In Conversation With Wedding Celebrant Elizabeth Graham

When Elizabeth Graham’s brother struggled to find the right celebrant for his wedding, she seized the opportunity to combine her passion for connecting with people and her natural storytelling ability. Elizabeth crafts ceremonies that blend heartfelt tradition with a touch of modern charm, ensuring every couple feels at ease and celebrated. Her thoughtful approach makes each ceremony as unique and memorable as the love stories they honour.

Interview Alexander Ross

“…I always say to just embrace it, embrace the chaos, embrace the day and enjoy it.”

Can you share the story of what inspired you to become a wedding celebrant?

I was at a friend's wedding and I absolutely loved the celebrant. It was one of the first weddings I went to that wasn't in a church. I was second-guessing my current career at the time and thought about doing my celebrant course, however, I ended up studying for my teaching master's so I left it for a couple of years. But then my brother got engaged and their wedding planning was pretty much all sorted, except they couldn't find a celebrant to marry them who they liked. So it was the perfect opportunity, during COVID, having just finished my masters, to start studying the celebrant course. My registration came just in time for their wedding! And it was one of the greatest feelings being their celebrant! 

What is your approach to creating personalised and meaningful ceremonies for each couple?

I always try and catch up with my couples face-to-face early on in the planning journey. I think getting to know them, finding connections and things in common and having that face-to-face time always helps to actually know who they are. I also make the whole journey as transparent as I can so that my couples know what's coming, are happy with how the day will run and are comfortable with their time with me. It's not about me and going in with that approach, knowing how important this day is to them, means they are always at the forefront of any decisions made.  

I also don't take on too many weddings a year, as I'm a teacher as well. This means that the couples I work with, I get to know and I put so much time into making sure I can do everything I can for their day. 

How do you balance tradition with modern elements when crafting a wedding ceremony?

I think recognising the formalities of a wedding is important, to know that it's an important and special day. But also knowing that not everything is structured, rigid or stiff! I think it's the imperfect moments that make a ceremony perfect. No couple will ever remember the exact words that I say during their ceremony, but they will remember the feel of it, the laughs they had if something goes wrong and those candid moments that are more special and make their day about them and personal to them.

What’s the most memorable or unique ceremony you’ve officiated, and what made it stand out?

I recently had a couple who had their two-year-old involved in the wedding. It was the greatest thing! He walked down the aisle with a lolly pop and offered all of the groomsmen a lick! Then when the couple went to do their vows, he wanted to be with them, and he grabbed the microphone and started talking, saying hello to all the guests. It was just a perfect, unscripted or unplanned moment, that put the couple at ease, everyone was laughing and it was such a fabulous reflection of the couple, and the family, that was so enjoyable to witness and be a part of.

 How do you help couples feel comfortable and confident during the ceremony, especially if they’re nervous?

I always say to just embrace it, embrace the chaos, embrace the day and enjoy it. I also get my couples to hold hands during the ceremony. It means they can help each other and be there for each other which we love! 

What advice do you have for couples in writing their own vows or making the ceremony more personal?

I get asked this question a lot by my couples and I find it's often the most nervous part of the ceremony, which is absolutely OK! But for writing their vows, I always suggest sticking to a similar word count and a similar feel. I send through lots of examples to see what other couples have done and I find that getting an understanding of what they can look like helps to start seeing the structure of how you can write your own. I also suggest to start writing down notes when they come to mind! But at the end of the day, it's a moment where you can tell your partner why you're there marrying them, in your own special way, that is about no one else other than the two of you. 

What trends or changes have you noticed in wedding ceremonies over the years?

I don't really pay too much attention to trends, all of the ceremonies I do are with different couples, different priorities, different tastes and preferences and it means that they're never the same. Focusing on what is important to you and working towards that I think is best. Getting caught up in trends can make you start to second guess your decisions. Decision fatigue is real! And it can take away from the reason you're there. 

For couples planning their wedding, what tips would you give to ensure the ceremony reflects their values and personalities?

Work out what's important to you and what your priorities are. And if you put yourself in the shoes of a guest, have you ever walked away from a wedding thinking about anything other than enjoying seeing your friends or family get married? The answer is always no! So going in knowing that everyone is going to be there for you, to see you marry each other and enjoy being there to celebrate with you is the most special thing. 

Wedding planning should be fun! I don't have any limitations on calls, catch-ups, zooms or anything, so use your vendors and lean on them for help and support! Your vendors have done this before and are there to help! Enjoy the planning, have fun with your partner and celebrate on the day all the work you've put into getting there and that you got to marry your most loved person! 

Find Elizabeth Graham online by CLICKING HERE or follow on Instagram at @elizabethgcelebrant

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