'No room for error' in role as civil celebrant

Sara Garwood said the role of a celebrant required "dedication and commitment"

A celebrant has advised there is "no room for error" in her career, as islanders are being invited to train to host secular wedding ceremonies in Jersey.

The superintendent registrar is seeking up to three independent civil celebrants to marry people around the island.

The Justice and Home Affairs department (JHA) said it was a "unique" opportunity for individuals with strong public speaking skills and a "solid understanding" of the island's marriage laws.

Celebrant Sara Garwood was sworn in as a celebrant for Jersey in 2018 and said the job was both "exhilarating and demanding".

Regulated

The JHA said civil celebrants are self-employed but regulated by the superintendent registrar.

Successful candidates must complete two days of training and pass a practical examination to become authorised to officiate.

Ms Garwood said: "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.

"As celebrants, we're not only crafting and delivering ceremonies we also have to set up and run our own business, with all the challenges and responsibilities that brings."

'A real commitment'

Ms Garwood said her career held her and other celebrants to a high standard.

She said: "The role demands real commitment - most summer Saturdays are spent at weddings, and bookings are 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.

"Above all, success as a celebrant relies on maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, preparation, and care in everything you do."

Last year government figures showed 381 marriages took place in Jersey - seven more than in 2023, but a significant drop from the 522 held in 2014.

In its last annual report, the Office of the Superintendent Registrar highlighted a 22% rise in register office weddings.

Superintendent registrar Claire Follain said it was a "varied and interesting role".

She said: "We want couples who are getting married in Jersey to have a wide choice of civil celebrant, whilst being assured that the celebrant will have the skills, knowledge and commitment to deliver a wonderful wedding ceremony in accordance with the law.

"No two wedding's are ever the same... things always go wrong, every single wedding - you need to be really agile as the celebrant, [and] be able to cope with anything."

The JHA said several celebrants had retired and although demand was being met, it was important to future-proof the coverage and give couples a range of options.