Alderney wedding celebrants eye beaches, boats and forts as venues
THREE wedding celebrants from Alderney were sworn in by the Royal Court yesterday.
Lisa Sanders, Helen Martin and Annabel Finding said they were made to feel very welcome by Bailiff Richard McMahon and were excited to be able to formally begin their roles.
Under the new marriage law, marriages can be solemnised by the newly appointed civil celebrants in any location within the Bailiwick.
Previously, couples were able to marry legally only at a registered building such as the Greffe or at a private residence. Couples now have more freedom of choice for their wedding ceremony – they can choose the location, time and celebrant and include the legal declarations in more personal and meaningful words.
Mrs Martin specialises in ‘mindful marriages’, which look to create a really beautiful service in an equally beautiful setting.
‘I think any of the beaches in Alderney would make for a really special wedding, as well as the Val de Saou, which is flush with bluebells at the moment.’
As a professional therapeutic clinician and life coach, Mrs Martin said her new role complements her profession well and she is able to draw from her own marriage experiences to help couples make their day special.
Marrying couples in Bailiwick waters is something Mrs Finding is looking forward to.
As a Jurat of the Court of Alderney, the change of marriage laws was something she had heard a lot about, which is why becoming a civil celebrant sparked her interest.
‘My unique selling proposition is that I can facilitate marriages on boats,’ she said.
‘Of course, that would be weather-dependent but is another great option for couples to marry in a fun and interesting way.’
Mrs Sanders agreed, saying that hopefully the new law will highlight Alderney as an attractive place for couples to consider for weddings.
‘This is really exciting for Alderney and I hope it brings lots of people to the island when travel opens up,’ she said.
‘There is a beautiful causeway out to Raz Island from one of the beaches in Alderney with an old Victorian fort which would be a stunning place to get married.
‘I’ve already had an enquiry for a ceremony there next year, so that’s something to look forward to.’
