Many people hitting their late fifties can’t wait to retire, but that’s when Lincoln woman Kerry Stamp opted to launch a new enterprise – and it’s proving to be a very savvy move.
Two years on Kerry – known as The Lincoln Celebrant - is excited about the increasing opportunities opening up for her in today’s fast-changing, multicultural society.
A real “people person” she said the growth in same-sex marriages - in other parts of the world - mean LGBTQ+ couples in the UK are seeking uniquely different commitment ceremonies, and others are considering unique ways to mark civil unions and domestic partnerships.
The same goes for funerals. Families and friends are remembering the death of a loved one in unique ways that are more meaningful for those left behind.
Celebrants are also finding themselves in demand when people want to renew their vows and to mark other important life events. Each celebration is personally scripted to suit the occasion and the people involved.
“Naming ceremonies are popular for babies, children and adults. These may be used instead of a traditional christening and/or for adopted children. Some adults want to change their name for very personal reasons and celebrants even find themselves called upon to mark divorces!”
said Kerry.
“In the last few years, I have taken the lead at many celebrations - weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies - and I’m excited at the prospect of officiating at many more special and personal ceremonies, in today’s fast-changing society.”
As a member of The Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC), Kerry enjoys professional support and training, she is proud to conduct highly personalised magical ceremonies, which are an alternative to a religious ceremony held in religious buildings.
Originally from North Lincolnshire, she first worked as a hairdresser for 7 years. After that she became a civil servant - a career which lasted 28 years - working for the MoD at RAF Halton and then RAF Waddington.
Kerry is married to Ian and is step-mum to Barbara and David. She took early retirement to look after her mum full time, for 5 years, who later died in 2022. It was after that she decided to explore her passion for becoming a celebrant.
“I have always enjoyed working with people. I was excited by the idea of becoming qualified and looked into training. I did mine with the International College of Professional Celebrants (ICPC) during an intensive week-long course up in Yorkshire,”
said Kerry.
“The ICPC offered me high quality training, made-up of written work in a classroom and practical exercises, covering everything about officiating at all types of ceremonies. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Celebrancy, is rewarding and fulfilling, especially if you are passionate about working alongside people and helping them to mark the important times in their lives. It means that you need to be a good listener and have the ability to write the unique words required for each occasion!”
Kerry concedes there are many misunderstandings and misconceptions about the religious or non-religious aspects of celebrant-led services. However, all ceremonies can include prayers, blessings, music, poetry and so much more. The client can choose their own content and perhaps their own traditions.
“It is important to remember Celebrants cannot currently perform legally binding marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales. This means couples have to separate their legal registration from their celebrant led ceremony, although both ceremonies can happen on the same day or in the same week!”
said Kerry.
“It’s very common for people to book a date and venue for their legal marriage or civil partnership to be completed before they take part in a celebrant-led ceremony. A legally binding ceremony can take place at a register office or venue approved by the local council.
“Celebrants can be present at registry office ceremonies, if the individual officiating officer agrees and there is time. Alternatively, the celebrant can take their ceremony after the legal registration has taken place. This is often useful when family members are scattered around the UK or abroad.”
Kerry backs the AOIC in supporting wedding law reform.
“The Association fully supports the Law Commission’s proposals to move to an officiant-based system for marriage ceremonies in England and Wales. It also supports the option of authorising independent celebrants (and humanist celebrants) to officiate at weddings and wants to see these proposals taken forward into law as soon as possible,”
added Kerry.