Hello! I am Louise Bates, and I am a Civil Celebrant.

My promise to you is this:

I will deliver beautiful ceremonies, give exceptional value, and exceed expectations in creating warm and memorable experiences for my families, my couples and their guests.

Weddings

Congratulations on finding each other and deciding to get married! I would love to help you celebrate and honour your special day. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Allow me to create a unique ceremony that reflects your wishes and that truly reflects the love story that brings you together as a couple.

You may wish to include religious or non-religious readings, music or poems. You may want additional traditional options, such as a hand-fasting ceremony or a unity candle or even a themed ceremony. You choose.

Couples usually register their marriage quietly at a register office, then have their bespoke celebrant-led ceremony of their own design that truly reflects their love for each other. Choose your venue – this can be held indoors, outdoors, on a mountain top or a windswept beach. You just need the landowner’s permission.

If you would prefer a commitment ceremony or a vow renewal, I would be honoured to compose that for you.

I was an Army Officer for most of my working life, have been a teacher of modern languages, and worked in public relations and marketing. I am no stranger to addressing audiences, delivering speeches and I have a lifetime of experience working with people. I am based in Hampshire and prepared to travel to support you in getting ready for your special event.

Travel costs outside Hampshire are to be negotiated at the point of booking.

Funerals

Allow me to create a personalised, memorable, final farewell for your loved one.

It is a time to reflect on your loved one’s journey, honouring their life, relationships, achievements and beliefs, whatever they may be.

Some ceremonies are formal and reflective, but if you want a celebratory atmosphere, then you may have it. Dancing out of the crematorium to your loved one’s favourite song is allowed! You decide what you want, or work to your loved one’s wishes, and we will create a fitting tribute together.

I am not a Humanist celebrant, but am happy to conduct spiritual, religious and non-religious ceremonies alike. You are in charge of the content and tone of this important event.

Baby Naming Ceremonies, New Identities, Gender Affirmations

Cultures have varying ways of marking the naming of a child; some are religious and welcome the child into a church, but this doesn’t suit everyone. You can recognise and celebrate the arrival of a child and welcome them into your family and circle of friends. Parents and Guardians can nominate friends and relatives to act as Guide Parents. The ceremony often forms the focus for a family celebration.

A ceremony can be crafted to welcome an adopted child or to celebrate step families coming together, or to celebrate a new identity or gender affirmation.

As your Celebrant I am happy to create a ceremony with or without religious or spiritual words – it’s entirely up to you.

I am trained and accredited by, and a member of, the International College of Professional Celebrants, and am insured.

I hold the Level 3 Certificate in Professional Celebrancy in the UK from the National Open College Network.

I abide by the ICPC Code of Conduct.