Hi, I’m Paul Bytheway, and my celebrant company is called Stand By Me Ceremonies.

I love getting to know couples’ and their back stories to how they met, it’s one the best parts about being a celebrant! The process of writing a script for a ceremony can be so creative and I really love to include symbolic actions such as hand fasting and sand blending.

I often get asked why I became a celebrant. I guess there are a few factors, including turning 40 and starting a family. I was a high school Geography teacher for 10 years, since then, I’ve toured the world as a professional musician, and now I’m a trained couples celebrant too. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster!

I’d love to chat with you about the vision for your ceremony, so we can start to get creative!

What's my ceremony style?

I like to think the ceremonies I deliver have a really modern feel, with a good balance of sentiment, engaging stories and a little bit of humour. However, I tend to mirror the vibe of the couples I’m working with.

Being a former high school teacher and band frontman, my delivery style is unique. People describe me as a laid back introvert who happens to be in a position you’d find an extrovert! Make of that what you will!

My aim is always to design a ceremony that you and your guests are going to love. I don't have any hidden fees for the type of ceremony we design together, just the cost of say a handfasting cord if you wanted it as a keepsake. The initial meeting we have to discuss your vision is so exciting and really allows us to be creative for your special day.

I'm really open minded about ideas for your ceremony as well as the location you might like to have it. I'm also very easy going about including religious readings if that's your thing, as well as incorporating themes and ideas from different cultures. I'm open minded and relaxed about same sex marriages and any other partnerships. As long as the couple love each other and are looking forward to getting married, I'm in!!

So, if you’re looking for a modern, open minded, young (ish) celebrant, then get in touch! I'd love to hear from you!