RITES and ROOTS
Ceremonies by Alex Clare
Ceremonies with soul, style, and a little bit of edge.
Wedding Celebrations,
Handfastings and Civil Partnership Celebration Ceremonies
Every love story deserves a ceremony that feels like home—authentic, inclusive, and unforgettable.
As an Independent Celebrant I can include anything that reflects you, your beliefs and your wishes in your ceremony.
I also offer stand‑alone elements, like turning up after your legal registrar ceremony to lead a handfasting or another symbolic moment.
If you’ve already booked the registrars for the legal bit but want something more personal, relaxed or meaningful on top.
I’m happy to work alongside your registrars (if they’re willing)
and step in once they’ve finished to create that moment for you.
So whether you're dreaming of a rock-and-roll celebration with moody lighting and bold flair, or a sun-drenched gathering filled with warmth and tenderness, I'll craft a ceremony that reflects you.
As a celebrant, I bring deep care, creativity, and a touch of magic to every moment.
Together, we’ll shape a ceremony that honours your journey, your people, and your vision
—whether that means tattoos and classic cars, baby’s breath and white roses, or something entirely your own.
scroll further down to take a look at what I offer
Wedding, Handfasting and Civil Partnership Celebration Ceremonies
from £300.
Heart, humour, and a hint of the unconventional.
The magic is yours to make.
Every Ceremony Includes as Standard:
- Free Consultation
- Unlimited email Support
- Vow Options - Select from vows written by me for you, or bring your own short vows.
- Essential Guidance - support around the ceremony process and legal steps.
- Venue, supplier and Photographer liaison (if applicable)
- On-the-Day Ceremony
- Simple Vow Cards
- A warm, meaningful ceremony that fits comfortably within a 30- 40 minute window.
- Commemorative Certificate
- Keepsake copy of your ceremony script
- No mileage charge to your venue within 45 mile radius from SA1
Ceremony Enhancements
Your ceremony should feel like you;
personal, meaningful and shaped around the moments that matter most.
This is where you’ll find all the little (and not‑so‑little) touches
you can add to make your ceremony even more special,
from symbolic rituals to bespoke keepsakes.
Handfasting
'For the bonds woven with intention, and the love that endures like legend'
Handfasting is a deeply symbolic ritual—where two hands are bound together with cords that reflect your story, your spirit, and your style.
Whether you're drawn to Celtic tradition, or simply love the idea of weaving your love into something tangible, this ceremony is crafted to feel truly yours.
Cords can either be provided by you, or I can craft a bespoke cord for you.
Following your ceremony I gift the cord to you in a keepsake box, so you can revisit the magic whenever you wish.
Handfastings can be performed as a stand-alone service or woven into your Rites and Roots wedding or civil partnership celebration ceremony as a ceremony enhancement.
Ring Warming
(it's not rude.. honest!)
A ring warming is a simple, heartfelt way to involve your guests in your ceremony.
Before you exchange your rings, they’re passed around (or held by a small group of chosen people) so your loved ones can take a quiet moment to “warm” them with their good wishes, hopes or blessings for your future together.
It’s a lovely way to bring everyone into the moment — especially if you want something meaningful that doesn’t feel too heavy or overly symbolic.
Guests get to play a small part in your story, and by the time the rings reach you, they’re filled with all the love in the room.
Ring warmings can be adapted for small or large weddings, and we can tailor the wording and flow so it fits naturally into your ceremony.
Rose Ceremony
A tender moment to pause, reflect and offer a single rose to each other
A rose ceremony is a gentle, symbolic moment that adds a touch of beauty and intention to your day.
Traditionally, the couple exchange roses as their first gift to one another in marriage — a simple gesture that represents love, gratitude and the promise to keep showing up for each other in the small, everyday ways.
You can keep it just between the two of you, or invite family members to take part.
Some couples choose to honour parents, step‑parents or children with a rose as a thank‑you or a moment of connection.
Others use it to blend families or acknowledge important relationships in their lives.
It’s a lovely option if you want something meaningful without it feeling too formal or elaborate.
Unity Candles
A symbol of two lives joining into one shared future - Be sure to check your venue's open flame policy!
A unity candle ceremony is a gentle, symbolic moment that represents two lives and two families coming together.
Traditionally, each of you lights a small candle, then use them together to light a larger central candle, symbolising the joining of your stories, your hopes and your future.
It’s a beautiful option if you want something calm and reflective, and it works especially well for indoor ceremonies.
You can keep it just between the two of you, or invite parents, children or chosen family to take part by lighting the smaller candles first.
Water or Sand Ceremony
A gentle, visual symbol of joining your lives, families or paths.
A water or sand ceremony is a beautifully visual way to symbolise two lives blending into one.
Each of you pours your own water or sand into a shared vessel, creating something new that can’t be separated — a gentle reminder of the life you’re choosing to build together.
You can keep it just between the two of you, or invite children, parents or chosen family to add their own colours or waters as a way of honouring the people who shape your story.
It’s a lovely option for blended families, outdoor ceremonies, or couples who want something symbolic without it feeling too formal.
Jumping the Besom (Broom)
A joyful leap into your next chapter together.
Jumping the besom (or broom) is a joyful, symbolic moment that marks a fresh start and the beginning of your life together.
Traditionally found in Celtic, Pagan and African‑American wedding customs, it represents sweeping away the old and leaping forward into a new chapter with intention, courage and unity.
Some couples choose it for its cultural or ancestral significance; others simply love the energy, movement and symbolism.
It’s a brilliant option if you want something lively and memorable — and it works beautifully indoors or outdoors.
We can personalise how the moment is introduced so it feels natural and honours any cultural meaning it holds for you.
Got an idea that’s not listed?
Tell me — I love trying new things.
If you’re not sure what you want yet, don't panic — we can add things as we go.
Some couples keep it simple, others love a few extra touches.
There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
— if a tradition is meaningful to you or your families,
I’ll work with you to honour it respectfully and shape it into your ceremony
in a way that feels authentic and natural.
Optional Extras
A few examples include:
Handfasting rituals with eco‑friendly cords
Unity rituals (candles, sand, water, jumping the besom, knot‑tying, etc.)
Object‑based memory rituals (like a rose ceremony)
Keepsake objects to take home
You can explore the full list of options on my Optional Extras page.
Fancy a Chat?
If you’re thinking about having me as your celebrant, the easiest next step is to get in touch.
Once I know the basics, I can give you a proper quote and if you like book, a free consultation to have a chat through your ideas.
Your ceremony should feel relaxed, joyful and completely yours — and I’d love to help you shape it.
Trusted & Accredited
Proud member of the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC), and featured on Hitched — so you can feel confident, supported, and in safe hands
