Amamus Ceremonies

08/09/2026

Yesterday I had the pleasure of conducting a wedding ceremony for a Christian couple from India.

They wanted a ceremony that reflected their Indian culture and was meaningful to all their family and friends - regardless of faith but they also wanted to include elements from a traditional Christian wedding.

As an independent celebrant I was able to do this for them. For most of the service I was talking about them, about marriage and about love - all in a way that was neutral with respect to faith or religious beliefs.

Whilst I have a Christian background and I am happy to include bible passage, hymns and prayers in my ceremonies I would never insist on their inclusion in any ceremony. It is always up to the couple to decide this.

For my couple yesterday I included a bible passage and a prayer. They had guests from various faiths - Hindu, Sikh, Islam and Christian. All the guest said that they found the ceremony meaningful, joyful and uplifting.

If you want a wedding ceremony that is uniquely yours, please get in touch and let's have a conversation.

25/07/2026

Wedding law in England and Wales could be changing — and for couples, this could open the door to ceremonies that feel more personal, meaningful and true to who they are.

The Government has launched a consultation on reforming weddings law, following the Law Commission’s recommendations. The proposals include moving away from a system focused on licensed buildings and towards one centred on authorised officiants — which could mean more freedom over where and how couples marry.

Imagine being able to marry in a place that truly matters to you: a garden, woodland, beach, barn, family home or another setting filled with meaning. Imagine a ceremony that can include the readings, rituals, traditions and promises that reflect your story — not a template.

At Amamus Ceremonies, this is what we have always believed: your wedding should feel like you. Honest, heartfelt, personal and shaped around the love you share.

hese changes are not law yet, but they are an exciting step towards a future where couples may have more choice, more simplicity and more freedom to create a ceremony with real meaning.

If you’re dreaming of a ceremony that feels deeply personal — whether now or in the future — we’d love to help you explore what’s possible.

Amamus Ceremonies — ceremonies written from the heart, for the people at the heart of them.

16/07/2026

You may have seen that the UK Government has today launched the consultation on wedding law reform. The key proposals are
1. Focus will move away from licenced venues to licenced officiants
2. Legal civil marriage ceremonies will be allowed to include religious elements if the couple wishes it.
3. Independent celebrants (like Ian) will be able to conduct legally binding marriage ceremonies

Over the coming days I will be reading the proposals in detail and responding to the consultation. There will be a further post on here and a blog in our website once this is completed.

28/06/2026

With Give Couples Choice Movement – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

28/06/2026

With Shaun Thorpe Independent Funeral Directors – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

28/06/2026

When planning an outdoor ceremony, it is easy to focus on how beautiful the setting will look — but comfort and safety matter just as much.
As a celebrant, I always have a duty of care to my clients and their guests. That means thinking ahead about things like candles, wind, rain, shade and, as recent weather has reminded us, extreme heat too.
A good Plan B is not just about having somewhere to go if it rains. It is also about making sure the alternative space is comfortable, cool and safe if the weather is very hot.
Before the big day, it is worth asking: Is there shade? Is the indoor space air conditioned? Are fans available? Can blinds or curtains be closed early to keep the room cooler? Is water easy for guests to access?
The best ceremonies are not only meaningful and memorable — they are also carefully planned so that everyone can relax, enjoy the moment and stay safe.

24/06/2026

We are supporting Lindley Theatre Company and their production of Calendar Girls.
https://www.ticketsource.com/lindleytheatre?fbclid=IwY2xjawSohUpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETAzcWpNZmRiNGozM0dkVVlXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoWIeL_QtvCkFSvi-ISDuXmCRa8HYr9CTEnkiO9MMEuWoYFImtOxwWXtuYLn_aem_fVuIMLjg03me264dh2X9Ig

19/06/2026

With Chiffon Rose Bridal Boutique – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

19/06/2026

Great to see Shaun and the team making excellent progress.

The Avada Classic website is perfect for businesses and creatives, offering a clean, timeless, and a fully customizable WordPress design.

17/06/2026

A recent ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority against Pure Cremation has highlighted an issue that matters deeply to many families: understanding exactly what a direct cremation does and does not include. The regulator found that one advert gave the overall impression that an attended service formed part of the standard plan, when that was not the case.

Direct cremation has grown significantly in the UK, accounting for around one in five funerals in recent years according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026. For some families it is the right choice: simpler, less expensive, and more flexible. But simplicity should never come at the expense of clear understanding.

When someone dies, families are often making decisions at a time of shock, grief, and exhaustion. That is why it is so important that funeral plans are explained plainly. Many people assume there will still be an opportunity to attend, say goodbye, or have a service, when in many direct cremation plans that is not included.

For many people, knowing when and where a cremation will take place matters, even if they do not attend. It can be part of how we honour someone’s memory and treat their remains with dignity. The concern raised by the recent coverage is not that direct cremation is wrong, but that families may not always understand what they are buying until it is too late.

One comment from a client has stayed with me: the funeral may be about the person who has died, but it is also for the living. A service, gathering, or farewell ritual can play an important part in grief and remembrance, and that is something worth thinking through before any plan is purchased.

If you are considering a funeral plan for yourself, talk it through with your family or with someone close to you. Make sure they understand your wishes and, just as importantly, what practical arrangements a plan does or does not include.
I would also encourage anyone considering direct cremation to speak to a local funeral director. They can explain the full range of options, including direct cremation, and help you understand how the process will work, where it will take place, and what opportunities there may be for remembrance. If you would like the help of a celebrant as part of the remembrance please get in touch to discuss options.