One of the biggest differences between a registrar and a celebrant is personalisation.

Registrars do a fantastic job, but they are often restricted by time, structure, and legal wording. A celebrant, on the other hand, takes the time to get to know you both, your story, your personalities, your values, and what truly matters to you as a couple.

This means your ceremony can include:

• Your love story (how you met, your journey together)

• Personal vows written in your own words

• Involvement from family and friends

• Symbolic rituals (handfasting, ring warming, candle ceremonies, etc.)

• A tone that suits you — romantic, light-hearted, emotional, or all of the above

The result is a ceremony that doesn’t feel scripted or generic, but authentically yours, something your guests will remember long after the day is over.

From a photographer’s point of view, celebrant-led ceremonies often have a completely different energy.

There’s more laughter.
More emotion.
More genuine reactions.

Because celebrants aren’t tied to rigid scripts or time pressures, they allow moments to breathe. This creates:

• Natural smiles and laughter

• Emotional reactions during vows

• Guests feeling fully engaged rather than just observing

These are the moments that translate into powerful, storytelling photographs — the kind that instantly take you back to how the day felt, not just how it looked.

One of the lesser-known benefits of some wedding celebrants is that they don’t always disappear once the ceremony ends.

Many celebrants:

• Stay for part (or all) of the wedding day

• Help guide guests after the ceremony

• Assist with organising confetti throws or group moments

• Introduce the couple into the drinks reception

• Act as a calm, reassuring presence if timelines shift

This extra level of support can be invaluable, especially if you’re having a relaxed, non-traditional wedding or don’t have a toastmaster or wedding coordinator.

From experience, having someone who knows your story, understands your vision, and is fully invested in your day can help everything flow more smoothly — allowing you to stay present and enjoy every moment.

Another huge advantage of celebrants is freedom.

Celebrant-led ceremonies can take place almost anywhere:

• Outdoor weddings

• Woodland ceremonies

• Private homes

• Tipis, barns, and marquees

• Intimate elopement locations around York and Yorkshire

There’s also far more flexibility with timing. You’re not tied to strict registrar slots, meaning your day can be planned around light, atmosphere, and what works best for you,  something I always encourage as a photographer.

Wedding days are emotional — and they should be. But they don’t need to feel rushed or formal if that’s not your style.

Celebrants often help couples feel:

• More at ease before the ceremony

• Confident during vows

• Supported throughout the day

They guide you gently, remind you to pause, breathe, and take everything in — something couples often thank them for afterwards.

And when couples feel relaxed, it shows. In their body language. In their smiles. In their photographs.

One of the most memorable weddings I’ve photographed with a celebrant was Amelia and Martyn’s wedding, led by my friend and colleague Melody Diamond, a wedding celebrant based here in York.

From the very beginning, Melody was deeply involved in planning the ceremony, bringing together the most thoughtful and meaningful details that truly reflected the couple. Even before the ceremony began, Melody’s calming presence made a huge difference. She took the time to speak with the bridal party just before they walked down the aisle together, helping everyone feel relaxed and grounded.

In true celebrant style, there was even a little moment of Dutch courage before the ceremony, a single shot shared together, which instantly broke any nerves and set a relaxed, joyful tone for what was to come.

During the ceremony itself, Melody managed to include every single guest in a beautifully considered way. While readings were taking place, the wedding rings were passed around so each person could be part of the moment, adding a real sense of connection and togetherness.

But it didn’t stop there.

Not only did Melody take wonderful care of the people involved, she also made sure the couple’s beloved dog played a meaningful role. Their dog signed the marriage register with a paw print, a moment that was emotional, unique, and something that will live on in memory (and photographs) forever.

After the ceremony, Melody continued to go above and beyond by compèring the rest of the wedding day, helping guide guests, supporting the couple, and ensuring everything flowed smoothly whenever needed. Having someone so invested in the day made a huge difference to the overall atmosphere.

As a wedding photographer, experiences like this are a perfect example of why I love celebrant-led weddings so much, they’re personal, inclusive, relaxed, and full of unforgettable moments.

I highly recommend emailing Melody Diamond if you’re looking for a wedding celebrant in York or anywhere in Yorkshire. Her warmth, creativity, and genuine care for couples truly sets her apart.

Your wedding ceremony sets the tone for everything that follows. Choosing a celebrant allows you to create something deeply personal, emotionally engaging, and completely unique, while often gaining an extra helping hand on the day itself.

If you’re currently planning your wedding and wondering how to make your ceremony stand out, a wedding celebrant is absolutely worth considering.

And if you’d like recommendations for fantastic celebrants around York or want your ceremony photographed in a natural, relaxed, storytelling way, I’d be more than happy to help.

If you’re planning a relaxed, natural wedding and are looking for a York wedding photographer who captures real moments as they unfold — or you’re interested in engagement photography in Yorkshire — I’d love to hear about your plans.

Robert Harrison Photography
Relaxed & candid wedding photography based in York