Beyond The Ceremony: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered.

As Season 1 of Beyond the Ceremony comes to a close, host Laura Crockett steps behind the mic for a final, solo episode, answering all of the celebrant questions you’ve been sending in this season.

Laura is a practising celebrant and mentor at The Academy of Modern Celebrancy, and for this finale, she opens up her sparkly pot of audience questions and answers them live, unscripted, and honestly.

From the practical realities of running a celebrant business to confidence, boundaries, creativity, and career sustainability, this episode offers a grounded look at what celebrancy really involves behind the scenes.

💡 In this episode, Laura explores:

How celebrants manage seasonal work and income throughout the year

What the off-season actually looks like in practice

When and how your brand identity develops, and why it’s allowed to change

The best advice Laura has received, and why “be yourself” really matters

Whether age, experience, or background affects how celebrants are perceived

How much time truly goes into preparing a ceremony

Planning holidays, rest, and boundaries in a people-focused business

Why community and fellow celebrants are essential for emergencies and support

Life events that deserve more celebration, including vow renewals and parenthood

What’s worth investing in beyond training to build a sustainable celebrant business

The role of ongoing learning and professional development over time

This episode is especially valuable for anyone exploring celebrancy as a career, newly trained celebrants finding their feet, or those curious about the realities of working in this space long-term.

It’s honest, reassuring, practical, and full of small insights that only come from lived experience.

If you’ve enjoyed this season, leaving a rating on Apple Podcasts or over on Spotify would be greatly appreciated. Or even a simple comment on YouTube, where you can watch each episode unfold and finally put a face to the name. Sharing the podcast with friends or family considering becoming a celebrant would be wonderful as well.

Every engagement truly will help fuel and make Season 2 possible. And if there’s something you’d love to hear covered next, Laura would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

But for now, a BIG thank you for being part of the journey.

Ever wondered what really sets celebrancy in Scotland apart when it comes to weddings, ceremony choices, and the way celebrants work?

In Episode 18 of Beyond the Ceremony, Laura is joined by the brilliant Niki Smith, an Independent Celebrant and Chair of The Fulcrum Foundation, an organisation that provides inclusive legal weddings and civil ceremonies across Scotland.

Bringing decades of experience in dance, teaching, community arts, and events, Niki has a rare gift for understanding people and drawing out the heart of their stories. Her ceremonies are filled with warmth, depth, and meaning, and her insight into Scotland’s celebrancy landscape is a masterclass in empathy, flexibility, and human-centred practice.

This conversation opens up what celebrancy in Scotland really looks like — not just in law, but in lived experience, creativity, and the way celebrants hold space for every kind of story.

In this episode, you will learn:

How celebrants work within Scotland’s inclusive marriage landscape

Niki explains how authorised celebrants operate in Scotland, how belief-based authorisation works, and why couples often turn to independent celebrants for the freedom to shape a ceremony that genuinely reflects who they are.

Why personalisation matters more than format

You’ll hear real stories of couples who blended faith traditions, honoured religious family members, included hymns or readings, or simply wanted their values reflected in a meaningful way.

Why choice, empathy, and curiosity sit at the heart of Scottish celebrancy

Niki describes how celebrants support couples through deeply personal conversations, helping them articulate what matters most and shaping ceremonies that feel authentic.

The realities couples face under restrictive systems elsewhere

Although the episode never discusses the Give Couples Choice movement, it does reveal how couples react to being told they “must” do things a certain way, and why Scotland’s flexibility resonates so strongly.

Why this episode matters

While this episode focuses specifically on Scotland, the deeper lessons carry across the whole celebrancy profession.

Scotland shows what becomes possible when celebrants are trusted to work with skill, emotional intelligence, and creative freedom. And this is exactly why the foundations taught at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy matter, wherever you choose to practise.

The episode highlights, in practice, the very skills the Academy of Modern Celebrancy builds:

Deep listening

Empathy as a working tool

Crafting story-rich scripts

Holding space for culture, religion, and personal meaning

Delivering ceremonies with confidence and presence

These core abilities are essential for:

Independent celebrants in Scotland offering vow renewals, symbolic ceremonies, and non-legal weddings

Celebrants anywhere in the world, where personalisation is becoming increasingly important

Future celebrants who may later seek authorisation through belief organisations in Scotland

No matter where you work, your Academy of Modern Celebrancy training gives you the creative and professional toolkit required to serve people with authenticity, compassion, and confidence, and this episode shows exactly why those foundations matter.

Who this episode is perfect for

Anyone considering a career as a celebrant in Scotland

Trainee celebrants wanting to understand how stories shape ceremonies

UK celebrants curious about how Scottish flexibility could influence future models

Anyone who loves hearing about the heart-led side of ceremony work

🌟 Enjoyed the episode?

Still exploring if celebrancy is right for you?

Take our quiz to see if this path might be the perfect fit.

💒 Beyond The Ceremony Podcast: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered. 💒

Everything you need to know about how to succeed as a modern celebrant. From top tips on how to create unforgettable ceremonies, to success stories from some of the best in the biz, we will give you a behind-the-scenes look into life as a celebrant. Hosted by Laura Crockett, Award-winning Celebrant, radio personality, and celebrant mentor at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy.

Learn more about the Academy of Modern Celebrancy here.

MEET NIKI SMITH

Niki Smith is a fully qualified Independent Celebrant and the Chair of The Fulcrum Foundation. Based in Glasgow, she brings a lifelong passion for people, storytelling, and creativity to every ceremony she leads. With a vibrant background that spans professional dance, teaching, playwork, events management, and the running of community and arts facilities, Niki has spent her entire career working closely with people and championing their stories.

Dedicated, dependable, and full of heart, Niki prides herself on going above and beyond to ensure every ceremony feels unforgettable. She brings professionalism, creativity, and a touch of playfulness to every step of the journey. If anything goes awry on the day, her dance background means she’s more than capable of redirecting attention with a smile. Niki believes ceremonies should be alive with love, laughter, and connection, never dull or predictable, and she brings that philosophy to every event she leads.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | Fulcrum Celebrants

MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA CROCKETT

Laura has been an independent celebrant for 5 years and absolutely loves it. It makes her so proud seeing how far she’s come in that time. Laura feels like she’s found her calling and is so excited to keep progressing and growing her Celebrant business! Laura creates all kinds of ceremonies, including Weddings, Funerals, Vow Renewals, and Naming Ceremonies. Before she was a celebrant, Laura was a breakfast radio presenter, so her happy place is either at the front of a ceremony or sitting behind a microphone!

At home, Laura is married to Johnathan (a primary school teacher and her biggest cheerleader) and a mummy to two boys – Woody and Dougie. Laura is also a dog mum to Betty and Barney, the cockapoos! They can often be found curled up by her side when she’s writing scripts or lying by the radiator in the office when she’s on couples calls!

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Marriage law reform has been a long-awaited topic in the world of celebrancy, raising one big question: will independent celebrants ever be able to legally marry their couples?

In this episode, host Laura Crockett is joined by Professor Russell Sandberg, a leading expert on law and religion, whose research has helped shape national discussions on modernising wedding law in the UK.

Together, they unpack what’s been happening behind the scenes, what the government’s next consultation could mean, and how celebrants can play a part in shaping the future.

Russell shares his insights into the Law Commission’s recommendations, the government’s recent response, and why education and public awareness are crucial steps forward. Despite the slow pace of reform, there are real reasons for optimism, and independent celebrants have an opportunity to be part of the conversation like never before.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

What’s happening with the upcoming marriage law reform consultation, and how it came about

Why humanist marriages are likely to be legally recognised, and what that means for independent celebrants

How celebrants can educate MPs, share real stories, and have their voices heard

Why the move towards regulated officiants could be a positive step for everyone

What we can learn from reform in other countries, where change is already underway

As Russell puts it, reform might move slowly, but progress is happening, and the more informed, visible, and united celebrants are, the stronger their case for recognition will be.

A must-listen for every celebrant who believes in equality, inclusion, and the right to celebrate love your way.

✨ Visit the Give Couples Choice Movement website for more info.

🌟 Enjoyed the episode?

Still exploring if celebrancy is right for you?

Take our quiz to see if this path might be the perfect fit.

💒 Beyond The Ceremony Podcast: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered. 💒

Everything you need to know about how to succeed as a modern celebrant. From top tips on how to create unforgettable ceremonies, to success stories from some of the best in the biz, we will give you a behind-the-scenes look into life as a celebrant. Hosted by Laura Crockett, Award-winning Celebrant, radio personality, and celebrant mentor at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy.

Learn more about the Academy of Modern Celebrancy here.

MEET PROFESSOR RUSSELL SANDBERG

Professor Russell Sandberg is a leading voice in the field of Law and Religion, known for his insightful work exploring how law connects with culture, belief, and everyday life. Based at Cardiff University, his research delves into the history and evolution of marriage law and the role of faith and freedom within it.

With a particular focus on reform and inclusion, Russell’s work has helped shape national conversations about modernising wedding law in the UK and recognising the vital role of independent celebrants. Passionate about making law understandable and human, he brings a rare blend of academic rigour and empathy to the discussion around how we celebrate love, equality, and choice in modern society.

Instagram | YouTube | Website

MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA CROCKETT

Laura has been an independent celebrant for 5 years and absolutely loves it. It makes her so proud seeing how far she’s come in that time. Laura feels like she’s found her calling and is so excited to keep progressing and growing her Celebrant business! Laura creates all kinds of ceremonies, including Weddings, Funerals, Vow Renewals, and Naming Ceremonies. Before she was a celebrant, Laura was a breakfast radio presenter, so her happy place is either at the front of a ceremony or sitting behind a microphone!

At home, Laura is married to Johnathan (a primary school teacher and her biggest cheerleader) and a mummy to two boys – Woody and Dougie. Laura is also a dog mum to Betty and Barney, the cockapoos! They can often be found curled up by her side when she’s writing scripts or lying by the radiator in the office when she’s on couples calls!

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Connie Keogh has built a celebrant life that is equal parts practical, theatrical, and utterly joyful. Based in Ireland, Connie is the force behind Hitched by Connie, a registered Solemniser who loves the less ordinary, the inclusive, and the beautifully human.

In this episode of Beyond The Ceremony, Connie talks to Laura Crockett about how she found celebrancy, and what it actually looks like to lead legal ceremonies in Ireland.

Connie’s story is full of lovely twists. She explains how a tiny £40 caravan and a mobile prosecco bar led to falling in love with celebrant ceremonies.

She also walks us through the mechanics of being a Solemniser, the register process, the legal rules you need to know, and how non-denominational celebrants can include religious elements when couples want them to.

If you want a clear, friendly explanation of how weddings work in Ireland, and a warm, realistic view of what life as a celebrant looks like there, this conversation is for you.

Connie is frank about the highs and the hidden hours; she shares unforgettable ceremony memories, and she offers practical advice for anyone thinking of training.

Highlights

🕊️ What a Solemniser is and how the register works in Ireland.
🕊️ How non-denominational celebrants can safely include religious or cultural elements.
🕊️ Connie’s leap from engineering to events, and how a tiny caravan sparked a whole new career.
🕊️ The realities of ceremony days, travel, late nights, and the emotional come down.
🕊️ Practical tips for new celebrants on finding your tribe, planning your diary, and saying yes without burning out.

This episode is for

Those curious about celebrancy in Ireland, how it differs from the UK, and what the title Solemniser means.

Anyone who wants an honest view of the job beyond the Instagram highlights.

Celebrants who work with mixed faith or multicultural couples and want ideas for inclusive ceremonies.

Anyone considering a creative career change, especially those who want flexibility and meaningful work.

Connie’s message is simple and lovely: if celebrancy is calling you, take the training, find your people, and get started. There is room for creativity, legality, and compassion to live side by side.

If you liked this episode, stick around for episode 17, all about celebrancy in Scotland, to be released soon.

🌟 Enjoyed the episode?

Still exploring if celebrancy is right for you?

Take our quiz to see if this path might be the perfect fit.

💒 Beyond The Ceremony Podcast: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered. 💒

Everything you need to know about how to succeed as a modern celebrant. From top tips on how to create unforgettable ceremonies, to success stories from some of the best in the biz, we will give you a behind-the-scenes look into life as a celebrant. Hosted by Laura Crockett, Award-winning Celebrant, radio personality, and celebrant mentor at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy.

Learn more about the Academy of Modern Celebrancy here.

MEET CONNIE KEOGH

Hitched by Connie is a Wedding Celebrant and Registered Solemniser who brings an unconventional background and infectious energy to every ceremony. After 25 years as a Chartered Civil Engineer in construction, Connie made the leap to celebrancy, driven by her love for the less ordinary and her passion for daring to be different. Whether it's a misty morning meadow, a secluded beach, a wild woodland, or an opulent castle courtyard, she guides couples with confidence to create personalized wedding ceremonies filled with humor, style, and heart.

When she's not celebrating love, Connie enjoys time with her husband and four children, her vintage caravan wedding bar "Marilyn" (featured on Hitched Collective), and her passion for wine; she holds a WSET Level 3 with Distinction. A self-proclaimed show-off who loves making people laugh, she's motivated by couples ready to celebrate in an "unboring" way.

Instagram | Facebook | Website

MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA CROCKETT

Laura has been an independent celebrant for 5 years and absolutely loves it. It makes her so proud seeing how far she’s come in that time. Laura feels like she’s found her calling and is so excited to keep progressing and growing her Celebrant business! Laura creates all kinds of ceremonies, including Weddings, Funerals, Vow Renewals, and Naming Ceremonies. Before she was a celebrant, Laura was a breakfast radio presenter, so her happy place is either at the front of a ceremony or sitting behind a microphone!

At home, Laura is married to Johnathan (a primary school teacher and her biggest cheerleader) and a mummy to two boys – Woody and Dougie. Laura is also a dog mum to Betty and Barney, the cockapoos! They can often be found curled up by her side when she’s writing scripts or lying by the radiator in the office when she’s on couples calls!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

🌎 From Vancouver to Vows: How Young Hip and Married Built a Global Love Movement

Imagine a wedding on a mountaintop, a sunrise elopement on the beach, or a ceremony on paddleboards in the middle of the ocean. For Vancouver-based officiant and coach Shawn Miller, that’s just another day at the office.

As the co-founder of Young Hip & Married, Shawn has spent the past 15 years helping couples celebrate love in all its forms, from wild adventure elopements to deeply personal city ceremonies. What started as a life-coaching business he built with his wife, Erica, has grown into one of North America’s most recognisable wedding brands, with a team of 30+ officiants across Canada and the US.

In this episode of Beyond The Ceremony, host Laura Crockett chats with Shawn about the business of love.

From how he turned a simple idea into an award-winning collective, to what it really takes to create ceremonies that feel better than they look. Expect big inspiration, a few Harry Potter wedding stories (yes, really 🦉), and a fresh perspective on what’s possible when you build a celebrant business with heart.

🎧 Episode Highlights

✨ How Young Hip and Married grew from a coaching idea to a multi-location team
💍 What celebrants can learn from Shawn’s approach to storytelling and delivery
🌲 Behind the scenes of elopements, helicopter weddings, and ceremonies in nature
💡 Why your voice and energy matter more than the script
🌈 Celebrating all forms of love, and what that means in practice

💫 This Episode of Beyond The Ceremony Is For You If…

You dream of building a celebrant business that feels joyful and expansive

You love the idea of crafting ceremonies that truly reflect your couples

You’re curious about international celebrancy and how it differs from the UK

You want to rediscover the “why” behind the work you do

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that celebrancy isn’t just about words, it’s about connection, presence, and heart. Shawn’s story proves there’s no single way to do this work; what matters is creating ceremonies that feel true to the people at the centre of them. Whether you’re just starting your celebrant journey or dreaming bigger with your business, this one will reignite your love for the craft.

Shawn Miller Photographer Credit: Erica Miller Photography

🌟 Enjoyed the episode?

Still exploring if celebrancy is right for you?

Take our quiz to see if this path might be the perfect fit.

💒 Beyond The Ceremony Podcast: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered. 💒

Everything you need to know about how to succeed as a modern celebrant. From top tips on how to create unforgettable ceremonies, to success stories from some of the best in the biz, we will give you a behind-the-scenes look into life as a celebrant. Hosted by Laura Crockett, Award-winning Celebrant, radio personality, and celebrant mentor at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy.

Learn more about the Academy of Modern Celebrancy here.

MEET SHAWN MILLER

Shawn Miller is the co-founder of Young Hip & Married, a North American wedding company on a mission to banish boring ceremonies and help couples build meaningful, lasting marriages. Based in the US, Shawn’s journey into celebrancy began in 2004 with his own wedding to his wife, Erica, an experience that sparked their shared passion for helping couples create authentic, joy-filled celebrations.

With Shawn’s background in coaching and Erica’s training in psychology and photography, the pair launched a relationship-coaching business in 2010, which quickly grew into Young Hip & Married. What started with a few ceremonies soon expanded across Canada and the US, bringing together a team of over 40 officiants, photographers, and coaches, all dedicated to creating ceremonies that reflect who couples truly are.

Today, Young Hip & Married has become a multi-award-winning collective recognised by WeddingWire, The Knot, and the BC Wedding Awards. Whether it’s an intimate elopement on a mountaintop or a grand celebration surrounded by family and friends, Shawn and his team continue to redefine what a modern wedding ceremony can be: personal, vibrant, and full of heart.

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MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA CROCKETT

Laura has been an independent celebrant for 5 years and absolutely loves it. It makes her so proud seeing how far she’s come in that time. Laura feels like she’s found her calling and is so excited to keep progressing and growing her Celebrant business! Laura creates all kinds of ceremonies, including Weddings, Funerals, Vow Renewals, and Naming Ceremonies. Before she was a celebrant, Laura was a breakfast radio presenter, so her happy place is either at the front of a ceremony or sitting behind a microphone!

At home, Laura is married to Johnathan (a primary school teacher and her biggest cheerleader) and a mummy to two boys – Woody and Dougie. Laura is also a dog mum to Betty and Barney, the cockapoos! They can often be found curled up by her side when she’s writing scripts or lying by the radiator in the office when she’s on couples calls!

Website | Instagram | Facebook