Posts by Ruth Lee
Why An Historic Wedding Venue Is Perfect For History-Loving Couples
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married somewhere historic, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, sweeping gardens, or romantic ruins, then perhaps an English Heritage wedding venue could be exactly what you’re looking for. Many wedding venues are steeped in history and English Heritage offers some of the most unique wedding settings in the UK — and…
Read MoreHow Would You Describe Your Style Ruth?
In a recent Discovery call with a couple, I was asked the question, “How would you describe your style Ruth?” And it’s a good question. It got me thinking. When you’re choosing a wedding celebrant, you’re not just choosing someone to show up on the day — you’re choosing the tone-setter, the storyteller, the calm…
Read MoreNaming Ceremonies: Celebrating Identity, Connection, and Community
There are moments in life that feel beautifully intentional—moments where people gather not just to mark an occasion, but to recognise identity, connection, and the bonds that shape us. A naming ceremony is one of those moments. Recently, I had the joy of leading a ceremony for a wonderful family as they celebrated their child’s…
Read MoreAdding a Splash of Fun to Your Wedding Ceremony
Your wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be all serious faces and solemn vows — it can be the perfect time to inject a little personality and playfulness. One of my favourite ways to do this is with a Unity Shot. A Unity Shot works just like a traditional unity candle or sand ceremony, but with…
Read MoreLet Me Put It This Way: Why Poetry Belongs in Your Wedding Ceremony
Recently, I had the absolute joy of seeing Simon Armitage, the UK’s Poet Laureate, read from his work live at Derby Theatre as part of the Derby Book Festival. It was the culmination of some lovely work I’d been doing with a poet from Derby — and a real full-circle moment for me. I first…
Read MoreThe Mandala, the Circle, and the Swallows: Holding Space for Grief and Connection
A few days ago, I had the privilege of holding space for a ceremony that will stay with me for a long time. It unfolded beside a sacred circle — a place that seemed to hold its own quiet wisdom — where a group of people gathered, some old friends, some strangers, all drawn together…
Read MoreA Spring Ceremony Full of Love at Lapstone Barn
Earlier this spring, I had the absolute pleasure of conducting the wedding ceremony for Mark and Louise at the stunning Lapstone Barn in Chipping Campden. The day couldn’t have been more perfect – bathed in soft sunshine, surrounded by rolling Cotswold hills, and filled with the kind of warmth that only comes from deep love,…
Read MoreInvolving Family Members In Your Ceremony
Back in August this year I attended the wedding of my eldest niece at the gorgeous Blackwell Grange. I had been asked originally to conduct the wedding ceremony but due to limited space at the venue we were unable to accommodate the legal registrar ceremony and mine as a Celebrant on the same day. But,…
Read MoreUnity Candle Ceremony
The lighting of a “unity candle” is a relatively new custom in wedding ceremonies. There is no record of it in religious ceremonies and appears to be a bit like Halloween in that it has been made popular by American culture. But it has echoes of spiritual rituals and meanings around light, warmth and energy.…
Read MoreIncorporating Symbolic Elements into your Wedding Ceremony
Handfasting Origins Handfasting is a Celtic wedding tradition in which the hands of the couple marrying are tied together to symbolise the binding of two lives. The ceremony has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition and dates as far back as 7000 B.C. When two people became betrothed, they were brought together, and a braided…
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