Beyond The Ceremony: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered.

• Beyond The Ceremony Podcast Ep 9: Building Relationships With Wedding Venues with Tara Heath-Arnold

  What’s the first thing most couples book when they get engaged? The venue. Which means, if you’re a wedding celebrant, building relationships with venues could be one of the most valuable things you ever do for your business. Celebrant mentor and host Laura Crockett is joined once again by Tara Heath-Arnold (also known as Tara the Celebrant) to talk all things networking, visibility, and venue strategy for celebrants. Whether you're a newly qualified celebrant, still in training, or looking to increase your celebrant bookings, this episode is packed with insight into what wedding venues really want from the suppliers they work with and how to become one of their trusted go-tos. From cold introductions to becoming a recommended celebrant, this candid conversation lifts the lid on what it really takes to create strong, professional venue relationships that support your long-term celebrant business growth. If you’re dreaming of more referrals, better wedding day collaboration, and real industry connections, this is your behind-the-scenes roadmap. Highlights How Tara created a wedding venue strategy from scratch Why face-to-face connection still matters more than social media Tips for introducing yourself to venues with confidence What venues value most in a celebrant How to become a celebrant that wedding venues recommend Why wedding fairs and open days still matter How to improve communication with venues before and during ceremonies This isn’t about flashy sales tactics; it’s about building trust, showing up with clarity, and playing the long game in the wedding industry. Perfect for: Celebrants-in-training New celebrants building their business Experienced celebrants wanting more venue referrals Anyone looking to grow their celebrant business in the UK and beyond - our certification programs at The Academy of Modern Celebrancy are globally recognised! Enjoyed this episode? Please consider leaving a five-star rating on your favorite streaming platform and review to help more future celebrants find us and keep the conversation going. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Could celebrancy be your calling? Take our quiz to find out if you have what it takes and whether now is the right time to start your journey! 💒 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 TARA After a long career within the financial recruitment industry, progressing from the position of Sales Support to Regional Director, Tara decided it was time to step away from the corporate world. She then completed a bucket list ambition to study for a master’s in English literature before retraining as a Celebrant in 2019. Since then, Tara has applied a multi-layered approach to building her business and, in the last five years, has developed some excellent relationships across the wedding and funeral industries. Tara is extremely passionate about her career within the Celebrant world and is not only an experienced wedding and funeral Celebrant, but she is also a champion and lead mentor for the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, a role that she loves. Tara lives in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, with her husband Jules, their two dogs Mitchell and Mindy, and their two Norwegian Forest Cats Zeus and Zelda. Website | Instagram | Facebook MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA 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

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• Beyond the Ceremony Podcast Ep 8: Working With Wedding Planners

  “A celebrant brings something completely different to the table.” So says Worcestershire Wedding Planner, Lindsay. She has guided countless couples through their planning journeys, whether it’s a charming barn wedding or a tipi celebration in a field. With her behind-the-scenes insight, she knows exactly how much of a difference a celebrant can make to the flow, feel, and flexibility of the big day. In this episode, host Laura Crockett is joined in the studio by the fabulous Worcestershire Wedding Planner for an open, practical, and refreshingly down-to-earth conversation about what happens when celebrants and planners work together. This one’s full of the stuff you won’t see on Instagram. Timings, supplier wrangling, nervous grooms, disappearing brides, and the importance of having the right people in the right roles. They explore how celebrants bring creative freedom and emotional depth to modern weddings. Especially for couples planning DIY or dry-hire celebrations where there’s no venue coordinator to take the lead. Lindsay shares why celebrants who show up prepared and collaborative are such an asset. Not just for the couple, but for every supplier involved on the day. You’ll also get a real sense of what matters to wedding planners when they recommend celebrants. And why building trusted relationships with professionals like the Worcestershire Wedding Planner is key to a thriving celebrant business. Highlights: Why celebrants are essential for DIY, dry-hire, and home weddings The subtle but powerful role a celebrant plays on the day What the Worcestershire Wedding Planner looks for when recommending a celebrant The risks of asking a friend or family member to lead the ceremony How to become a celebrant that planners love working with For aspiring and growing celebrants alike, this episode is filled with golden advice. Lindsay reflects on how celebrants can stand out by finding their unique selling point. In simple terms, that’s what makes you memorable and different. Your style, your voice, your experience, your energy. It’s not just about what you do, but how you make people feel, and how well you work with others. Because, as the Worcestershire Wedding Planner reminds us, a ceremony isn’t just a beautiful moment. It’s part of a carefully orchestrated experience. And when celebrants and planners collaborate well, that is when the magic truly happens. 🎧 Press play to hear why teamwork, trust, and a good spreadsheet are the real foundations of a brilliant wedding day. Could celebrancy be your calling? Take our quiz to find out if you have what it takes and whether now is the right time to start your journey! MEET LINDSAY Lindsay (AKA Worcestershire Wedding Planner) is a Worcestershire-based Wedding Planner who supports couples throughout their planning journey to create weddings that are not only memorable and meaningful but also genuinely achievable. Her approach is grounded in valuing people, personality, and each couple’s unique principles. Whether it's an elegant barn celebration or a laid-back tipi festival in a field, Lindsay specialises in bringing dreamy wedding visions to life, effortlessly and without any of the drama or pretence. Website | Instagram | Facebook MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA 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 💒 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.

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• Beyond the Ceremony Podcast Ep 7: Working Flexibly Around Your Family as an Independent Celebrant

  When was the last time you imagined work that fits around your family, from school runs, story time, and still lights you up inside? This week’s episode host, Laura Crockett pairs with the brilliant Helen Jubb, a Sheffield‑based independent wedding celebrant, mum of two, and beloved AMC mentor who specialises in humour‑laden, heartfelt ceremonies.  Seven years ago, Helen swapped the nine‑to‑five for a life of writing and performing weddings, vow renewals, and namings, all while navigating nap schedules and nursery drop‑offs. If you’re a parent longing for more time, more purpose, and a dash of creative freedom, this conversation is your permission slip. In fact, consider it your hall pass to stay up past the kids’ bedtime, grab a cuppa (and your favorite chocolate), and enjoy a bit of you time as you explore whether celebrancy could be the change you've been craving. Highlights 👶 Maternity leave on your own terms – why Helen typed branding notes with a newborn on her lap 📆 Weekday freedom, weekend work – the real trade‑offs of evening vows and Saturday ceremonies 🎈 Boundaries and mum guilt – how to say “no” to dream couples so you can say “yes” to birthdays 🤝 Finding your village – support systems that make business and parenting sustainable 🚀 “Jump in with both feet” – Helen’s advice for anyone tempted to wait until the kids are older This episode offers the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to build a celebrant business while raising young children. The flexibility that makes it all possible, the late-night script edits squeezed in between bedtime routines, the support network that keeps you going, and the priceless joy of never missing a nativity again. And if you are ready to explore your own next step, take our FREE quiz to see if this is your calling. MEET HELEN Helen Jubb is a Sheffield-based independent celebrant and mentor at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy. She specialises in creating personal, unique, and memorable ceremonies that blend heartfelt moments with a good dose of humour. Helen works with modern couples and families to deliver weddings, vow renewals, and namings that feel fun, inclusive, and entirely their own. With over seven years of experience and a background in performance, Helen is passionate about celebrating love in all its forms—and making sure every ceremony she leads is as joyful as it is meaningful. Website | Instagram | Facebook MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA 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 💒 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.

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• Beyond The Ceremony Podcast Ep 6: What Is A Funeral Celebrant?

  Have you ever wondered, What is a funeral celebrant, and how can they help families create a meaningful farewell? In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Ceremony, host Laura Crockett sits down with Sarah Wickham, an independent celebrant who has been crafting personal, eco-friendly, family-focused ceremonies since 2012. From weddings to vow renewals, baby namings to funerals, Sarah’s approach is all about weaving authenticity and care into every milestone. But it’s funerals that have captured her heart in a unique way. Sarah shares how funeral celebrants guide families through the delicate process of saying goodbye, creating personalised funeral ceremonies that honour the life and legacy of the person who has passed. They talk about how funeral celebrant-led ceremonies are more than farewells, they’re an opportunity to share stories, celebrate memories, and hold a space where grief and gratitude can sit side by side. Sarah’s wisdom and warmth remind us that funerals can be more than sombre rituals, they can be celebrations of life that capture the essence of a loved one’s journey. HIGHLIGHTS What a funeral celebrant is and why their role is so important Sarah’s journey from eco-friendly weddings to becoming a funeral celebrant The power of storytelling and listening when creating a funeral ceremony How celebrant-led funerals bring authenticity, warmth, and personal touches Why there’s no “right way” to say goodbye—only what feels true and heartfelt Could you make a perfect funeral celebrant? Take our quiz to find out if you have what it takes. MEET SARAH Sarah Wickham is an independent celebrant who has been helping families and couples create personal, eco-friendly, family-focused ceremonies since 2012. Her work spans funerals, known as ‘celebrations of life’, as well as weddings, vow renewals, handfastings, and baby naming or welcoming ceremonies. Sarah’s ceremonies are known for their warmth and authenticity, blending heartfelt storytelling with her deep appreciation for life’s transitions. Website | Facebook MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA 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

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• Beyond The Ceremony Podcast Ep 5: What Is A Naming Celebrant?

  Names carry weight. They hold our identity, our heritage, our transformation. Whether it’s a baby being welcomed into the world, an adult claiming a new chapter of themselves, or a chosen family gathering to celebrate a name that finally fits—a naming ceremony can be a profoundly moving experience. Have you ever felt the stirrings of wanting to hold space for moments like this? Where your compassion, your ability to see people, and your deep appreciation for life’s transitions could become part of something truly meaningful? In this week’s episode of Beyond the Ceremony, host Laura Crockett is joined by the vibrant Jess Thrush, a joyful and down-to-earth celebrant from the Ribble Valley who brings warmth, humour, and heart to everything she does. From being a busy mum of two to qualifying with AMC in November 2022, Jess’s journey into celebrancy is refreshingly real and deeply inspiring. She shares how naming ceremonies have unexpectedly become some of the most emotionally resonant work she does, not just for the families involved, but for herself as well. This isn’t just about babies and balloons. It’s about identity. Acknowledgement. Belonging. Highlights Why naming ceremonies are so much more than people realise The deep honour of celebrating not just new life, but new beginnings at any age Jess’s honest and heartwarming journey into celebrancy (and how it fits around family life, pub lunches, and countryside walks!) The emotional intelligence and empathy this work calls forward How ceremonies rooted in joy, humour, and authenticity can leave the biggest impact You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care deeply, show up fully, and trust that your natural gifts—your heart, your presence, your words—are enough. 🎧 Listen in to this week’s conversation and see what resonates. Because sometimes, witnessing someone step fully into who they are can be the moment that wakes something up in you, too. 👉 Take our quiz and discover if celebrancy is for you. 👉 If celebrancy already excites you, you can view our courses here! MEET AMC GRADUATE, JESS Jess is a mum of two young boys, originally from Cheshire but now embracing the country life in The Ribble Valley. After qualifying with AMC in November '22, she dedicates herself to creating unforgettable, lighthearted, joy-filled ceremonies for weddings, naming days, and vow renewals. When not crafting beautiful moments for her clients, Jess can be found enjoying country walks with her dogs, savoring a good gin, or settling in for a relaxing pub lunch in the picturesque surroundings of her adopted home. Website | Instagram | Facebook MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA 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

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