FAQ >

A celebrant is a professional independent who officiates ceremonies for all of life events.  From bespoke wedding ceremonies to celebrations of life, in Neath, south Wales and beyond.

A celebrant commits to undertaking professional training to create and deliver personalised ceremonies which are meaningful, heartfelt and when you work with Vicky, ceremonies are full of Hwyl!

Vicky from Hwyl Ceremonies is a professional Independent Celebrant who is based in Neath, south Wales but is happy to travel.

Definitely! With experience in event management and logistics, Vicky from Hwyl Ceremonies is more than happy to help with any on the day or arrangements leading up to unique wedding ceremony. If you need a co-ordinator or Matron of Ceremonies, this can be organised as a separate arrangement to the Celebrant role.

Each event is unique and will require a different amount of planning and organisation – it is best to have a chat to scope your requirements and then an appropriate fee can be tailored for your needs. Have a look at the page ‘All part of the service… What you can expect’ for more information on what you can expect.

The Fellowship of Professional Celebrants explains that:

“Declaratory Words, and the Contracting Words have to be said in a Registry Office or licenced venue in order for your marriage to be recognised in law and for a legal marriage certificate to be issued.

The Declaratory words are: “I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (your name) may not be joined in matrimony to (partners name)”

The Contracting words are: “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (your name) do take thee (partners name) to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband)”

These words are the only legal requirements for marriage, as well as formally identifying yourselves to the registrar and signing the marriage/civil partnership register in front of two independent witnesses and a registrar.

The rest of the service, including the exchanging of rings and saying your intentions to one another is purely ceremonial and can therefore take place literally ANYWHERE and at any time of the day or night – you are limited only by your imagination.

It may be a simple ceremony in your home or garden, or at sunset on the beach with the waves crashing around you, a local beauty spot, or in the middle of a bluebell wood…or something more glamorous in a stylish country houses or hotel.”

You are only limited by your imagination! Celebrants have conducted ceremonies on mountain tops, underwater, on beaches, in woodland, on a farm, in family gardens… you name it, we’ll do it (well, the underwater bit might need some practice…!).

Vicky from Hwyl Ceremonies is comfortable to include a prayer, hymn, choir, and passages or readings in your ceremony. As Vicky is an independent Celebrant there is no concern about incorporating any meaningful content in your ceremony, as long as it is authentic and culturally appropriate.

Some Celebrants prefer not to include religious content because they aren’t particularly religious themselves, Vicky describes herself as a neutral supporter of the couple, she is a spiritual person and grateful for the blessings that have been given and all that are to come – which includes working with lovely people.  Vicky was awarded the title of the National Celebrant of the year 2025 at The Wedding Industry Award, this followed the honour of gaining the title of best wedding Celebrant in Wales in 2023, and Celebrant of the Year in Wales and the south west of the UK in 2024, a great honour.