Cherish Life Civil Celebrant

As an Ordained Interfaith Minister I offer a range of services, including Legal Weddings, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming Ceremonies and Spiritual Counselling.

Whether you choose to be in the sun, or married by moonlight, there are endless possibilities and stunning locations to choose from and I would be delighted to help guide you along the way.

My name is Wendy McKeown, and as your Legal Wedding Celebrant I am available to perform ceremonies throughout Ireland, both North and South. I have over 20 years experience in event planning and management throughout Europe and the UK.

My experience to date has given me the discipline and capability to communicate and organise in a positive, cheerful and efficient manner. I have a true passion for life, creativity and development, through travel and interaction with others.

As your independent Legal Wedding Celebrant, I am not restricted by religion, customs, time or place. I endeavour to create a unique and individual ceremony, specific to your personality, style and beliefs - the memorable occasion you desire for your family and friends. Whether you require a religious, non religious, spiritual, humourous, sentimental or symbolic ceremony, we can work together to identify and tell the story of your journey through love and life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

FAQ

WHAT TYPE OF CEREMONIES DO YOU OFFER?

At “Cherish Life”, we draft and perform civil marriage / wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, civil partnerships and naming ceremonies. In using a Civil Celebrant you have the freedom to create and personalise your ceremony. You decide on the length of the ceremony, the style, content and loved ones you wish to have included as part of your ceremony. Ceremonies can be secular, non-religious, inter-faith and can cater for large or small gatherings, formal or informal. We are not restricted by religion, custom or practise. It really is your day, your way.

DO YOU PERFORM SAME SEX OR INTER-FAITH CEREMONIES?

Yes, we do, love is love….

WHERE CAN WE HOLD OUR CEREMONY?

Anytime, any place, anywhere…. Its up to you. Together we will create personal, unique and memorable ceremony at a location of your choice. Civil Celebrants do not require the Venue to be licensed, therefore is no restriction on where you have your ceremony, providing you have permission. It could be day or night and on any day of the week, including Sundays. Legal Wedding Ceremonies will require the venue to be lisensed.

DO YOU OFFER CEREMONY ELEMENTS?

Yes, we have a wide range of elements available such as Handfasting, Unity Sand, Unity Wine, Love Letter Wine Box, Rose Ceremony, Ring Warming, Tree Planting, Dove Release and Memory Table to name a few. There are a full range of the elements available to view on the website. All elements will be priced individually depending on your requirements. We cater for all budgets so don’t let that put you off. After our initial meeting when I am more familiar with your requirements, I will prepare a schedule of costs and element choice for your approval prior to moving forward.

WILL WE BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE CEREMONY SCRIPT PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY?

Yes, from the outset we will be in constant contact and I will continue to add to and create your ideal ceremony script, incorporating your wishes and desires. Providing I have all your readings and poems etc, I will present you with a final draft no later than 28 days prior to your event, for you to review and agree. You will have final sign off on all content.

CAN WE WRITE OUR OWN WEDDING VOWS AND RING EXCHANGE WORDS?

Absolutely. Only you know the words in your heart that you want to say to your partner on your special day. You can speak from the heart, with your words, or I have many samples for you to review and amend to suit. I do ask for a copy of your vows so I can include them in my script, to ensure all sections of the ceremony blend seamlessly and don’t appear broken or disjointed in any way. It also means if anyone should forget their words or readings on the day I will have a copy to hand. If on the other hand you are shy and don’t wish to say too much you can just say “I do” or I can read the words you have written and you can repeat after me. It’s your day, so don’t put yourself under pressure to do something you might not be comfortable with on the day.

CAN WE CHOOSE OUR OWN MUSIC, READINGS, POEMS AND VOWS?

Yes, again your music, together with your readings and vows are a reflection of who you are as a couple and the music and words that have created memories and become part of your shared history.

CAN CHILDREN OR FAMILY & FRIENDS BE INCLUDED IN THE CEREMONY?

Yes, if they are important to you then they should be included in your ceremony. I am happy to work with you to include children or other family and friends. There are a range of elements on the website that encourage participation from guests.

DO WE RECEIVE A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

Yes, for Legal Weddings all couples have to give a minimum of three months notice of their "Intention to Marry", via their local council or HSE office. You will then be issued with the legal papers that both you and I will sign during your legal marriage ceremony.

WHEN WILL THE CELEBRANT ARRIVE AT THE CEREMONY?

The Celebrant will arrive at your venue at least one hour before the start of the ceremony to ensure all is set up and ready as discussed. Also to calm any last minute nerves that may arise. You will have my number and are free to contact me at any stage prior to the start time, should you wish to.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING PHOTOGRAPHERS AT THE CEREMONY?

No, again it’s your day and its important that all aspects of the day are captured and remembered how you wish. Obviously flash photography and camera noise can be distracting and off putting but a professional photographer will be aware and respectful of this. Photos from the ceremony may be added to the photo gallery page on this website.

DO YOU TRAVEL ABROAD OR FAR AWAY FROM YOUR LOCALITY?

Absolutely, if you chose "Cherish Life" to perform your Ceremony, I will work with you to accommodate you in any way I can, availability permitting. Please bear in mind overnight accommodation and costs for additional days will be reflective in the final quotation.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

Initial Enquiry to check availability Date Confirmation and Deposit paid First Meeting between Celebrant and Couple Ceremony proposal, draft script and any additional costs forwarded to Couple Confirmation of Ceremony Elements, Readings, Vows, Poems etc, forwarded to Celebrant Second Meeting / Draft Ceremony script presented to Couple for review, amendment and finalisation Rehearsal if required We’re all good to go!