How to choose a celebrant for your vegan wedding in Cornwall
- Lisa Flahant
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 17
If you’re planning a wedding, it’s quite likely that you want your day to reflect your personality and who you are. And if you're planning a vegan wedding in Cornwall, this might mean you are looking for a celebrant who resonates with your eco-conscious lifestyle.
At Celebrant in Cornwall, lead celebrant Lisa is an ethical vegan, ready to guide you through this meaningful journey. (But also to say, that doesn’t mean she only works with vegan couples; her kind, compassionate and eco-friendly approach is usually welcomed by everyone!) Read on to find out more!
The Importance of Shared Values
Choosing a vegan celebrant means much more than just aligning with dietary preferences. Being vegan is about compassion for all living beings and a commitment to sustainability. So it's an opportunity to work with someone who inherently understands your lifestyle choices. Shared values can foster a deeper connection, leading to a ceremony that genuinely reflects your love and commitment. So rather than a registrar or celebrant arriving in their gas-guzzling Mercedes Benz, rocking up in their leather shoes or jacket, having just wolfed down a bacon sarnie, you’ll know that the person standing at the end of the aisle is fully on board with your beliefs.
Which means you won't find practices like releasing butterflies or using birds of prey to deliver wedding rings at our ceremonies. We try to conduct as many meetings as possible online to cut down on unnecessary travel. We very rarely work outside Cornwall, preferring to keep our mileage down, and in recognition there are other celebrants who could fulfil the role. We don't travel by air, so we don't offer destination weddings. We use soya-based inks and recycled paper for any printing and we recycle extensively. And if we offer gifts, they will be vegan! We’d never deliver a wedding in a zoo or a racecourse or a hunting lodge, and if you’re planning on roasting a pig on a spit while the ceremony is ongoing, we’re probably not the celebrants for you. Authenticity is key, and Lisa works hard to ensure her business reflects her values. We're not perfect, but we do our best to tread lightly on this planet of ours.
Eco-Friendly Suggestions for Your Wedding
Unsurprisingly, vegan celebrants will often prioritise eco-friendly practices, which are crucial for couples committed to sustainability. By choosing a celebrant who values the environment, you are helping to ensure your wedding is as green as possible. Here are some eco-friendly ideas that go beyond your food and drink choices:
Biodegradable décor: Opt for reusable décor items that you can repurpose or donate after the wedding, such as fabric bunting, potted plants or items you can repurpose in your home after the wedding.
Digital invitations: Reduce paper waste by going digital, or at least choose ecoprint options, which are fully recyclable, or even plantable invitations embedded with seeds, which guests can later plant to grow flowers.
Locally grown flowers: reduce your carbon footprint by choosing low-impact flowers that are in season and avoid florists who use floral foam, or oasis, which doesn't break down.
Say no to single-use plastic – opt for real plates, glasses, or compostable items.
Pre-loved attire – consider going vintage, or perhaps hiring in, or look for designers that use environmentally friendly fabrics and ethical production methods.
Ethical conflict-free rings and jewellery – consider factory-made gems or second-hand alternatives rather than those that might have been mined in exploitative conditions. We can recommend some amazing engagement ring specialists!
Skip the fireworks and smoke bombs – they are terrible for the environment in so many ways, and you are literally burning through your wedding budget!
Make your own wedding favours – from growing plants to homemade candles or cookies, we’ve seen some wonderful examples of truly thoughtful and low-impact gifts.
Greener transport – in a county like Cornwall where public transport is pretty awful, consider shuttle buses to transport guests around if needed or host the ceremony and reception at the same venue to minimise transportation needs.
Eco-friendly venues: Choose locations known for their sustainable practices on a regular basis, not just on your wedding day. (There are far too many venues banding about their supposed eco-credentials when, sadly, they have very few.)
Vegan suppliers: We know MUAs, photographers, chefs, wedding planners, and many more ethical suppliers who share your values, and we’re happy to share our intel and guide you in making decisions that will minimise your wedding's environmental impact.
Familiarity with Vegan Weddings
Experience matters, especially when planning a vegan wedding. At Celebrant in Cornwall, we've officiated numerous vegan ceremonies, providing us with insights to help you navigate the planning process smoothly. From Jake and Kathy who went full DIY wedding at Cotna Eco Retreat, to Nathalie and Ben who tied the knot at Cornwall's only fully vegan wedding venue, Mount Pleasant Eco Park. Lovely Maya and Nicholas made some wonderful choices for their elopement to Cornish Tipis, as did Meg and Tom who celebrated with friends and family just over the border from us, at The Barn at South Milton. And vegan food blogger Madeleine Olivia chose us for her glamorous wedding to Alex at Boconnion, as did Hannah and Christian who held their wedding at the charming Potager Garden. And currently Josh and Julie are planning the most incredible vegan wedding at The Green, and we have another couple who have just booked us for a vegan wedding at Mount Pleasant Eco Park in 2027!
So with multiple vegan weddings under our belts, whether you're looking for vegan-friendly venues or suppliers, our expertise can help reduce stress during this busy time.
Supporting Vegan Businesses
Selecting a vegan celebrant also means supporting businesses that align with your ethics. Many vegan celebrants, like ourselves, are small business owners committed to living a compassionate lifestyle. By choosing them, you contribute to a community dedicated to ethical practices, encouraging sustainable methods within the wedding industry. Your choice can create a ripple effect, making a real difference.
Our journey with vegan weddings has been so rewarding and insightful. We've seen firsthand how aligning your ceremony with your values can enhance the joy of planning your special day. If you're ready to embark on this path, Lisa at Celebrant in Cornwall is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll craft a ceremony that not only celebrates your love but also echoes your commitment to a more compassionate lifestyle.
