Image by Josette Crispin Photography, taken at Basing House in Hampshire
About me - and why I became a celebrant
I’m Susannah, a Hampshire-based independent celebrant, offering celebrant-led wedding, vow renewal, funeral and naming ceremonies across Hampshire and the New Forest as well as Berkshire, Surrey, Dorset and beyond. I can also officiate at destination ceremonies.
I’m here to create a ceremony that is tailored perfectly to you. I have a gorgeous (and very vocal) tuxedo cat and I love tea, chocolate, and crime novels. I live near to the New Forest, and I love a muddy woodland walk. My favourite place is the beach, although I am not a sun worshipper; you’re more likely to find me wrapped in a scarf on a chilly day looking for interesting shells and creatures in rock pools. I’m a researcher by background; I love finding out about new things. I’m also very partial to an Excel spreadsheet. (Yes, really!) I spent a few months in Rome in my late teens; I loved every moment and wanted to stay, but university beckoned. I am, however, currently trying to improve my rusty Italian language skills and I love a bit of home-made pesto!
My previous career was in market research, working with a number of high profile brands in both client management and analytical roles. I became a celebrant after attending an incredibly moving celebrant-led service at the funeral of a close family member; it was a ‘light bulb’ moment and I just knew that I wanted to be part of helping people celebrate and commemorate their important life events in the way that was most meaningful to them. This, alongside my enquiring mind and my ability to write up a storm, has made celebrancy a natural choice of career for me. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of life, love and loss; without a doubt, this life experience makes me a better celebrant.
After completing both wedding and funeral celebrancy courses with The Celebrants Collective, here I am - and I love my job! I firmly believe in inclusivity when it comes to celebrating love and life.
I am a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants as well as a full member of The Celebrants Collective. Both organisations enable me to access high quality resources for continuing professional development (CPD). Additionally, I have adopted the Funeral Celebrant Accord and I am also a member of the Good Funeral Guild, a collective of like-minded people who are working to change funerals for the better.
How I work
To enable me to create the best possible ceremony for you, I will take the time to get to know you - and your requirements - to get to the heart of what you are looking for. I’ll meet with you in person or by video chat to talk about what you want from your ceremony and the elements you would like to include. This means that together, we can create the ceremony you want, the way you want it. Your ceremony, your way.
Because my ceremonies are completely bespoke, you can choose to go down a more traditional route, you can include elements of a particular tradition or you can opt for a completely unconventional ceremony. Feel free to contact me and we can talk about how we can achieve the right balance and create the perfect ceremony for you; one that reflects who you are and what you are looking for.
Although I conduct ceremonies across Hampshire and the New Forest, I also work across Berkshire, Surrey, Dorset and Wiltshire. I love travel, so if you are looking to hold your ceremony even further afield, or are looking for a celebrant to officiate at your destination wedding, then do get in touch.
See me in action at a recent elopement ceremony at Reading Abbey Ruins:
Image by Shaun Peters Photography, taken at Hookhouse Farm in Surrey