Rites and Roots Ceremonies by Alex Clare

Epic Love Stories Told Well Alex Clare (she/her) is a celebrant, storyteller, and founder of Rites and Roots Ceremonies, creating wedding celebration ceremonies that feel less like a script and more like a story worth gathering around for. Known for her warm, inclusive approach and unmistakable campfire-bard energy, Alex crafts ceremonies filled with heart, humour, meaning, and those perfectly timed moments that leave guests laughing one minute and reaching for tissues the next. Her belief is simple: a wedding ceremony shouldn't feel like a formality sandwiched between the photographs and the party. It should be the beating heart of the day. Whether beneath woodland trees, on a windswept clifftop, in a flower-filled meadow, a candlelit barn, a grand hall, or a family garden, Alex helps couples create a ceremony that feels authentically theirs; rooted in their story, their values, and the life they're building together. Because every couple has a story. And every great story deserves to be told well. Storytelling at the Heart of Every Ceremony Before becoming an independent celebrant, Alex worked as a registrar, giving her a solid understanding of ceremony structure, logistics, and all the little details that help a wedding day unfold seamlessly. But it is storytelling that truly lies at the heart of her work. She loves uncovering the stories behind the relationships she celebrates: the chance encounters, the friendships that became something more, the adventures, the mishaps, the moments that changed everything, and the quiet acts of love that often say the most. Every ceremony is written from scratch and tailored entirely to the couple in front of her. Rather than simply recounting events, Alex weaves together memories, observations, family stories, shared values, and personal promises to create a ceremony that feels thoughtful, engaging, and unmistakably personal. A little poetic licence? Absolutely. After all, every great love story deserves to be told beautifully. Inclusive, Welcoming, and Entirely Personal Alex proudly creates ceremonies for couples of all cultures, backgrounds, faiths, identities, and family structures. LGBTQ+ couples are warmly welcomed and celebrated. Religious elements, non-religious ceremonies, folklore-inspired rituals, family traditions, symbolism, handfasting, unity rituals, cultural traditions, or something completely bespoke—if it matters to a couple, Alex will help find a way to weave it into their story. And for couples wishing to include Welsh language within their ceremony, Alex is also a Welsh learner ( Dw i'n dysgu Cymraeg ) and is always happy to incorporate Welsh words, readings, blessings, or cultural touches where meaningful. What Couples Can Expect From the moment a couple books until the moment they walk back down the aisle together, Alex provides guidance, support, reassurance, and plenty of encouragement. Every package includes: ✨ A bespoke ceremony written entirely from scratch ✨ Support with writing personal vows ✨ Collaborative planning meetings online and in person ✨ Necessary liaison with venues, photographers, and suppliers ✨ A commemorative certificate and keepsake ceremony script ✨ Calm support for nerves, last-minute changes, forgotten buttonholes, and whatever unexpected surprises the day may bring Alex arrives at least an hour before every ceremony and only accepts one wedding booking per day. That means no rushing between venues, no divided attention, and no clock-watching — just plenty of time to settle in, support the couple, and help create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere before the ceremony begins. The Rites and Roots Vibe Think: Campfire bard. Storyteller with a microphone. Keeper of meaningful moments. Professional celebrator of wonderfully human love stories. Rituals with heart. Words with bite. Folklore, laughter, symbolism, and sincerity. Alt-glam energy always welcome. A touch of mischief actively encouraged. Tradition entirely optional. Alex has worked with couples from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and specialises in creating ceremonies that guests remember long after the wedding day itself. The kind that gives goosebumps. The kind that sparks belly laughs. The kind that honours culture and heritage. The kind that leaves people saying: "That was so completely them." Professional Memberships Alex is a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC) and holds: Full Public Liability Insurance Professional Indemnity Insurance A current DBS certificate Providing couples with complete peace of mind alongside all the storytelling magic.