ABOUT MARY CROOKS - TORBAY CELEBRANT
My name is Mary. I’m an Irish/Scottish poet, writer, television broadcaster, teacher, lecturer and an independent Celebrant for weddings, vow renewals, namings, funerals and ash scatterings.
I was born in Scotland and raised in Crossmolina, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.
I now live in the beautiful Torbay in South Devon with my wonderful husband: Mond, our four fabulous children and doggy Cosmos.
I have a BA (Hons) in Professional Broadcasting since 2002 and my teaching PGCE mid 2011.
I’ve been a poet @LoveLifePoet13 and author @LilyTheLeprechaunBook for many years. I write childrens books and poetry.
I trained as a Wedding Celebrant in May 2022 with the International College of Professional Celebrants in Yorkshire.
I have gained my NOCN in Celebrancy. I also have my City & Guilds Successful Celebrant qualification and I’m a graduate of the Coffin Club Plus course.
I’ve been creating ceremonies for wedding couples and parents which are completely unique to them. No two scripts I write are ever the same.
I’ve written eulogies for family and friends and for their loved ones funerals for many years. As well as bespoke poetry for the families.
I’ve been to loads of funerals and it used to upset me that many of the funerals did not go into depth about the deceased. It didn’t feel like they were celebrating the deceased life.
This is why I wanted to retrain as a Celebrant as I want people to celebrate their lives whether, that’s during their wedding, a naming or a loved ones funeral.
Let’s change how things are done. Let’s celebrate life!
I’m passionate about crafting the best ceremonies. I put my heart and soul into each and every one that I write and perform.
I love a good chat and a coffee! Please get in touch. Allow me to help you plan a magnificent and memorable ceremony.
Why Should You Choose A Celebrant Ceremony?
A Celebrant Makes Your Big Day Personal
Your wedding ceremony is all about you! If you choose me as your celebrant, you get to a say just how much you mean to each other in a way that’s beautiful and meaningful to you. There are no time constraints when it comes to a celebrant led wedding.
It Will be Memorable
Every ceremony is bespoke and unique. There are no templates or pre-prepared words.
The couples and their guests are often blown away by how different a celebrant ceremony feels.
Often couples choose a celebrant when they can’t match the time or date they want with the registrar’s availability, but 9 times out of 10, they’re so glad they made the switch.
So why don’t you make the switch today! Choose me as your celebrant and let’s get started.
A Celebrant Makes It Diverse
There are no rules about what you can include in your ceremony. If you have a mix of backgrounds, you can blend traditions to honour different cultures and beliefs. I can do whatever you want to do.
It’s Inclusive
There are lots of fabulous ways to include your guests, from sand ceremonies, ring warmings to a good old sing song!
Chat with me about which special people you’d like to involve in your ceremony.
Celebrants are Flexible
A celebrant led wedding can take place at any time and in any location. There’s never any rush, and most celebrants only perform one ceremony a day, so if you need to change plans at the last minute, there’s no problem. I am here to make sure your day is fun and stress free!
Every Script is Bespoke
I will spend my time getting to know you and your partner so that your ceremony is perfectly matched to you both. Thoughtful or quirky, whatever your style, your ceremony will be a reflection of you and your love story. I will make sure of that.
Celebrants Make it Multi-Faceted
Your ceremony can celebrate many things: the anniversary of the day you first met, the birth of a new baby or an overseas wedding shared with friends and family back at home. I will weave things into your big day so everyone feels included and loved.
Celebrants Make Your Big Day Relaxed & Fun
Not everyone’s comfortable in the spotlight, but working with me means that by the time you’re ready to say your vows, we will know each other pretty well! So you can relax and truly enjoy the moment.
I’m convinced! How do I do this?
How May I Book You?
Step 1:
Book your celebrant –
That’s me, or any of my wonderful colleagues. I work as a celebrant in the southwest of England. I’m based in South Devon.
Step 2:
Give notice of your intention to marry –
This needs to be done at your local register office at least 29 days beforehand.
Step 3:
It normally costs £35 each and involves signing a legal declaration and presenting some documents, like proof of address.
Step 4:
Register your marriage – This can be done before or after your celebrant ceremony at any register office and involves making two legal declarations in front of two witnesses and signing the marriage schedule. It takes about 15 minutes and costs around £46.
Step 5:
Work with your celebrant to create your dream ceremony – This is where the fun starts. Choose any content and any style. You can keep things traditional and classic, or take inspiration from your heritage and the things you hold dear (love knots for the Welsh, oathing stones for the Scots and a world of other options!
You can include prayers, hymns or blessings if you wish, involve your children if you have them, celebrate with a Mexican wave …
Whatever feels right for you!
All ideas welcomed!
Celebrant ceremonies are full of warmth, fun and personality.
They are completely unique to you and your partner.
My price isn’t the cheapest one out there but it’s definitely not the most expensive either.
Choose me if you want the day to be unforgettable!
I am a poet and write bespoke poetry as a wedding keepsake. A wonderful way to remember your special day. Together we can create a really beautiful ceremony.
I’m also a fully insured celebrant who is an International College of Professional Celebrants (Yorkshire).
I’ve gained my NOCN and City and Guilds Celebrancy qualifications.
I’m also qualified as a member of The Coffin Club Plus Celebrant.
Let’s begin and start planning your big day. Please, contact me today! There are so many amazing things we can do. Lets make your day magical!
Warmest wishes,
Mary Crooks
Torbay Celebrant
marycrooks13@hotmail.co.uk
07984405133
