Please note these guidelines apply where a CCL Celebrant is conducting the ceremony.

We are delighted that you wish to hold your ceremony in your home or garden. In order to assist us in making the ceremony run smoothly and avoid any disturbances on the day, the following guidelines apply:

Arrival and introduction of guests

Please note that it is not the responsibility of the Celebrant to welcome guests, please introduce the Celebrant to the guests who will be taking part in the ceremony. If there are a lot of guests expected, it may be appropriate to appoint ushers.

Outside ceremonies

If the ceremony is to be held outside there must be a suitable room inside for the ceremony to be held comfortably if bad weather prevents an outside ceremony.

Please Note: The Celebrant will make the decision whether to move the ceremony indoors and his/her decision is final. They will take into account the position of the guests in inclement weather, even if the Celebrant and the family/couple themselves are under cover. The celebrant has the right not to conduct the ceremony if these guidelines are not adhered to and in such a case the Celebrant has the right to refuse to conduct the ceremony and leave the premises. In such instances there is no refund available to the client.

Layout

The Celebrant will discuss the garden/room layout and discuss this with you. The layout needs to be in place when the Celebrant arrives half an hour before the ceremony is due to take place. Celebrants are not responsible for moving furniture. If disabled guests are attending, do consider wheelchair access.

There must be enough chairs placed on an even surface for all guests to be seated, a table to hold water for the Celebrant, gifts and paperwork. Please provide paperweights for paperwork.

Maximum number of guests

The Celebrant will provide you with the maximum number of guests that can be accommodated to ensure a successful ceremony. The maximum number will be dictated by the maximum that the inside room can hold as bad weather may mean the ceremony being held indoors. Other guests can of course arrive after the actual ceremony.

Behaviour of guests

Please be aware that in the case of inappropriate behaviour on your part or on the part of guests then the Celebrant has the right to terminate or refuse to conduct the ceremony and no refund will apply. Alcohol should not be served until after the ceremony.

Animals

If you have domestic animals that could interfere with the ceremony, please ensure that they are shut away.

Noise

Outside ceremonies are subject to all manner of external noise disturbances such as lawn movers, neighbours, aircraft, and animals. Please consider whether noise is likely to disturb the ceremony and decide whether it may be more appropriate to hold the actual ceremony indoors so everyone can hear.

Hot weather

This can be as problematic as poor weather! Babies in particular burn easily. Please consider the comfort of guests and whether shade is available.

Insurance

Please ensure that your domestic insurance policy covers third party liability for any visitors to your home.

Health and Safety Issues

— Entrances and exits to and from the ceremony area should be clear and safe to use.

— Constructions in gardens, such as marquees and gazebos should be well erected, safe and secure.

— Outside electrical equipment, e.g. lights and sound equipment must be safe and there should be no trailing wires or cables. Tape and purpose–made cable covers should be used and cables kept well away form walkway areas.

— Garden ponds should be considered as a potential hazard for young children and children's' access to ponds made safe.

Lateness of guests

If guests that are taking part in the ceremony are late in arriving, the Celebrant will be as helpful as possible, however, due to time constraints it will be at the discretion of the Celebrant on the day as to how long the ceremony can be delayed, however Celebrants will not normally be able to delay more than 30 minutes at the most.

Children

Small children can find listening to a ceremony difficult! If there are to be large numbers of small children attending you may find it useful to ask someone to take care of any children who do not want to sit through the ceremony.