If you’re considering becoming a Celebrant, you will also be wondering about how you build a business that fits your lifestyle. You’ll be concerned about how your lifestyle will impact your ability to do this, and whether you have to go all-in from day one.
As I discovered when I started working as a Celebrant, you can build this business around your lifestyle, your values, and your goals — whether you want to go full-time, part-time, or somewhere in between.
Here’s how to begin that journey
Start with your why
People come to celebrancy from all sorts of backgrounds: teaching, nursing, HR, creative arts, even corporate careers. But what do we all tend to have in common? A desire to do something meaningful with the skills we’ve developed in these roles.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want more flexibility and freedom in my work?
- Am I looking for something more purposeful?
- Do I want to work directly with people in a meaningful way?
Your reasons will help shape your path — and your business.
You can start with one!
Many new celebrants worry about which type of ceremonies to focus on — funerals, weddings, vow renewals, naming ceremonies etc. The truth is you can start with one. You want this business to fit your lifestyle if it is to succeed.
Many celebrants start by offering only one service and gradually expand into others as their confidence grows. Many of us broadened what we offered when we were asked by a client if we also created other types of ceremony.
You get to decide:
- What kind of work lights you up?
- What sort of emotional energy do you want to give?
- How many ceremonies a month would feel right for you?
This is your business, and there’s no one-size-fits-all model. And you are allowed to change your mind over time. I would recommend you regularly review these choices and see if they still feel right for you.
It doesn’t have to be full time (unless you want it to be)
One of the biggest myths I hear is:
“I’d love to be a celebrant — but I can’t afford to do it full-time.”
Well… good news. You don’t have to.
Many celebrants run their business alongside other part-time work, freelancing, caring responsibilities, or even early retirement. Others start small and grow organically.
This career is incredibly adaptable. You might:
- Start by doing just 1–2 ceremonies a month
- Focus on weekends or school holidays
- Only offer funerals or weddings depending on your availability
- Build up your bookings over time as your confidence (and reputation) grows
There is so much freedom to shape your schedule.
Create a business around your strengths
You don’t need to be loud, salesy, or ultra-experienced to build a thriving celebrant business. What you do need is clarity around:
- Who you want to serve
- What makes your approach unique
- How you’ll reach people (hint: personal branding matters more than a fancy website)
In my training and coaching, I help celebrants explore:
- How to price confidently
- How to find your first clients
- How to grow your reputation with warmth and integrity
It’s about creating a business that feels aligned with you — not following someone else’s template.
Training is just the beginning
If you’re thinking, “This all sounds amazing, but I wouldn’t even know where to start…” — you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created Celebrant Coaching and Training Academy, to help people like you feel supported every step of the way.
When you train with me, you don’t just learn how to write and deliver ceremonies. You also learn how to:
- Build confidence in your voice and presence
- Handle sensitive situations with care
- Set up your business that fits your lifestyle
Whether you’re interested in funeral celebrancy, wedding and vow renewal ceremonies, or both, I can help you explore your options, build your skills, and grow with support.
Ready to begin?
If you’re drawn to this work — there’s usually a reason.
The world needs more celebrants who bring heart, thoughtfulness, and authenticity to the role. And if you want to create a business that fits your life, not runs it — celebrancy might be the perfect path for you.
If you’re ready to start your journey, let’s have a conversation. You can book a time straight into my diary here.
Dinah