Looking for a warm, modern celebrant who will create a ceremony that feels like you?

Celebrant Sue – By Your Side, based in North Devon, proudly creates ceremonies across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, the South West and beyond.

Sue is more than just a celebrant. She’s a national award winning, friendly face, a calming presence, and a passionate storyteller who will be with you every step of the way – from your very first conversation to the big day itself (and often long after the last confetti settles!).

Whether you're planning something wildly romantic, joyfully relaxed, or a little bit different, Sue’s ceremonies are fully personalised, inclusive, and filled with meaning. With a knack for putting everyone at ease, she’s here to help make your ceremony not only unforgettable, but uniquely yours.

What makes Sue different?

• Ceremonies written just for you: No templates, no scripts pulled off the shelf. Every word is created with care, based on your story, your style, and your values.

• Warm, witty and inclusive: Whether you’re neurodiverse, non-traditional, or simply want something a little more you, Sue celebrates all love and all people.

• Specialist in neurodiverse needs: With experience supporting autistic and ADHD couples, children and guests, Sue ensures everyone feels welcome and heard.

• Flexible and adventurous: From cliff tops to woodlands, hotels to gardens, beaches to barns, Sue holds cremonies in so many stunning and beautiful venues.

Services offered:

• A completely bespoke ceremony script, crafted with love

• Support with vows, readings, rituals – and calming those nerves!

• Optional extras like handfasting, ring warming, group vows, or wedding certificate signing

• A beautifully presented keepsake script to treasure

• Ceremony planning guidance and collaboration with your other suppliers

• A relaxed, joyful presence from start to finish

Why couples choose Celebrant Sue:

Because with Sue, you’re not just getting a ceremony, you’re getting a cheerleader, a storyteller, a heartfelt partner, and a reassuring guide. Her couples describe her as “calming, joyful, professional and kind” and someone who truly takes the time to get to know you. She will be by your side.

From heartfelt tears to belly laughs, your ceremony will be full of the moments that matter.

Let’s create the magic…

If you're dreaming of a ceremony that’s anything but ordinary, get in touch! Sue would love to hear your story and help you begin your next chapter in a way that’s personal, joyful and unforgettable.

Celebrant Sue – By Your Side.
For love, for laughter, for life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a wedding celebrant do?

As your wedding celebrant, I’d create and lead a personalised, meaningful ceremony that’s entirely about you. From your love story to your values, family, humour and hopes, your ceremony will reflect who you are as a couple. Unlike a registrar, I’m not restricted by legal wording, licensed premises or templates, which means you can get married wherever, whenever, and however you choose.

How do we book you?

We’ll set up a relaxed, no-obligation chat to see if I’m the right fit for you. If you decide to go ahead, I’ll send you a simple booking form and invoice to secure your date.

We’ll then meet again (in person or via What’s app video call) to plan your ceremony in detail. You’ll also receive a fun and thoughtful questionnaire to help me get to know you both better and hear all about your love story.

Next, I’ll create your full script and send it over to you for you amend, adapt and finally approve.

On the day itself, I’ll arrive at least an hour early to help calm any nerves and make sure everything runs smoothly, liaising with your venue and with the other suppliers and and I’ll stay around until the confetti settles and the drinks are flowing.

Is a celebrant-led wedding legally binding? If it's not, what do we do?

Sadly, in England and Wales, celebrant ceremonies aren’t legally recognised (but fingers crossed for law changes very soon!).

Most couples complete the legal bit at a registry office in a short marriage at the registry office, often called a 2+2 ceremony, as it’s the couple and two witnesses. This is often done a few days beforehand.

If you are getting married at a licenced venue, the registrars can come to the venue and complete the legal ceremony there. This obviously costs more than if you attended the registry office. There are very strict rules around timings and wording as they follow a legal script template which is the same for everyone. There can be very little personalisation of the ceremony, you won’t know who your registrars are, and you don’t meet them beforehand.

My couples think of the 2+2 ceremony as signing the paperwork, and our ceremony as the real wedding celebration

Where can we have our ceremony?

Anywhere you like – and I really mean it. Beaches, woodlands, gardens, barns, family homes, cliff tops, tipis... You’re not limited to just licensed venues, although these are gorgeous too. If it’s special to you, we can create a beautiful ceremony there.

Can we include symbolic elements like handfasting?

Yes please! Handfasting, candle lighting, sand blending, ring blessings, jumping the broom – or something totally your own, I’ll help you weave in any rituals that hold meaning for you. This is your moment, your way.

Can you help us write our vows?

Absolutely. Whether you need full guidance or just a little encouragement, I’ll support you with vow-writing prompts, examples, and feedback. Whether heartfelt or humorous, formal or free-flowing, we’ll find the words that feel right.

We’re not very traditional

Perfect! I specialise in relaxed, warm, and non-traditional ceremonies. Whether you're romantic, rebellious, introverted, spiritual, funny, sentimental – or all of the above – I’ll create something that feels genuine and joyful.

We’re nervous about speaking – can you help?

This is totally normal and yes. I’ll guide you through every step, and we’ll tailor your ceremony to what you’re comfortable with. You can say as much or as little as you like. I can even stay on and read your speeches for you. I’m here to help you feel calm, confident, and excited on the day.

Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples?

With love and pride, ALWAYS. I welcome all couples and celebrate all kinds of love, with warmth, respect and joy.

Do you work with neurodivergent couples or guests?

Yes, ABSOLUTELY, and with genuine care.

I have worked with many neurodivergent individuals and couples, including those who are autistic, ADHD, PDA, or have sensory or processing differences. I understand that ceremonies can sometimes feel overwhelming, so I will work closely with you to create a space and a script that feels safe, respectful, and fully inclusive.

We can adapt the ceremony environment, language, or flow to suit your needs – whether that means avoiding surprises, using visual or written supports, keeping things low-key, or agreeing on clear cues ahead of time. I can also help support your family or guests if they have additional needs.

Whether you want something quiet and calm or joyful and expressive, I’ll work with you to shape a ceremony that honours your preferences and feels right for you. I can also suggest ways to support you throughout your whole wedding day.

You're welcome to tell me exactly what you need – or we can figure it out together, gently and without pressure.

How far do you travel?

I’m based in North Devon and regularly travel across the South West – including Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, and beyond. Planning something further afield? I’m always happy to discuss destination weddings or adventurous venues.