So, you’ve set the date, sourced a couple of venues to view and poured love into every imagined detail from flowers to favours. Your dream day is really taking shape. But how much thought have you given to the ceremony itself? It’s easy to think you get what you’re given, a traditional template ceremony delivered by a stranger in a grey suit. Yet the truth is your ceremony can be as unique and joyful as you are.

The role of the wedding celebrant is so much more than reading a few sentimental lines. Toby the Celebrant views “celebranting” as a real art form.

Whether you’re seeking a ceremony that’s elegant and classic, or a celebration filled with personality and playfulness, Toby works closely with you to listen to your ideas, gather stories and offer advice ready to shape a ceremony that truly honours you both.

Together with Toby, you’ll weave your stories, readings, music and wedding rituals together with those sincere magical moments, your vows and promises, all crafted into a special moment in time that delights you. Toby will set the tone with your guests for a day that will become a treasured memory.

Becoming a celebrant was a natural step for Toby. One thread has connected his whole life: people. With over thirty years’ experience as a nurse working in training and management both in the NHS and charity sector, supporting people at their most vulnerable, offering quiet strength, and sharing joyful moments too. In recent years, professionally trained as a celebrant, he also offers vow renewals, baby naming, adoption and funeral ceremonies too.

Skilled both in public speaking and creative writing, your story will be told with authenticity, warmth and as much humour as you’d like.

Toby’s fee is an All-In charge and includes an initial obligation-free chat to get to know each other. Followed by ongoing communication, story gathering, advice on ceremony wording and order of service, support finding the right readings and music, assistance writing your own vows and promises, liaising with your venue and other suppliers to ensure your day goes beautifully, how to include your friends and family or honour those no longer with us, and assistance with your ceremony seating plan, the all-important aisle walking, and “stage ready” positions.

The early planning discussions also include advice on the legal aspects of getting married.

Then on the day, Toby will be there early to make sure the ceremony room is just perfect. He’ll welcome your guests, and then the big moment arrives, his reassuring smile will steady your nerves and deliver your ceremony with the warmth of an old friend. Toby also offers a keepsake version of the ceremony script to add to your memory box.

Whilst not a faith leader, Toby is happy to include religious elements such as a prayer, hymn or reading, or keep your ceremony non-religious. Toby is also very happy to support couples from the LGBTQIA+ community with a belief that celebranting is about celebrating love, no matter how it's formed or beautifully coloured.

Everything starts with a discussion ( or, as Toby says, even better with tea and cake). So feel free to make contact for that obligation-free discussion.

Toby The Celebrant is a wedding officiant based in Birmingham, West Midlands.