Hello! I am Louise Bates, and I am a Professional Civil Celebrant.

Congratulations on finding each other and deciding to get married! I would love to help you celebrate and honour your special day. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Allow me to create a unique ceremony that reflects your wishes and that truly reflects the love story that brings you together as a couple.

My promise to you is this:

I will deliver beautiful ceremonies, give exceptional value, and exceed expectations in creating warm and memorable experiences for my couples and their guests.

You may wish to include religious or non-religious readings, music or poems. You may want additional traditional options, such as a hand-fasting ceremony or a unity candle or even a themed ceremony. You choose.

Couples usually register their marriage quietly at a register office*, then have their bespoke celebrant-led ceremony of their own design that truly reflects their love for each other. Choose your venue – this can be held indoors, outdoors, on a mountain top or a windswept beach. You just need the landowner’s permission.

If you would prefer a commitment ceremony or a vow renewal, I would be honoured to compose and deliver that for you.

I was an Army Officer for most of my working life, have been a teacher of modern languages, and worked in public relations and marketing. I am no stranger to addressing audiences, delivering speeches and I have a lifetime of experience working with people. I am based in Hampshire and prepared to travel to support you in getting ready for your special event.

Travel costs outside Hampshire are to be negotiated at the point of booking.

I am not a Humanist celebrant, but am happy to conduct spiritual, religious and non-religious ceremonies alike. You are in charge of the content and tone of your special event.

I am trained and accredited by, and a member of, the International College of Professional Celebrants, and am insured.

I hold the Level 3 Certificate in Professional Celebrancy in the UK from the National Open College Network.

Confidentiality: All the information that you provide is treated as confidential. It will not be disclosed to any third party without your express permission, such as any third parties that may be included in creating your ceremony. All paperwork relating to yourselves and to your ceremony will be shredded after the event. Digital content will be held securely for a period no longer than 24 months after your special day and will then be deleted.

Equality: All celebrants are required to operate within the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010, and I take this seriously.

I am registered as a ‘gift giver’ with the charity ‘Gift of a Wedding’, whose aim is to gift wedding services to those living in the UK with a terminal or life-limiting illness.

I abide by the ICPC Code of Conduct.

Digital copies of any proposed scripts and final scripts will be sent to clients in PDF form only and may not be reproduced or altered without the written consent of Louise Bates Celebrant. Presentation scripts, where issued, become the sole property of the client on completion of all payments to Louise Bates Celebrant.

Cancellation Clause

At Commencement of Work - If the client has asked Louise Bates Celebrant to commence work on the ceremony or services to be provided, and she has done so, the client may still change their mind within 14 days, but the client will be required to pay for any work done in that period. Louise Bates Celebrant reserves the right to determine such a charge, at her sole discretion, for any work done up to the point of cancellation.

Louise Bates Celebrant, based near Eastleigh, Hampshire, provides exceptional officiant services for weddings.

Main picture, credit to photographer: @alexbucklandphotography