Some of the most moving ceremonies I have led have had a child standing slightly to one side, watching carefully, not entirely sure yet how they feel about the day. I always notice them, because a wedding that brings two families together is doing something rather more delicate than joining two people, and the children…
Author: Yvonne Beck
The wedding law shake up nobody told you about (and why I think you should care)
Marriage modernisation is happening – get involved ! The government consultation is open until 26/9/26 and I’d love you to contribute. Search Tying the Knot
Why More Couples Are Choosing a Bilingual Celebrant for Their Wedding
One of the first things I ask a couple who comes to me for a bilingual ceremony is who the second language is really for. Is it the groom’s grandmother, who never learned English? The bride’s side of the family, flying in from abroad? Getting that answer early changes how I build the whole ceremony….
Inside a Real Ceremony – The Wedding of I and L at Lauderdale House
I and L’s Inclusive Ceremony at Lauderdale House, London I always think the best way to explain what a celebrant-led ceremony actually looks like is to show you one. So here’s a real one, start to finish, from a wedding I led on a beautful summer day at the end of June at Lauderdale House…
Five May Weddings, 4 Countries, and What Spring Taught Me About Saying I Do
May has become one of my favourite months to work in. Not just because of the light (though that long, low, golden European light is something I will never take for granted) but because of the kind of couples who choose it. May couples tend to be planners who are also dreamers. They’ve thought carefully…
Planning a Summer Elopement Ceremony in Europe: Tips to Make It Unforgettable
Summer in Europe is something couples dream about long before they ever get engaged. The light is different here, golden and unhurried, falling at angles that photographers spend entire careers chasing. The landscapes shift from alpine meadows to sun-soaked coastlines within a few hours’ drive. And the warmth of it all, the people, the food,…
Why Ritual Still Matters in Modern Weddings (Even If You’re Not Traditional)
Why Ritual Still Matters in Modern Weddings Many couples today feel less connected to traditional wedding formats. They may not feel drawn to formal structures, set wording, or rituals that no longer reflect who they are. And yet, when it comes to the ceremony itself, there is often a quiet sense that something meaningful is…
What an Inclusive Elopement Ceremony in Europe Can Look Like
Something I’ve noticed over fifteen years of doing this work is that the couples who come to me for an Elopement ceremony in Europe often have one thing in common. They’ve already realised that their relationship doesn’t quite fit the standard or traditional ceremony format Maybe they’re an LGBTQ+ couple who got tired of enquiring…
Why eloping without structure can feel rushed
Eloping has become one of the most beautiful ways to get married. It offers freedom, simplicity, and the chance to focus entirely on the two of you, without the expectations or pressures that can sometimes come with a larger wedding. For many couples, especially those travelling to places like Germany, Switzerland or Austria, it feels…
From Ring to Wedding: 5 Things to Do After Your Engagement
The ring is on your finger. You have cried, screamed a little, called your mum, posted something online, and stared at your hand approximately forty-seven times since yesterday. That initial rush is one of the best feelings there is — and you deserve to sit in it for a while. But at some point —…