YOUR CEREMONY
The Study , Oakwood House
MEET THE REGISTRAR
MARCIA PEASE , SESSIONAL CELEBRANT AND REGISTRAR , MID KENT REGISTRATION DISTRICT
WHERE ARE YOU A REGISTRAR , AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE FOR ? I ’ ve worked for Kent County Council for 27 years and been a registrar for over 8 years . I am based in Maidstone at our newly refurbished register office Oakwood House . This year I hope to complete my 1,000th ceremony .
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE As registrar and celebrant I cover all types of ceremony including marriages , civil partnerships , renewal of vows and citizenship . As a team we are responsible for the legal paperwork as well as delivering a Kentish Ceremony . I also act as a ‘ buddy ’ for new colleagues .
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A REGISTRAR ? This may sound odd but one day many years ago I was driving through Maidstone behind a bus with an advertisement on the back for marriage registrars and I thought ‘ what a brilliant job ’. It is probably one of the best decisions I ’ ve made as being a registrar is joyous .
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB ? Taking part in a couple ’ s special day , meeting new people and working with my fantastic colleagues in Maidstone and throughout Kent are all reasons why I enjoy this job so much . The best moment in a ceremony for me is the moment the couple ’ s eyes meet as they approach each other down the aisle , it ’ s magical .
ARE THERE ANY WEDDINGS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE TO YOU ? I have been lucky enough to have friends , family and colleagues request me as a celebrant at their ceremonies which is always a privilege . I truly enjoy all ceremonies and visit amazing venues throughout Kent .
Each ceremony is different , some jolly , some poignant , some themed , some small and intimate and others with over 150 guests .
I remember when a footbridge collapsed on the M20 in 2016 , and the bride was stuck on the other side . My colleague and I were happy to wait and the ceremony eventually took place a couple of hours later . Another ceremony that stands out was held at a castle the day before the country went into lockdown in 2020 . It was a late afternoon ceremony and following guidelines the guests couldn ’ t attend , it was just my colleague and I , two venue staff , the couple , one set of parents as witnesses and a photographer . The couple had the most amazing outfits and were understandably upset but stoic . We delivered a heartfelt ceremony for the couple and then we all left the venue , not knowing how long the lockdown would be and the impact it would have on us all .
IF YOU COULD OFFER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO COUPLES GETTING MARRIED , WHAT WOULD IT BE ? My advice to couples would be just relax , be guided by the registrars , let us support , guide and help you , just enjoy your special day . I hope to meet some of you very soon .
46 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | SUMMER 2023