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What qualifications does a celebrant need?

Jul 11, 2022
 

One of the questions we are frequently asked is - Can anyone become a celebrant? 

The simple answer to that question is - yes - but that does not mean that anyone should…

In this article we will describe the qualities we look for in budding celebrants, the qualifications celebrants need (and don’t need) and how to become a wedding officiant UK. In the meantime, you can take our quiz to discover if celebrancy is for you.

Qualities of a Celebrant

What is a celebrant? We will explain… Celebrants oversee some of the most important milestones in a person or family’s life by guiding and conducting ceremonies. Although almost anyone can choose to pursue this career in celebrancy, there are some key traits we like to look for in those enquiring about wedding celebrant training UK.

 

  • Having excellent public speaking skills
  • A sense of compassion and empathy
  • Personal and professional confidence
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • A friendly persona
  • An interest in people

 

It’s also important to note that a minimal standard of IT literacy is required. This will ensure you can maintain a professional website, communicate with clients promptly by email, and use word processing for the day-to-day running of your business. Don’t panic! We can teach much of this on your celebrancy training course. We run training courses for existing celebrants to help boost certain skill sets, such as marketing activity. Take our quiz to find out if this is the best path for you. 

Training Routes 

If you have the natural qualities required of a celebrant, celebrant training courses will help you develop the key skills required. The most common way to become a celebrant is to complete a private celebrant training course.

Courses vary widely, and include Diplomas in Celebrancy, Master’s in Existential Humanist and Pastoral Care, or private courses run by celebrancy academies. 

At the International College of Professional Celebrants, we offer both online and residential training courses. Our courses lead to NOCN qualification and include a year’s membership with the ICPC and insurance. Participants also benefit from access to our online community. 

You may need to take the following into consideration when deciding which training route will suit you best:

  • The cost of the course - we are not the cheapest, and this needs to factor into your decision making. If you are applying for wedding celebrant training government funding, we do not offer this.
  • The number of hours required to complete each module or the entire course - we ask for a 5 day commitment plus pre course reading. 
  • If you will be assigned a mentor or will need to study independently.
  • Any travel requirements (our residential training is in Yorkshire).
  • Whether you are looking for a course purely for wedding celebrants, or one that would allow you to become certified in funeral or naming celebrancy, too. At the ICPC, all types of celebrancy services are covered. But if you have no interest in some aspects of celebrancy, you might find a single ceremony course with anothe provider. 

Professional Membership

Completing a course with ICPC provides delegates with 1 year of ICPC membership and access to our online community. This professional membership gives you access to forums, 12 months insurance, practical support and ongoing business support to help your career flourish.

Can Anyone Be A Celebrant? 

To answer your question - Becoming a successful wedding celebrant requires a combination of factors. As with all new businesses, you will need to have the drive, determination, and grit to succeed. 


Before embarking on this career, it is vital to reflect on whether you have the personal qualities required to officiate at celebrations, including being confident in public speaking and having an outgoing personality. If you are ready to become a celebrant, book an online or residential course with us today.