A celebrant-led ceremony for a wedding day to remember
Every wedding ceremony is unique
Hello there, I’m John, the Southville Celebrant, an experienced Bristol-based wedding celebrant who loves to create tailor-made, uniquely memorable wedding ceremonies.
The best wedding ceremonies really set the tone for the day and absolutely get the celebration started. With a celebrant ceremony there are no restrictions as to what is included, the shape and content is completely flexible. Your wedding day is one of those huge days in life and I'd love to be the wedding celebrant to support you and help create a ceremony which reflects you and your personalities.
..so much wise advice that we really felt he was central to our day
- Miriam and Matt
Let's create an unforgettable wedding day together
You may have some firm ideas, you may want guidance and suggestions, either way I’ll work with you to help create an unforgettable ceremony. Let's work together to create your big day, exactly the way you want it.
Getting to know each couple, so that we can create a ceremony to truly reflect who you are, is the best part of my job. The more we get to know each other the better the ideas start to flow back and forth. There are so many ways to involve family and friends, and I love exploring weddings traditions and rituals, suggesting elements so that you have a ceremony to remember.
Well, who would have guessed just how invaluable and fun a wedding celebrant who really knows their stuff could be? - Mike and Kristina
Bristol, Bath, the Cotswolds - so many wonderful wedding venues
We're really lucky as we have so many great wedding venues on the doorstep, Whether you're looking for a funky Bristol city-centre setting, an elegant Georgian backdrop in Bath or a rustic countryside location in the Cotswolds or the Mendips there is such great choice in and around the Bristol area.
I've worked with quite the variety of venues - woodland glamping in Somerset, historic villas in Clifton, funky converted Bristol churches, even a spectacular Cornish clifftop - and love to create a ceremony to really make the best of the setting.
Our friends and family haven't been able to stop talking about just how special and personal our ceremony was - Lydia and Arthur
A ceremony that was perfect for us...
Review from Ruth and James, St George's, Bristol, May 2025
At first, we were a bit disappointed when we realized our wedding venue couldn’t accommodate the legal part of the ceremony—but it turned out to be a complete blessing in disguise, because it led us to find John.
Over the past year, John met with us countless times to help craft a ceremony that was perfect for us. It felt so personal and intentional. We began with a ring-warming led by my 10-year-old sisters, and it culminated in a beautiful handfasting. Many of our guests commented on how wonderful and unique the ceremony was, full of little quirks that made it feel unmistakably us.
Beyond leading a beautiful ceremony, John helped take so much of the stress out of wedding planning. He guided us through decisions along the way, and even took care of thoughtful details—like liaising directly with both our mums about how the handfasting would work, since we’d asked them to be involved.
You can really tell that John is in this work for the pure love of bringing people together. We’re so grateful to him and couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
Southville Celebrant, recommended supplier at....
Arnos Vale Weddings, Bristol
Arnos Vale Weddings, Bristol
Arnos Vale Weddings, Bristol
Glorious 45 acres of untouched woodland just a stone's throw from Bristol city centre. Three wedding venues onsite – the outdoor Underwood Centre deep in the woods, the iconic Grade II listed Spielman Centre and Victorian Anglican Chapel. A beautifully atmospheric setting.
Link through to Arnos Vale Weddings
Berwick Lodge, Bristol
Arnos Vale Weddings, Bristol
Arnos Vale Weddings, Bristol
Family-owned manor house hotel, providing perfect attention to detail without being fussy. Nestling in 18 acres of beautifully maintained gardens with indoor and outdoor options. The newly installed stetch tent provides the best of both worlds. Justifiably calls itself “Bristol’s best kept secret”.
Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester
Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester
Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester
A 12th century medieval priory, sitting on the canal-side in the heart of Gloucester beside the docks. Two indoor ceremony halls, the Grade I listed Lady Margaret Hall and the historic Tudor brick Henry Dene Hall, together with outdoor settings, including the ruins of the Tithe Barn.
SS Great Britain, Bristol
Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester
Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester
A true Bristol icon, sitting majestically atop the glass sea over her dry dock on the harbourside. Get married in the open air with stunning 360 degree views from the weather deck., or below decks the First Class saloon and Promenade Deck are your timber-panelled indoor spaces.