Vicar vs Registrar vs Celebrant - a cost comparison


If you’re planning a wedding in the East Midlands, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who will lead your ceremony. 

Many couples get stuck on the difference between a registrar, a vicar, and a celebrant, and how their services compare—especially in terms of cost, flexibility, and personalisation.

In this article, I’ll break down the differences between a registrar vs vicar vs celebrant, and give you some real-world price comparisons for couples tying the knot in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire.

1. Registrar: The Legal Option

What is a Registrar?

A wedding registrar is an official employed by the local council who is legally authorised to perform civil marriage ceremonies. These are non-religious ceremonies that can take place at a registry office or at a licensed venue like a hotel or barn.

Cost of a Registrar in the East Midlands


Estimated Cost (2025)

Registry Office Ceremony £60–120

Licensed Venue (Weekday) £495

Licensed Venue (Weekend) £550–£675+Additional Fees: Notice of marriage: £35 per person = £70 

Admin or travel surcharges may apply

Pros 

Straightforward process

Budget-friendly (if at the registry office)

 Legally binding 

Cons

You may not meet your registrar before the day

Limited ceremony length (often under 30 mins)

Set script with minimal flexibility




2. Vicar or Priest: The Religious Ceremony

What is a Vicar?

A vicar or priest is a religious leader who performs Christian marriage ceremonies, most commonly in the Church of England. 

A church wedding offers traditional vows, hymns, and a sacred atmosphere that appeals to many couples with faith or family ties to religion.

Cost of a Church Wedding in the East Midlands

Church of England Wedding Estimated Cost (2025)

Legal church wedding fee £531 (set nationally)

Extras (organist, bells, etc.) £100–£400+


Pros 

Legally binding

Beautiful church venues 

Spiritual and traditional 

Cons 

Availability may be restricted by parish rules

Less flexible format

May require religious affiliation or regular attendance


3. Celebrant: 

The Personal Choice

What is a Celebrant?

A celebrant is an independent ceremony leader who creates a bespoke, personal wedding ceremony for you. Celebrants are not currently able to conduct legally binding marriages in England (as of 2025), so couples often complete the legal paperwork separately with a registrar for around £50–£60, then have the celebrant-led ceremony as their real "wedding day" celebration.

Celebrant Costs in the East Midlands

Ceremony Type Estimated Cost (2025)

Wedding Ceremony Only £550–£900 

Premium or All-Day Package £1,200–£1,800+(Prices vary depending on experience, travel, symbolic rituals, and extras like vow writing or rehearsal)

Pros 

Completely personalised ceremony 

Choose your own vows, music, rituals 

Can take place anywhere 

You meet your celebrant and build a relationship

Cons

Separate legal paperwork still required 

Which One is Right for You?

Choose a registrar if you want a no-fuss legal ceremony at a licensed venue or the registry office.

Choose a vicar if a traditional church wedding with Christian elements is important to you.

Choose a celebrant if you want your ceremony to reflect your story, your values, and your creativity—anywhere you like.

Many couples are now combining a quick legal marriage at the registry office with a full celebrant-led wedding day that’s relaxed, heartfelt, and memorable.

Looking for a Wedding Celebrant in the East Midlands?

I’m Sheryl Monk, an independent East Midlands wedding celebrant, and I specialise in creating bespoke, unforgettable ceremonies across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and beyond. With years of experience in both public speaking and ceremonial writing, I’ll help you craft a day that feels like you—not just a script.

Let’s chat about your plans – contact me here or follow me on Instagram @sherylmonkcelebrant.