Steve is a celebrant based in Midsomer Norton, just south of Bath—but his journey to this role is anything but conventional. Originally from Kent, he began travelling at eighteen, and what started as a few months abroad stretched into a full decade. It was during those travels that he discovered his passion for wild animals, eventually returning to university at the age of twenty-nine to study biology. He has since earned three Biological degrees and spent most of his working life in zoos and safari parks across the UK, the Middle East, and Africa, with additional spells teaching in schools and colleges.

So how does a zoologist become a celebrant? The answer lies in a series of average to poor funerals and corporate events. After sitting through several ceremonies where the presentation was, in his words, "sub-optimal," Steve decided he could do better. He put his money where his mouth is—and has never regretted it.

Steve is known for crafting ceremonies that are genuine and personal, striking just the right emotional balance. He believes that the heart of any wedding isn't the venue, the catering, or even the dress—it's the couple themselves, sharing their love and commitment in front of the people who matter most. That belief drives everything he does.

He is also known for his warm, approachable nature. A self-confessed people-person, he genuinely loves meeting new people and introducing a little joy into their lives. He is one of those rare individuals who actually enjoy addressing a room full of mostly strangers—and his energy is infectious.

Steve's process is built on collaboration and deep personalisation. His starting question is always the same: "What do you want?" He doesn't leave couples guessing—he brings plenty of ideas, examples, and creative prompts to get the ball rolling—but he firmly believes that the ceremony belongs to the couple, not to him.

From there, Steve works closely with each couple to:

• Learn their history– uncovering the journey, the milestones, and the moments that shaped their relationship.
• Discover their love story– the unique narrative that brought them together and kept them together.
• Plan the full arc of the ceremony– from the moment they walk in as two individuals to the moment they leave as one.
• Write and deliver a bespoke script– weaving their story into a ceremony that joins their lives in front of everyone they hold dearest, and presents them to the world as the beautiful, unique couple they are.

For couples who want something a little more unusual, Steve is entirely up for the challenge. Quirky, unconventional, or offbeat requests are not just accommodated—they are embraced. Do you want to dress as Imperial Storm Troopers of Hobbits? Bring it on.

What It's Like Working With Steve

Couples who book Steve can expect a service that is flexible, authentic, and delivered with genuine enthusiasm. He loves what he does, and that passion translates into every ceremony he leads. There is no clock-watching; if things run a bit over, they run over. The day should never feel rushed.

He is also fully vaccinated and more than happy to comply with any precautions couples may require. His services are designed for in-person delivery, as he believes the energy of a live ceremony cannot be replicated remotely.

Budget-Friendly Options

Steve understands that weddings can be punishingly expensive—prices often seem to double the moment the word "wedding" is mentioned. Having been married three times himself, each on a tight budget, he has firsthand experience of the pressures couples face.

To help, Steve offers a lower-price package for ceremonies held relatively close to his home base in Midsomer Norton, with limited guest numbers. This package still delivers a high level of personalisation at a more accessible price point, but not abundance of extras found in more expensive packages, ensuring that a beautiful, meaningful ceremony doesn't have to break the bank.

The Unique Selling Point

And for those seeking something truly unforgettable, Steve offers one rather unusual premium service. He is also a Santa Claus—and he is more than happy to officiate a wedding as Big Red himself. While this service is naturally seasonal, it provides a wonderfully unique option for couples looking to add a touch of festive magic to their special day.