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 as you.
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. I put you at ease every step of the way. Together we’ll make your ceremony warm, meaningful, joyful and full of togetherness, an experience for you and your guests to remember.
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?
Absolutely yes! I would be happy help you find the words if you want support.
Q: Can we include symbolic rituals?
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?
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?
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.
Is a Celebrant Led Wedding Legally Binding?
This is one of the most common questions couples ask. In England and Wales, a celebrant led wedding ceremony is not a legal marriage, on its own. Only a registrar (or a minister of some religions) can legally confer marriage.
Don’t worry. As you celebrant I’ll explain everything clearly, so you can make informed choices with confidence and without overwhelm. To meet legal requirements:
You will need to contact your local register office to book a legal marriage appointment. I can guide you.
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).
The legal step can happen before, on the same day, or after your celebrant ceremony, whatever you decide.
It may help to think of the legal part as the formal paperwork and your celebrant led ceremony as the heart and soul of your wedding. Together we’ll make sure your wedding ceremony with loved ones is just as you imagine.
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.
Some couples choose a vow renewal to:
celebrate a milestone anniversary
mark overcoming a difficult time
gather loved ones who couldn’t attend their original wedding
reaffirm their promises in a more personal way
A vow renewal has individuality written all over it. If you have children and grandchildren, you may want them to have roles in your ceremony. It is your day to celebrate the personalities, quirks and traditions that make your family unique.
As your vow renewal celebrant in Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland, I can guide you through.
How Much Does a Wedding or Vow Renwal Ceremony Cost?
A Personalised Ceremony
I would love to create a bespoke wedding or vow renewal ceremony with you. I will collaborate with you on each element and ensure you have a completely personalised experience. Having complete input and final say on the direction means you can both be at ease as you celebrate your love and declare your commitment.
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: Danielle and Rob Phelps PhotographyA Pre-scripted Ceremony
I understand there may be reasons why you want the convenience and flexibility of a celebrant led ceremony, without complete personalisation. Perhaps you have already eloped and want a short ceremony as part of a reception on your return? Perhaps you dislike the idea of a bespoke wedding or vow renewal ceremony, but are happy to hold a ceremony for your loved ones? If so, we can discussed a pre-scripted wedding or vow renewal ceremony.
This option would suit couples on a tight budget. If you hold a “two plus two” wedding at a Register Office, you can then be imaginative about where to hold the ceremony we have together. Not having to use a venue licensed to hold weddings, can open up lower cost options for you.
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.
Contact Kate to Discuss your Wedding or Vow Renewal
I would love to hear from you about your wedding or vow renewal ceremony. Message me and I will get back to you shortly.
Image: Caroline Opacic Photography