Behind every perfectly-timed kiss and heartfelt vow, there’s someone making sure the paperwork’s in order… But who are the Islanders who make sure every “I do” is official?
After changes to the law governing marriage were made in 2018, Jersey got its first independent civil celebrants.
Previously, only staff from the Office of the Superintendent Registrar and religious officials, had been allowed to conduct ceremonies – but the new law meant that Islanders were for the first time able to choose their own independent wedding celebrant to conduct ceremonies at any non-religious licensed venue.
14 were sworn in at the time, and last week the Superintendent Registrar’s Office reopened applications for up to three more civil celebrants.
While the recruitment process is now well underway, Express spoke to some authorised civil celebrants to learn more about what they love about the role…
“It’s a joy to be a part of a couple’s very special day”
Anne Sugden and Brenda Cochrane of Marry Me Jersey have been authorised civil celebrants since 2012 and have married hundreds of couples in Jersey.
They explained that it is a large responsibility to ensure the smooth running of ceremonies, whilst also keeping the day enjoyable and meaningful to the couple.
“It is a joy to be a part of a couple’s very special day and we love it when couples tell us, as they often do, that the ceremony was their favourite part of their wedding day.”
“It’s an incredible privilege to play such a meaningful role”
Sara Garwood at Sara’s Fabulous Weddings describes being an authorised civil celebrant as “both exhilarating and demanding.”
She explained that the role requires commitment, with most Saturdays in the summer period being spent at weddings and bookings often made years in advance.
“It also carries immense responsibility, there’s no room for error when you’re entrusted with someone’s most important day.”
“It’s an incredible privilege to play such a meaningful role in one of the most significant moments of a couple’s life, but it’s also a profession that requires dedication and resilience.”
“It’s not just a another wedding, but their wedding”
Authorised civil celebrant Jolyon Baker explained that his late father, Reverend Jeff Baker was a much-loved and well known celebrant in Jersey, who had done multiple weddings within their family.
He shared that he was inspired to become an authorised celebrant in order to solemnise his son’s wedding.
“It’s always lovely to get to the point where you’ve done the ceremony and everyone’s feeling good,
“One of the nicest points is when, amidst all the pressure and stress of weddings where they get very consumed with making it a perfect day, they sit down with me and quietly think about the reason they’re doing this, the fact they love each other and want to get married. It’s a very sweet and emotional moment.”
He explained that someone looking to do the role should be organised, a natural leader, and able to “find the particular set of things that really touches those people to make it not just another wedding, but their wedding.”
“It’s a real honor to be able to marry people”
Lynsey Mallinson was initially trained as a civil celebrant and did non religious funerals and weddings, she later became authorised in Jersey after completing training, which meant she could then legally marry people.
She shares that there is “quite a lot of pressure” within the role and that it comes with responsibility, adding that the ideal candidate would be a “people person” and that an authorised civil celebrant must have an understanding of how situations can change quickly.
“It’s a real honor to marry people, everybody is so different, and that’s really nice.
“People have such unique ways of marking their day and sharing love with everyone around. You get to meet and network with so many people [such as] photographers, florists, and event planners.”
She explained that she finds the job varied: “You get to see some amazing parts of the island and lovely venues [and sites], any excuse for a new outfit is good too!”
“There are so many special moments, because each wedding is unique”
Kenan Osbourne said that when considering becoming an authorised civil celebrant, he thought the opportunity “could be a great way to meet people and a great way to raise money for charity” and was inspired to undergo the process from his family members that were due to get married.
He has worked several weddings this year, outside of his regular job as a project and programme manager, and donates all money earned to local child loss charity, Phillips Footprints.
“It was really a case of marrying someone within the family and then to raise some money for charity.”
He explained: “There are so many special moments, because each wedding is unique. I always try to make sure that I write a script and manage the ceremony so no two are the same.”
Reflecting on the importance of the role, he added: “It’s about being there for the couple at a very special time and giving them support, because sometimes they become nervous or flustered with the proceedings, you need to make sure you guide and steer them through something that can be emotional.”