Vine Hotels launch holistic celebrant wedding service

Sheffield-based Vine Hotels has united with Nicky Oates, a South Yorkshire holistic celebrant, to offer exclusive humanist and non-denominational services for wedding events taking place at four of its local venues.

The Mosborough Hall Hotel, Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa, The Old Rectory and Whirlow Brook Hall are working with Nicky to offer clients the new option of a holistic celebrant - someone to create and host a uniquely personal wedding day or engagement party service. The venues are reacting to a growing demand for non-religious services in the region and aim to give customers more autonomy over how to mark their special day.

Nicky Oates is thrilled to be working with Vine Hotels in bringing uplifting celebrant service ideas to more people from the area. Talking of her new partnership with the hotel group, she said: “Often wedding couples that do not follow a designated religion want some kind of ritual in their event ceremony to help demonstrate and celebrate love or commitment. Yet, because they are not tied to a particular faith, there is little choice in how to achieve this. Without the religious elements, a service can sometimes feel a bit impersonal too. That’s where I come in. I create a bespoke service that is a focal element to the event and individual to my clients.

“I will work alongside the couple in designing the format of the occasion and helping them to write what they want to say at the event, or if they prefer, I write something for them. I also offer a range of historic rituals that can be a part of the day. They recognise the importance of person’s love and commitment to one another.

“Some examples of a humanist elements in a wedding, might include unity rituals such as the warming or blessing of the rings. This is where the rings are passed around the guests before they are exchanged. Each person will bless them in their own way – whether that is simply holding them (warming), projecting positive energy, or saying a prayer, poem, or blessing.

“Another popular choice is handfasting, binding the hands together. Sometimes this will include guests who will step forward with a coloured ribbon and tie it around the couple’s hands. Each coloured ribbon bringing a specific meaning. It’s a ritual that dates back many hundreds of years and is usually accompanied by singing or poetry.

“Colour is often used too – there is a custom that involves coloured sands poured by friends and family in layers into a vessel of the couple’s choice, which is then kept for prosperity. It is a visually beautiful representation of the complexity of love and friendship.

“My ceremonies are always uplifting and unique to the couple. A joyous multisensory experience, with the lighting of candles, burning essential or aromatherapy oils, singing, poetry and art. They are all often brought into the day.”

Richard Beck from Vine Hotels said: “Bringing Nicky on board allows us to offer our wedding guests an exciting opportunity and as far as I’m aware, there are no other local partnerships offering a similar holistic based service. It’s a unique chance for guests to create an event that really does reflect their individual personalities and sense of occasion.

“Whilst celebrants can’t yet legally marry couples, Nicky can also advise couples on making the legal arrangements.  Her services work well where a religious service isn’t appropriate for the couple, or for a vow exchange when the couple have married abroad. The beauty of this is that Nicky can create a service that works in all settings, for all guests and that brings the flexibility and individuality that will make this popular.”

Holistic wedding celebrant services at Mosborough Hall Hotel, Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa, The Old Rectory and Whirlow Brook Hall are available from £600. For details, visit www.mosboroughhall.co.uk, www.kenwoodhall.co.uk, https://theoldrectoryhandsworth.co.uk and https://whirlowbrook.co.uk