Beyond The Ceremony: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered.

Being authentic isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the secret to a thriving celebrant career.  If you’re dreaming of becoming an authentic celebrant or looking to build a celebrant business that truly reflects who you are, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you succeed.  Laura Crockett sits down with Miranda Ash, an experienced celebrant and respected AMC mentor with over 13 years in the industry. Miranda shares her journey from balancing multiple roles to becoming a full-time celebrant known for bright, colourful weddings and heartfelt celebration of life ceremonies. In this episode, Miranda explains why professional celebrant training and ongoing mentorship are essential for writing meaningful ceremonies and growing your business confidently. She also reveals how discovering your authentic celebrant style and clearly defining your ideal clients can help you stand out in a competitive market. Plus, Miranda busts the myth of market saturation and encourages new celebrants to focus on what makes them unique.  Whether you’re interested in weddings, vow renewals, or celebrations of life, this conversation offers valuable tips for building a successful celebrant career that lights you up. You’ll walk away inspired and equipped to be your true self, connect deeply with clients, and create ceremonies that make a lasting impact. Highlights Miranda’s path from coach to full-time celebrant and AMC mentor Why celebrant training and mentorship are crucial for success How authenticity transforms your celebrant business and client connections Tips for finding and attracting your ideal clients Why is there plenty of work for celebrants despite market myths How to confidently work with wedding venues and funeral directors Miranda’s one golden rule for new celebrants: be yourself 100 per cent 🎧 This one's for you if you're: People considering training as a celebrant and wanting authentic advice Celebrants seeking to develop their own style and client base Those interested in expanding into weddings, vow renewals or celebrations of life Anyone wanting to build a sustainable, meaningful celebrant business 🌟 Enjoyed the episode? We’d love it if you could leave a five-star rating and review on Apple or Spotify. It really helps other future celebrants find the podcast. 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 MIRANDA Miranda Ash is the creative heart behind Miranda the Celebrant, crafting quirky, joyful, and deeply personal ceremonies across Hampshire and beyond. From festival-style weddings and alternative elopements to heartfelt naming ceremonies, gender transitions, and farewells, Miranda brings warmth, inclusivity, and a sparkling sense of fun to life’s milestones. Crowned TWIA National Celebrant Winner 2023, she’s celebrated for her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to balance laughter with moments of deep significance. Whether vibrant and lively or reflective and profound, Miranda’s ceremonies are always tailored to reflect the personality, values, and stories of those at their heart. Website | Instagram | Facebook 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

Ever wondered what it’s really like working with a funeral director? In this episode, Laura Crockett chats with the brilliant Julie Sullivan, who runs her own family funeral business in the North Cotswolds.  Julie’s been supporting families through loss for years, and she brings so much wisdom, warmth, and honesty to this conversation. They talk about everything from first phone calls with grieving families to how celebrants can build trust in delicate situations. Julie shares some really helpful tips on how to work alongside funeral directors in a way that feels natural, respectful, and truly collaborative. If you’re already working as a funeral celebrant or thinking about stepping into this space, you’ll love this chat. It’s full of heart, real-life stories, and useful takeaways. Highlights What families really need in those early conversations How to build trust quickly, even if they’ve never met you Why local knowledge can make all the difference The rise of hydro cremation and other modern options How fees are handled and what that means for you as a celebrant 🎧 This one's for you if you're: Training to be a celebrant or just getting started Curious about what it's like working with funeral directors Ready to build stronger connections in your local area Wondering how to support families in the most genuine way Interested in the future of funerals and how things are changing 🌟 Enjoyed the episode? We’d love it if you could leave a five-star rating and review on Apple or Spotify. It really helps other future celebrants find the podcast. 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 JULIE SULLIVAN Julie Sullivan is the founder and director of Julie Sullivan Funeral Directors, a family-run, independent funeral service based in the heart of the North Cotswolds. With a nationally recognised Diploma in Funeral Directing and years of hands-on experience, Julie is known for her compassionate, community-focused approach. Her team is dedicated to supporting families with honesty, transparency, and warmth, offering tailored guidance at every stage of the funeral planning process. As both SAIF and NAFD-accredited, Julie works closely with celebrants, ministers, crematoria, and churches to ensure each service reflects the individual needs of the families she supports. Whether meeting at the family home or in their welcoming premises, Julie’s commitment to continuity and care ensures every client feels seen, heard, and supported, before, during, and after the funeral. Website | Facebook 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

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

“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.

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.

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

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

Have you ever felt a quiet nudge, like your heart is trying to tell you there's something more meaningful out there for you? Something that uses your natural empathy, your deep listening skills, your love for people and stories? In this week’s soul-stirring episode of Beyond the Ceremony, host Laura Crockett sits down with the incredible Penny Boycott, whose transformation from registrar to celebrant will leave you inspired—and possibly questioning if you’ve been quietly called to do the same. This isn’t just a career shift story. It’s a deeper invitation to reflect on how your whole self, your life experience, your intuition, your desire to connect, might be leading you somewhere truly impactful. Highlights 👰  The differences between registrars, humanist celebrants, and independent celebrants 👰  How the path of celebrancy can unexpectedly become a journey of healing and purpose 👰  Why your most human traits—empathy, presence, storytelling—are your most valuable tools 👰  What it feels like to be trusted with the most intimate, joyful, and vulnerable life moments 👰  How your existing experience (even from unrelated careers!) may have prepared you more than you think When you create a ceremony that truly reflects someone's essence, you're giving them the gift of being seen, perhaps more deeply than they've ever been seen before. Whether you’ve just discovered celebrancy or have been quietly curious for a while, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what this work really looks and feels like, beyond the ceremony. 🎧 Tune in to this eye-opening episode and let it sit with you. Because sometimes, that quiet voice inside? It knows exactly where you’re meant to go next. TAKE OUR QUIZ and discover if celebrancy could be your soul-aligned career path!  MEET PENNY Meet Penelope Jayne—known to friends and clients alike as Penny. She is a Yorkshire-based independent celebrant who brings over two decades of experience supporting couples and families in celebrating and acknowledging their most significant life moments. With a warm smile and genuine approach, Penny embodies the belief that every day deserves celebration, whether that's savoring a freshly brewed latte, treasuring time with family, or enjoying a proper chocolate bar. Her passion shines through in her dedication to creating ceremonies that are truly individual, meaningful, and authentic, reflecting the real essence of the people she serves. As our head of learning here at the AMC, as well as an independent celebrant, Penny brings both extensive experience and heartfelt enthusiasm to guiding aspiring celebrants on their journey. 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.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the meaningful impact celebrants have on life's most significant moments!  In this episode, host Laura Crockett welcomes fellow AMC mentor and celebrant sister, Tara the Celebrant (Tara Heath-Arnold), to explore the profound importance of celebrancy. Tara shares her journey from a fast-paced corporate career in financial recruitment to finding her true calling as a celebrant.  After completing a Master's in English Literature and taking time to reassess her career path, Tara discovered celebrancy (thanks to her husband's suggestion that she should "marry someone like John Barrowman!"). Highlights 💎 The Emotional Significance of Ceremonies - Tara and Laura discuss why celebrant-led ceremonies create such profound connections during life's milestone moments. 💎 Being a "Safe Pair of Hands" - Why celebrants must be prepared for both when things go right and when they don't quite go according to plan. 💎 Cultural and Religious Flexibility - How independent celebrants can weave together different traditions, faiths, and cultural elements to create truly personalized ceremonies. 💎 The Beauty of Ongoing Relationships - Tara shares the joy of being invited back to mark multiple milestones with the same families, from weddings to naming ceremonies. 💎 Transferable Skills - Discover how skills from previous careers—public speaking, people engagement, and storytelling—can make celebrancy a perfect second career. 💎 Finding Your People - Why consistency and visibility matter in building a successful celebrancy business, and how "your people will find you" when you're authentic. Whether you're considering celebrancy as a career path or simply interested in understanding what makes celebrant-led ceremonies so special, this conversation offers valuable insights into the heart and soul of this meaningful profession. Tara's Advice for Aspiring Celebrants:  "If your gut instinct is telling you this is right for you and you have the right skills for it, then go for it, but give yourself time as well... You've got to be consistent, you've got to be visible, and you've got to take the highs with the lows... Your people will find you." Considering celebrancy as your next career move? Tara offers this advice: "If your gut instinct is telling you this is right for you and you have the right skills for it, then go for it, but give yourself time... It takes time, and you've got to be consistent, and you've got to be visible, and you've got to take the highs with the lows, because that's what life is." Take our quiz and find out if celebrancy could be your perfect career path! 💒 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

Join us in this episode where Laura Crockett, your host, takes you behind the scenes of what REALLY happens in a day in the life of a celebrant. Ever wondered what celebrants actually DO all day?  Spoiler alert: it's so much more than just showing up on the big day! 💫 There's no one-size-fits-all approach to being a celebrant - some work part-time, some full-time, and others juggle celebrancy alongside another career.  Laura shares her own experience as a full-time celebrant (while also being a mum to two young children who are only in nursery 16 hours a week!). Highlights 💎 The Six Types of Days in a Celebrant's Life - From networking and site visits to script writing and ceremony days - Laura breaks down what each type of work day actually involves. 💎 Marketing Never Stops - Why even established celebrants need to keep networking (Laura shares the Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola example that changed my perspective). 💎 Wedding Fairs & Funeral Director Visits - How to make the most of these crucial networking opportunities that build your business. 💎 The Truth About Site Visits - Why checking out ceremony spaces in advance makes you more professional and prepared. 💎 Admin & Website Days - The behind-the-scenes work that keeps your business running smoothly. 💎 Meeting Couples & Families - How these crucial conversations work differently for weddings, namings, and funerals. 💎 Script Writing - The creative heart of what we do (and yes, you need to love writing!). 💎 Ceremony Day Preparation - We run through Laura’s 90-minute pre-ceremony routine and why she has a special playlist to get me in the zone! Whether you're just curious about celebrancy or actively considering it as your next career move, this episode gives you the unfiltered reality of what this beautiful profession is really like. Is celebrancy right for you? If you're someone who loves connecting with people, telling their stories, and creating meaningful moments, this could be your calling! Take our quiz and find out if celebrancy could be your perfect career path! 💒 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 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

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Ceremony! Where you will get to know your host, Laura Crockett—a celebrant obsessed with this incredible profession 💖. We are beyond excited to launch this podcast dedicated to modern celebrancy - unfiltered, honest, and packed with everything you need to know about what it takes to be a professional celebrant in today's world. In this first episode, Laura shares her personal journey into celebrancy—one that started with her own wedding in 2017. Here’s the thing: her ceremony lasted just 17 minutes.  SEVENTEEN MINUTES! 🤭  What should have been a deeply memorable moment ended up feeling rushed and forgettable. That experience lit a fire in Laura to help couples create ceremonies they’ll cherish forever. Highlights What exactly is a celebrant? Laura breaks it down and explores the wide range of ceremonies we create—from heartfelt weddings to meaningful funerals and joyful naming celebrations. How Laura went from a newlywed who had never even heard of celebrancy… to building an award-winning career doing what she loves. How lockdown unexpectedly fueled a huge demand for celebrants—and what that means for the industry today. The reality of building a flexible celebrant business while raising a family—and the step-by-step timeline from side gig to full-time career. Fast forward to today—Laura is a double award-winning celebrant, and she gets to do work she truly loves every single day! Whether you're considering celebrancy as your next career move or simply curious about what happens beyond the ceremony, we can't wait to take you on this journey with us! 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 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. 💒 Welcome to the official intro episode of Beyond the Ceremony, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of life as a modern celebrant. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow a thriving celebrant business, you're in the right place. Each week, we dive into real stories, expert insights, and top tips to help you create unforgettable ceremonies and succeed in today’s evolving industry. From weddings and funerals to naming days and everything in between, we cover it all — unfiltered. Your host, Laura Crockett, is an award-winning celebrant, radio personality, and celebrant mentor at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy. She's here to guide you through the highs, lows, and realities of this purpose-led profession. 🎧 Ready to step beyond the ceremony? Hit play and start your celebrant journey today. 👉 Learn more about becoming a celebrant with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy: academyofmoderncelebrancy.com 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