Inclusivity isn’t just a value — it’s part of my family. My brother‑in‑law is a fabulous drag queen, and I honour individuality, expression, and connection wherever and however they shine.
Why Couples Choose Me
Couples often tell me I’m easy to talk to, a good listener, and someone who helps them discover their own answers. I bring compassion, creativity, and flexibility to every ceremony, and I accept and celebrate you exactly as you are.
I Believe in Ceremonies That Are
-
Fun and joyful
-
Creative and a little bit unusual
-
Family‑ and guest‑inclusive
-
Pet‑friendly 🐾
-
Authentic and true to you
-
Memorable and legacy‑making
-
Rooted in nature and outdoor spaces
-
Sustainable and accessible
-
Unique, empowering, and inclusive
Your Story Is Waiting to Be Celebrated
Whether you’re bursting with ideas or simply exploring what’s possible, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via Hitched — let’s begin shaping a ceremony that feels beautifully, unmistakably yours.