Image: Danielle and Rob Phelps PhotographyWeddings and Vow Renewals across North North East England
Are you dreaming of a wedding or vow renewal ceremony that feels unmistakably you? Whether you’re delightfully quirky, endearingly traditional, or wonderfully in between, your vow renewal or ceremony should be an occasion when you are both free to show up exactly as you are.
I’m Kate Mukungu, an independent vow renewal and wedding celebrant in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and County Durham. I’m here to help you create a ceremony that reflects your story, values and beliefs, and I put you at ease every step of the way. I proudly welcome LGBTQ+ couples, mixed-heritage couples, and anyone who wants their ceremony to celebrate who they truly are. Together we’ll make your ceremony warm, meaningful, joyful and full of togetherness for you and your guests.
Why a Chose a Celebrant Led Wedding Ceremony?
Because your wedding should feel like you. With a celebrant led wedding:
You get to set the tone; romantic, fun-filled, deeply sincere, or all of the above.
You have absolute freedom to choose every element from vows and readings to rituals, words and music.
You can include family members, pets, your beliefs and cultural traditions, whatever holds meaning to you.
You have the freedom to hold your ceremony anywhere you want, so long as you have permission of the venue or land owner. This means you can marry outdoors, in friend’s garden or somewhere that has special memories. No venue license is needed, though you can choose a venue licensed for weddings, if you want.
Your ceremony can take place any time you want. I never book more than one wedding per day.
By working together we take the stress out of planning your ceremony. You can both feel confident and get excited about what comes next.
I will make sure your ceremony feels like you so that your guests feel totally in your presence.
Image: Caroline Opacic Photography“Our ceremony was smooth, fun, emotional and full of love and this is down to Kate. We have had so many people who were there that have sung her praises. We wanted a personal, calm, warm and loving celebration and Kate personifies warmth and love and was an incredibly calming force. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to mark life’s milestones with a celebrant that truly cares. ”
Wedding FAQS - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we write our own vows?
A: Absolutely yes! I would be happy help you find the words if you want support.
Q: Can we include symbolic rituals?
A: Yes, it would be my pleasure to discuss rituals with you so you can choose what is meaningful to you. Whether a handfasting, unity candle, a sand ceremony or other ritual, I have a wide repertoire for you to consider.
Q: Can we include religious elements or do we have to be non-religious?
A: As an independent celebrant I have the freedom to ensure your ceremony reflects your beliefs. If you have different beliefs your ceremony can be a fusion of both. Your ceremony can be non-religious, spiritual, interfaith, or gently faith influenced. My role is not to impose a belief system, but to support yours.
Q: Do we need to book a venue licensed for weddings?
A: No. You are free to choose any indoor or outdoor space for the celebrant led ceremony. Although the venue does not need to be licensed to hold weddings, you can choose a licensed venue if you want.
Q: What Does Working with You Look Like? A: Once you get in touch, we'll arrange free, no obligation conversation, to talk about what you have in mind. If we're a good fit, we'll then meet to go through your ceremony in detail. I'll draft your bespoke ceremony script and refine it with you until it feels exactly right. On the day itself, I'll arrive early, manage the ceremony with warmth and calm, and make sure everything runs smoothly so you can simply be present and enjoy it.
Is a Celebrant Led Wedding Legal in England and Wales?
This is one of the most common questions couples ask, and it's important to be clear about it. A celebrant-led ceremony is not, on its own, a legally recognised marriage. Only a registrar (or a minister of certain religions) can legally confer marriage. To meet legal requirements:
You will need to contact your local register office to book a legal marriage appointment. Tyne and Wear Register Offices are at local Civic Centres, apart from North Tyneside Register Office in North Shields. Northumberland Register Office is in Morpeth Town Hall and Durham’s is at The Story.
The simplest legal process is often called a “two-plus-two wedding” (the couple and two witnesses). If choosing this option I recommend you book it as far in advance as you can.
The legal appointment can happen before, on the same day, or after your celebrant ceremony, whatever you decide.
I make sure every couple understands the legalities clearly before booking, so you can make fully informed choices with confidence and without overwhelm. You know what will work best for you.
Some couples find the separation of the legal and the personalised ceremony a relief. This is because the personalised ceremony can be held anywhere, at any time, with couples having complete freedom over every element.
Do You Want to Say “I Do” Again with a Vow Renewal?
A vow renewal is perfect way for you celebrate and reaffirm your love as a couple. Whether an intimate renewal of vows or a celebration bringing all your family and friends together, we can make it joyful.
You may want a vow renewal to:
celebrate a milestone anniversary
mark overcoming a difficult time
gather loved ones who couldn’t attend your original wedding
reaffirm your promises in a more personal way
A vow renewal has individuality written all over it. There are no rules about timing or format so the ceremony is yours to shape. Vow renewals can be especially lovely if you have children or grandchildren who you want to have meaningful roles. It is your day to celebrate the personalities, quirks and traditions that make your family unique.
As your vow renewal celebrant across Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland, I'll guide you through every option and help you create something joyful and genuinely memorable
Choose a Bespoke or Pre-scripted Couples Ceremony
A Fully Bespoke Couples Ceremony
A bespoke wedding or vow renewal ceremony is built entirely around you as a couple. We'll meet to talk through your story, your values and your vision. I will then craft a ceremony that feels genuinely personal, from the words spoken to the structure, rituals, readings and music. You have absolute freedom to choose every element.
Bespoke ceremonies are what I do best, and the reviews I receive reflect that. I'm particularly good at putting nervous couples at ease, managing the unexpected with calm, and making sure every guest, including children, relatives, family pets, and those who've never attended a celebrant wedding before, feels welcomed and included
A Classic Pre-scripted Ceremony
I understand that a fully bespoke ceremony may not be right for everyone. If you'd prefer something simple, perhaps because you've already eloped and want a short ceremony for family and friends, or you're working with a tighter budget, a pre-scripted ceremony may be ideal for you.
With a pre-scripted ceremony, I go through a quality standard ceremony script. We have readings of your choice, either from a selection I provide or from your own preferences. It's a warm, meaningful ceremony without the full personalisation process, and it still gives you the freedom to choose any ceremony venue you like.
How Much Does a Wedding or Vow Renwal Ceremony Cost?
A Personalised Ceremony
Starting from £650 in 2026 and £675 in 2027, you get:
Several planning meetings with you before the ceremony (face to face or online)
A questionnaire as part of getting to know you
A bespoke ceremony script, including personalised readings and symbolic rituals
Communication throughout the process by telephone, email or WhatsApp
Script revisions until you are happy with the content
Liaison with key event suppliers to ensure a seamless experience
A rehearsal, if required
The ceremony, which does not need to be rushed
Travel within thirty miles of South Shields. If I need to travel further or arrange accommodation, additional costs will be agreed with you in advance.
Optional commemorative certificate and presentation script.
Image: Caroline Opacic PhotographyA Pre-scripted Ceremony
Starting from £400 in 2026 and £425 in 2027, you get:
A planning meeting before the ceremony (usually online)
A standard i.e. not personalised, wedding ceremony script,
Readings you have chosen, either from a selection provided by me, or your own choice
The ceremony, which is like to be twenty to thirty minutes
Travel within thirty miles of South Shields
Please note, any special add-ons, such as a commemorative certificate, or rituals will incur additional charges.
Image: Danielle and Rob Phelps PhotographyContact Kate to Discuss your Wedding or Vow Renewal
Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's talk about your wedding or vow renewal. I work with couples across North East England from Newcastle and Gateshead to Sunderland, South Tyneside and North Tyneside, Northumberland and County Durham. I would love to hear about your vision for your special day.
Image: Caroline Opacic Photography