Elopement Wedding Packages

Celebrant Weddings at Millbrook

A friendly guide to celebrant-led weddings at Millbrook — what they are, why couples choose them, and how they offer a beautiful, personalised alternative to a traditional legal ceremony.

wedding ceremony celebrant

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Why Choose a Celebrant for Your Millbrook Wedding? 💚

Planning a wedding is all about finding what feels right for you – and for some couples, that means stepping away from a traditional structure and choosing something more personal, flexible and meaningful.

That’s where a celebrant-led ceremony can be truly magical.

At Millbrook, we’re proud to be a licensed wedding venue, meaning couples can legally marry with the Devon Registration Service right here on our beautiful estate. But we also work with some truly wonderful celebrants who offer a fantastic option for those wanting a personalised ceremony experience – whether on its own or alongside a legal ceremony.

Celebrant Wedding at Millbrook

So, what is a celebrant-led ceremony?

A celebrant ceremony is non-legal, which gives you the freedom to say your vows in your own words, include personal readings or rituals, and create a ceremony that genuinely reflects who you are as a couple. There are no set scripts, no restrictions – just a beautiful, meaningful moment that’s all about you.

Wedding with a celebrant

When might you choose a celebrant?

There are many reasons why a celebrant ceremony might be right for you:

🌿 You’re travelling from abroad and don’t meet the legal residency requirements
💍 You’re planning a vow renewal or blessing to mark your love
✨ You want to add a more personal ceremony alongside your legal marriage
📜 You love the idea of a relaxed, bespoke ceremony with no rules

Whatever your reason, our celebrants are here to make it unforgettable.

wedding ceremony celebrant

Add a Special Touch with Wedding Rituals 💫

One of the lovely things about celebrant-led ceremonies is the freedom to include meaningful rituals and traditions that symbolise your bond. These can be heartfelt, spiritual, fun – or a mix of all three. Here are just a few you might like to include:

🕯️ Unity Candle – A beautiful moment where the couple each light a candle and then use them to light a single ‘unity’ candle together. This symbolises two lives becoming one.
🌾 Sand-Pouring – The couple pour different coloured sands into one container, blending the grains to represent their joining lives. This also makes a lovely keepsake to take home.
🧵 Handfasting – An ancient tradition where hands are gently tied together with ribbons or cords. It’s where the phrase “tying the knot” comes from, and makes for a beautiful, symbolic gesture.
💍 Ring Warming – Your wedding rings are passed around to each guest, who ‘warms’ them with a silent wish or blessing for your marriage. A wonderful way to involve your nearest and dearest.
🌿 Tree Planting, Wine Blending, Love Letters & More – The possibilities are endless, and our celebrants are full of ideas. Whether it’s planting a tree to grow with your marriage or sealing letters to each other in a memory box, there are so many ways to make your ceremony truly your own.

celebrant wedding ceremony

Meet Our Celebrants

We’re lucky to work with two wonderful celebrants here at Millbrook:

🌸 Nixie James-Scott – Unique Ceremonies
Nixie brings warmth, calm and spirituality to every ceremony. Whether you’d like something romantic, light-hearted or deeply meaningful, she’ll help you create something that feels truly ‘you’.
🔗 www.unique-ceremonies.co.uk

🌿 Sue Denham – Celebrant Sue by Your Side
Sue is a gifted storyteller with a warm and friendly approach. She works closely with each couple to design ceremonies full of heart, humour and genuine connection.
🔗 www.sue-byyourside.co.uk

Alternative Wedding Service

Your Day, Your Way

At Millbrook, you can combine a legal ceremony conducted by the Devon Registration Service with a celebrant-led blessing – or simply enjoy a non-legal ceremony with your chosen celebrant in our Summer House or beautiful gardens. It’s all about creating a day that feels personal, relaxed, and full of joy.

💚 Thinking about a celebrant ceremony? We’d love to help! Get in touch for a chat, or find out more about our weddings at www.millbrookestate.co.uk

celebrant wedding

Why Choose Millbrook Estate for Your Elopement?

At Millbrook Estate, we specialise in relaxed, luxurious elopement weddings for two or small gatherings of up to four guests. Hidden away in the beautiful North Devon countryside, our estate offers a truly private and personal experience – with stunning gardens, a glass-fronted ceremony space, and charming 5-star accommodation.

Get in touch – we’d be delighted to help! Email : office@millbrookestate.co.uk or call 01769 629069.

Find out more about our Elopement Weddings


Kate Boothby - Millbrook Estate

Written by Kate Boothby

Creative Director at Millbrook Estate, champion of elopement weddings and romantic breaks for happy couples. Creating meaningful elopement weddings in Devon since 2010.

SEO nerd since 2005 and proud mum to two kids, a dog, and (usually) a mountain of emails. I love small weddings, peaceful escapes, and life here in beautiful Devon.