Shelley Bell Independent Celebrant

We get to know each other via a video call.

I've had years of experience and conducted hundreds of ceremonies but I don't book every ceremony with every couple I meet because not everyone is everyone's cup of tea or you might be looking for a style of wedding that isn't my forte.

My Discovery Calls come with no obligation to book so lets have a chat, discuss ideas and options and see how you feel. It is critical that you find the right person for one of the biggest days of your life, so come and see if that's me.

Straight answer is a hard Yes!!

I completed my training with the United Kingdom of Celebrants in 2017 and have never looked back. Since then I have completed hundreds of ceremonies and my reviews are always positive - you only have to look at the smiling faces in the photos to know they are having an amazing time.

I'm an advocate for free choice in the wedding industry and have even won awards. I now support other Celebrants to be the best they can be in their field and run a group where we hone or skills together.

I have Public Liability Insurance to the value of £2million and have never received a complaint.

My fee depends on what services you choose.

I can help to create not just your perfect ceremony but also the perfect day with my Event Planning Service.

 I can help to coordinate on the day to help wrangle your guests away from the bar when you are getting ready for the first dance

Or I can focus solely on the ceremony but liase with other suppliers so we can work together to create a really magical experience.

If you chose to have ceremony only me fee is currently £850 with a small fee if travelling more than half an hour from my home. I work with you from the day we start planning to the day of your ceremony, there is no limit as to the contact or content changes and I really take the time to get to know you and who you are to create the most amazing celebration of your love story.

Alternatively you can book a registrar, choose wording from a predetermined collection of statements, not meet them before your day and pay £750 minimum - I'm great value for money!

I will always ask you for a Plan B.

Weddings are joyful even in the rain - I've had guests refuse to leave when a downpour has ensued mid ceremony and sat dripping under umbrellas and equally I have had to relocate a ceremony due to the full sun making guests feel sick and the brides make up melt.

As part of your planning meeting we will consider all eventualities including the needs of any guests who may have support needs, and by knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time, we can proceed on the day with no worries because we are all on the same page.

I don't do nudity!

I won't use wording that could be deemed offensive to anyone. I won't tolerate anyone feeling bullied or harassed and I won't stand for anyone who can't handle their drink making a nuisance of themselves.

I am in a privileged position that I get to share love and joy in my ceremonies and thankfully incidents such as those above have been rare. My job is to make sure my couple have the best possible wedding day and the guests enjoy themselves. Between me and the venue we are responsible for people's safety and wellbeing.

However, if everyone is safe and enjoying themselves and you want some thrash metal to walk down the aisle to, have a pot bellied pig as a ring bearer and have your Best Man dressed in a Borat Mankini then I'm sure we can work together.