Leading a Wedding Ceremony for Someone You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide for Friends & Family

Asked to lead a wedding ceremony for a friend or family member? This beautifully illustrated guide gives you everything you need to plan, write and lead a ceremony they will never forget.

Written by Claire Mountain, an award-winning celebrant trainer who has trained professional celebrants since 2010, this 17-page printable guide shares the structure, rituals and words professional celebrants use, written in plain English for UK ceremonies.

Why the workbook edition?

This is the complete, full-design workbook: the edition I use myself. You may also see a lower-priced Kindle reading edition on Amazon. That edition is for reading only. This workbook edition also gives you:

• The full illustrated A4 design, with every page exactly as it was created and photography throughout
• Write-in pages: a script builder, timeline and checklists to print and fill in by hand
• Print copies to share: one for you and one for the couple to check the words
• An instant download to keep: no Kindle or app needed; read on any device or print at home
• Direct from me: if you have any questions about your guide, you can email me personally

What's inside

• The legal bit: why a ceremony led by a friend is not a legal marriage, and what the couple must do with the registrar
• Who does what: you, the couple, the venue, the ring keeper and the photographer
• A planning timeline from "yes" to the big day
• A running order for a 20 to 30 minute ceremony
• Celtic handfasting, step by step, with traditional cord colours and wording
• Sand ceremony wording and practical tips
• More rituals: unity candle, ring warming, quaich, tree planting, love-letter box and rose exchange
• 12 questions to gather the couple's love story
• A fill-in script builder: welcome, remembering loved ones, their story and readings
• Vows, ring words and presenting the couple, plus words to avoid
• On the day: rehearsal, sound, rings and stepping aside for the kiss

Perfect for

• A friend or relative asked to lead a wedding, vow renewal or commitment ceremony
• Couples planning a personal celebration alongside a register office legal marriage

Please note

• A ceremony led by a friend, relative or independent celebrant is NOT a legal marriage in England and Wales. Couples must complete the legal marriage separately with the registrar. Rules differ in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
• This guide gives general information and is not legal advice. It is an introductory guide, not a regulated qualification.
• Instant digital download (PDF, A4), emailed straight after purchase. Refunds are not available once the file has been downloaded. If you have any problem with your file, please email me.
• For personal use only. Please do not share, copy or resell.

Would you like the words written for you?

Memories in Words by Claire Mountain writes wedding, vow renewal and commitment ceremony scripts. Visit www.clairemountain.com or email IPChospitality@outlook.com.

With love,

Claire Mountain

IPC Celebrant Training