Wedding Celebrant in North Yorkshire and the North East
One-of-a-kind celebrant led wedding ceremonies with real personality
Your ceremony isn’t just something to get through before the celebration starts, it’s the moment everything else hangs on.
For couples who care about how their ceremony feels, not just how it looks, this is where it begins.
I'm Dawn, a wedding celebrant based in Great Ayton, writing and leading one of a kind celebrant-led ceremonies across North Yorkshire, Teesside and the wider North East. I get to know you properly, shape every word with you, and stand beside you on the day as a friend who's got your back.
Personalised weddings for couples who want a ceremony that could never belong to anyone else.
How your ceremony will feel
You shape it, I bring it to life
Picture it.
The nerves melting in the first minute, because the person at the front is someone you actually know. Your guests laughing out loud at a story only they would know about.
Everyone joining in: a blessing stone ceremony, a shot ceremony, or the whole room singing the chorus of your song. Happy tears during vows you wrote yourselves and say with confidence.
The cheer as I declare you married, and the ripple of it all the way back down the aisle. Guests at the drinks reception telling you it was the best ceremony they've ever been to.
That's the ceremony I write. Not a script with your names dropped in, but something that could only ever belong to you.
The couples I work with don't want a ceremony handed to them. They want to be part of creating it. I work with you as a creative partner. Over several relaxed conversations and in-depth questionnaires, I hunt down the details, the in-jokes and the moments that matter, then we decide together what goes in.
Keep the traditions you love, rework the ones you're not sure about, and leave out anything that doesn't feel like you. There are no rules, only choices.
I'll bring ideas for rituals, readings and ways to get your guests involved, and help you find your own words with one-to-one vow writing support. If someone special is giving a speech, I can help them too, with wedding speech writing and coaching.
With over 30 years of performing and public speaking behind me, I hold the room with calm confidence, so you don't have to. And if anything goes off-plan on the day, nobody will ever know.
Wedding Ceremony Packages
For couples who want me beside them from the first hello to the final cheer. We'll get to know each other properly over several meetings, and shape your ceremony together.
From £750
For couples who'd love someone dear to them to lead the ceremony. I write it from your story, exactly as I would if I were leading it myself, then give your chosen person the prompts and confidence to deliver it beautifully.
£450
I offer two different packages for wedding ceremonies. Both include a personalised ceremony script written by me, the difference is the depth of experience and support.
Whichever package you choose it includes an enquiry call as standard, no pressure, just a chat to see if we're the right fit and a planning meeting to get to know you and your story.
How it works
It starts with a relaxed chat (in person or online) to talk about you, your story, and what you're hoping for. No pressure, no sales talk.
1. Say Hello
Complete your booking form, contract and deposit to lock in your day. I only book one wedding per day, so your date is yours alone. The balance is due 12 weeks before your ceremony, and payment plans are available.
2. Secure your date
3. Getting to know you
5. Find your words
4. Shaping your ceremony together
Through questionnaires and conversations, I get to know you, your relationship, your people, and the moments that matter most.
I write your ceremony and share a draft well ahead of the day. You'll know exactly what will be said, and you can tweak and refine it until it sounds like you.
One-to-one vow writing support with my practical workbook helps you write vows you'll be proud to say. A run-through before the day means everyone knows what's coming, and you get to breathe.
6. Enjoy every moment
I arrive early, brief everyone involved, and lead your ceremony while you relax and soak it all up. Afterwards, a printed keepsake of your script, vows and readings is yours to keep.
The legal bit made simple
In England and Wales, celebrant-led ceremonies aren't legally binding yet, although the law is moving towards change. For now, the choice is yours. You can complete the legal formalities at the register office before or after the day (a short appointment with two witnesses, perhaps followed by brunch at your favourite café), or have a registrar attend on the day too, which costs more. Either way, your celebrant-led ceremony is where you'll feel married, with your vows, your rings and everyone you love around you.
Got questions?
You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
"We cannot recommend Dawn highly enough!
From the moment we met Dawn at The Croft open day, we knew she was someone special. Her warm personality, positive energy, and genuine passion for what she does immediately put us at ease.
Throughout the planning process, Dawn took the time to get to know us as a couple and understand our story, ensuring our ceremony felt completely personal and authentic. She guided us every step of the way, from helping us write meaningful vows to suggesting beautiful ceremony elements such as hand fasting, a sand ceremony, and a shot ceremony, all of which made our day even more memorable."
Chris Mayoh wedding held at Newton Hall
