When Elizabeth started social distancing during the Covid-19 outbreak, she struggled with isolation.
She says: “I had primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and a liver transplant four years ago so I’m socially distancing with my son, but with no other family around me. People have been really generous and kind to me during this time.”
Elizabeth, who is also a certified celebrant, was so struck by the kindness shown to her that she decided she wanted to give something back.
She explains: “As a celebrant I can write and conduct bespoke ceremonies, namely weddings, renewal of vows and baby naming ceremonies.
“What I’m offering to do is to conduct online ceremonies for people who’d like to get their friends and family together while social distancing. I will not be taking any fees myself from this venture - all donations will go to the British Liver Trust. I get the pleasure of seeing you have a beautiful ceremony.”
A celebrant is someone who is trained to provide a custom-made ceremony that is unique to the people involved. Unlike a registrar, there is no legal limitation or restriction as to what you can include in the ceremony. It’s not a legally binding ceremony, so the venue doesn’t need a marriage licence.
Elizabeth says: “Having a ceremony online is the perfect solution to a horrible problem. Babies are still being born but their families can’t see them. People should have been married this year but have had to postpone their ceremonies. In a virtual world, we can still be together while social distancing.”
“You get a very real and personal ceremony, and a very memorable day at this horrible time in everyone’s lives.”
If you’d like to use Elizabeth’s services to celebrate your own special occasion with a unique (and socially distanced) ceremony, you can find out more at www.elizabeth-anne-celebrant.co.uk/ceremonies-fees/virtual-ceremonies-uk-charity-venture
For more fundraising ideas that you can do while social distancing, read our Together At Home guide.
