Andrew James Celebrant
“Making your special day truly magical”
About Me
Hi, I’m Andy James a professional celebrant for weddings and celebrations of life.
After more than 30 years in the creative and hospitality world, I’ve learnt that the most meaningful moments in life are the ones shared through stories, love, and human connection. I’ve spent my life helping people bring those moments to life with honesty, warmth, and heart.
These years have taught me not just how to hold an audience, but how to truly reach them. Now, I use those skills to create ceremonies that honour who you are, what you feel, and the memories you hold closest. Whether it’s the joy of a wedding or the tenderness of a celebration of life, my focus is always the same: to create something authentic, comforting, and unforgettable.
My purpose is to help shape a ceremony that feels magical, personal, and full of meaning a moment you’ll carry with you forever.
Wedding
A Celebrant with Heart, Experience, and a Love of Storytelling
With many years of experience as an actor, I’ve learned how to bring emotion, presence, and authenticity to every moment. As a father, a friend, and a natural storyteller, I understand the importance of connection — the quiet glances, the shared laughter, the stories that shape who we are.
As your wedding celebrant, I bring all of this to your ceremony. I take the time to truly get to know you both: your journey, your quirks, your values, and the love that brought you here. Then I craft a ceremony that feels personal, heartfelt, and unmistakably yours.
Whether you dream of something traditional, modern, humorous, or deeply sentimental, I ensure your ceremony reflects your unique story — told with warmth, clarity, and genuine joy.
Your wedding is a moment you’ll remember forever. My role is to honour that moment with care, creativity, and a steady guiding hand. Together, we’ll create something beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Services
Funeral/ Celebration of life
Honouring a Life Well Lived — With Sensitivity, Storytelling, and Heart
As a celebrant, I approach every Celebration of Life ceremony with deep respect and care. Drawing on my many years as an actor, a father, a friend, and a storyteller, I create a space where memories can breathe, emotions can be held, and a life well lived can be truly honoured.
I take time to listen to family, to friends, to the stories that shaped the person you loved. Every detail matters: the small quirks, the big achievements, the laughter, the tenderness, the legacy they leave behind. From these moments, I craft a ceremony that is personal, authentic, and filled with meaning.
My role is to guide you through this difficult time with warmth and steadiness, shaping a ceremony that reflects the unique spirit of the person you are celebrating. Whether you prefer something traditional, contemporary, uplifting, or quietly reflective, I ensure the tone feels right for you and your loved ones.
A Celebration of Life is a chance not only to say goodbye, but to honour, remember, and celebrate. Together, we will create a ceremony that tells their story with dignity, compassion, and heartfelt sincerity, a true tribute to a life well lived.
Naming Ceremonies
Celebrating New Life With Joy, Meaning, and Beautiful Storytelling
Welcoming a new life into the world is one of the most precious moments we can share. As a celebrant, I bring my experience as an actor, a father, a friend, and a storyteller to create a Naming Ceremony that is joyful, personal, and filled with genuine warmth.
I take time to learn about your family, your hopes for your child, and the wishes you want to surround them with as they begin their journey. Every family is different, and every child’s story is uniquely their own. My role is to craft a ceremony that reflects that individuality with tenderness, celebration, and authenticity.
Whether your ceremony is relaxed and playful, gently spiritual, or simply a heartfelt gathering of loved ones, I shape the moment to feel just right for you. Together, we can include readings, promises, symbolic gestures, or family traditions to make the day truly meaningful.
A Naming Ceremony is more than a welcome — it is a moment to recognise love, connection, and the beginning of a beautiful story. I feel honoured to help families mark this special occasion with sincerity, joy, and a touch of magic.
“Having had the pleasure of knowing Andy for 30 years now I can honestly say I cannot think of anyone better for this role as he always brings the light to any room he steps in. He has incredible energy and there is always love and laughter surrounding him. If you are considering getting married you DEFINITELY need Andy on your big day! DO NOT HESITATE! Book him now because he gets very busy with life!”
Lindsey Clark
Testimonials
“Andy , I can’t think of a better person than you , to make a couples day the best day of their life. Whatever you do and wherever you are a great energy surrounds you and spreads joy”
Maria McCarty
Get in Touch!
Our first chat is a friendly 45 minute conversation, and it’s all about getting to you. We’ll talk about your story, your hopes, and what you’d love your ceremony to feel like. It’s relaxed and gives you the chance to get to know me too, and make sure we’re a good fit for each other. Then we can start shaping a ceremony that feels warm, personal, and perfect you.
FAQ
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A registrar carries out the legal side of getting married, while a celebrant creates and officiates a unique, bespoke ceremony in any location you choose. A celebrant led ceremony offers far more freedom, creativity, and personalisation.
The only thing a celebrant cannot do is legally marry you.Completing the legal part is simple you can book a no-frills registry office appointment for around £60, plus £11 for the marriage certificate. This can be done either before or after your personal celebrant led ceremony.
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A humanist ceremony contains no spiritual or religious content at all.
A celebrant led ceremony, on the other hand, is completely flexible. You can include symbolic rituals, spiritual references, cultural elements, or religious traditions whatever feels right to you.
This makes celebrant led ceremonies ideal for blended families, multi-faith couples, or anyone wanting a truly personalised celebration of their love and commitment. -
Absolutely, writing your ceremony is one of my favourite parts of the process.
I’ll ask you to complete a couple of questionnaires to help me understand your story, personalities, and vision. From there, I create a bespoke script entirely tailored to you.
We’ll work together on the structure, and I can also suggest meaningful readings or symbolic moments such as a ring blessing, candle ritual, or sand ceremony. -
Yes, of course and I love when couples do!
If you already know what you’d like to say, wonderful. If not, I’m here to help with guidance, inspiration, and sample vows to spark ideas. I recommend keeping your vows a surprise until the ceremony for maximum impact, and I’ll print them and bring them along on the day.
You’re free to choose any readings that resonate with you — poems, book passages, spiritual texts, or even song lyrics. Some couples even commission original poetry. Friends or family members can be invited to read, and it’s always a beautiful touch.
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Yes, I do. I can blending traditions, rituals, and beliefs to create a ceremony that honours each partner’s background. You’re welcome to share the elements you’d like included, and I’ll ensure everything is woven together seamlessly and respectfully.
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Ideally, yes! I love meeting in person to go through your plans and rehearse at your venue.
However, for many couples especially those planning destination weddings in Cornwall or Devon an in person meeting isn’t always possible. In that case, we’ll meet on Zoom or Teams to make sure everything is perfectly planned. -
Absolutely, with joy and pride.
Your love story matters, and every couple deserves a ceremony that reflects who they are. I warmly welcome couples of all genders, sexualities, and identities, and I’m honoured to create a ceremony that celebrates your unique relationship. -
As early as you can. Many couples book around 16 months ahead to secure their dream date. Once your venue is confirmed, it’s wise to secure your celebrant too, as dates fill up quickly.
When you choose to work with me, I’ll send you all the information with all the details. Your date is fully secured in my diary once the booking fee is paid and from that moment, I’m all yours.
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Any, I only take one wedding per day, which means you have complete freedom over timings.
Sunrise on a quiet beach, sunset in a meadow, or any magical moment in between — I’m there. I’ll arrive at least an hour early to ensure everything runs beautifully. -
If your venue allows pets, absolutely!
Dogs and other furry family members can even take part in the ceremony — ring bearer, “dog of honour,” or simply a beloved guest. If needed, I can recommend a professional dog chaperone to take care of them after the ceremony so you can relax and celebrate. -
I officiate all types of wedding ceremonies intimate elopements, grand celebrations, destination weddings, vow renewals, milestone anniversaries, celebrations of a life and more.
I specialise in personal, bespoke ceremonies that reflect your story, your style, and your connection. My only goal is make your special day truly magical.