YOUR CEREMONY
MEET THE REGISTRAR
KAREN HARLEY-COOKE , CEREMONIES OFFICER , DARTFORD
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE ?
I initially started registering marriages seven years ago , progressing to become a celebrant the following year . Shortly after , a vacancy arose to additionally work in the register office where I am now full-time . Daily duties include booking ceremonies , taking notices of marriage for both home and abroad and advising couples of the necessary requirements in order to marry .
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB ?
My favourite part of the job is when I am involved with a couple right through from the very first phone call to walking out of the ceremony having married them . You build up such a relationship with the couple and to witness their joy as you pronounce them married is such an honour and privilege .
ARE THERE ANY WEDDINGS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE TO YOU ?
Every wedding is unique and special in its own way ; however there is one particularly memorable ceremony : Ollie the owl was a regular feature at one of our venues , being booked to fly in the wedding rings . One particular day , Ollie decided to fly up to the roof beams with the rings and observe everybody mockingly from above ! Having had his ten minutes of rebellion , he was eventually tempted down with meat by his handler and the wedding continued !
IF YOU COULD OFFER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO COUPLES WHAT WOULD IT BE ?
It would be to “ go with the flow ” on your wedding day . Some things , such as the weather , are outside of your control so don ’ t let anything spoil your day . If something doesn ’ t go exactly according to plan , embrace it as part of the special memory of your day ; for this is the day that you will remember and relive for the rest of your lives .
56 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | WINTER 2022