WEDDING CELEBRANT
Barbara Gubbins, CBE
ABOUT BARBARA
Barbara was first motivated to become a celebrant in 2012 when she attended her youngest son’s wedding in New Zealand. She was inspired by the celebrant – also called Barbara – who conducted the ceremony. She brought such warmth, peace and joy to the day by telling the heart-warming story of Ewan and Alisha, how they met, fell in love and brought two families together.

This was followed in 2013 with Barbara being asked to perform a wedding ceremony by her friends Carol and Tom who were having an outdoor wedding party in Whitfield. This was a wonderful experience and endorsed Barbara’s thoughts about having a new career as a storyteller of people’s love stories.

WEDDING CEREMONIES
Choosing an independent celebrant means that you are not limited to licensed venues, and have the freedom of enjoying your ceremony in the place of your dreams, including the outdoors. The ceremony can be religious, spiritual or secular. You can have ANY words, readings, music, or symbolism that is meaningful to you and your partner.
The following is included in your heart-led celebrant ceremony package but can be added to – the options are built around your love story and therefore are limitless.
- Initial meeting with couple
- Agreeing content and rituals to be performed - handfasting, parent blessing, ring-warming, etc (ask for more details)
- Preparation of a draft script, ceremony structure and content
- Individual support with vow writing
- Pre-ceremony rehearsal
- Performing ceremony on the day – leading all activities
- Signed ceremony certificate
Barbara works exclusively with Jesmond Dene House hotel in Newcastle who have both indoor and outdoor facilities for ceremonies. However, she also undertakes weddings at other non-hotel venues across the North East.

Please note:
The ceremony itself is not legal, and you will have to register your marriage by completing the legalities at your local Register Office.
Celebrant Fees
Fees are based on creating, writing and conducting your ceremony as well as whatever time is required in face to face meetings / via the internet, phone or email to discuss your ceremony and make sure it is exactly as you’d like it to be on the day.
On average, each ceremony will take 10 – 25 hours to prepare depending on the structure and content; amount of travel; time spent liaising with clients; writing the ceremony; and at the venue - before and during the ceremony.
Weddings
£550.00
Vow Renewal
£350.00
Naming
£250.00
Funeral or Memorial
£175.00
Pet Funeral
£100.00
Memorial
£100.00
Please note:
A 50% deposit is payable on confirmation of the booking which secures the date for you and begins the work on your ceremony. The balance is due no later than one calendar month before your ceremony. (Funeral fees are due on the day of the ceremony)
** There is a travel fee of 45p per mile after the first 15 miles from Newcastle.
No Obligation Enquiry
If you’d like to make a no-obligation enquiry to discuss ceremony content, further options, availability or any other information, please get in touch by emailing hello@barbaragubbins.co or by telephoning 07747804520. We can then go through your details, such as ceremony date, location, venue and any particular theme you have in mind. All ceremonies are bespoke, memorable and unique according to your own personal requirements.
Barbara also works with Creative Streak Design who can design and print ceremony brochures and invites and create wedding occasion mini websites.
www.creativestreakdesign.co.uk
