Avril Hawthorne, Life Celebrant

Home
Avril Hawthorne, Life Celebrant

I am a wedding celebrant, accredited by Humanists UK, providing non-religious, legal ceremonies in Northern Ireland.
(4)

As a humanist celebrant living close to Belfast and available to travel across Northern Ireland, I offer bespoke, legal wedding ceremonies for all couples.

30/07/2024

Just pondering life in London Town with this dude for a few days.

It’s boiling and busy, but we are making the most of it! 🏰🌆🛶🍜

26/07/2024

Let’s talk reviews.

Nobody likes a bragger - but as a small business they make a big difference. They help people make a choice, and also help with traction online - so if you have a minute I’d be eternally grateful!

I’ve added the link to my bio, and I’ll put it on my story too.

24/07/2024

I don’t often post about my funerals, but today’s will stay with me. P made such a positive impact on so many people’s lives, mine included.

Especially this song, I’d never listened to ELO before, and they’re now going to feature highly on my 2024 Spotify Wrapped 😂

Neil Diamond, Louis Armstrong and John Denver also all new additions in recent weeks that I’m not annoyed about.

I love tying in people’s music tastes with their stories and I can see the emotion it releases for their families.

It’s such a privilege to be trusted with a loved one’s story, and I will never take it for granted 🩷

20/07/2024

2024 vs 1988 - sure you’d hardly know the difference!

First time back at Magheramourne Estate since I was a bridesmaid as a wean - and it’s still just as beautiful!

Profesh photos of the gorgeousness that was today when I get them!

I’m buzzing and full of love after that one. A memorised poem from the flower girl and a personally written one from a bridesmaid.

Humanist weddings - sure ya couldn’t bate them with a big stick!

16/06/2024

💒 Mr and Mrs Uchida 💒

John and Denise were an absolute delight from our very first email exchange.

Their dream was to travel four and a half thousand miles from Denver to say their ‘I do’s’ in the and it was absolutely beautiful.

I knew this would be an emotional one, the love they have for each other - which has grown over the past seventeen years - is so pure and so deep, that they could have read the phone book to one another and I’d have been in bits.

Of course, it was much better than that and their personal vows were just as gorgeous as they are.

Lovely to see the talented Mr behind the camera along with Sam, and to see Ainsley again from the Culloden team (last time I saw her she was a bridesmaid at another of my weddings! 🥰😍).

10/06/2024

🌟 Happy Post (literally!) 🌟

I probably shouldn’t admit this - but for a long time I was petrified of post, and envelopes. Something about the unknown, the unexpected and no clue what was inside. Usually a credit card bill.

But since being in the role of a celebrant, it’s become thank you cards, and gorgeous portraits of weddings and thoughtful words of gratitude for a service for loved ones.

There’s still the odd unwanted letter (like speeding fines….say no more!) - but the love and gratitude outweighs those x 1,000,000,000.

Soppy post done for the year 🫡 Y’all know who you are, you thoughtful b*stards ❤️❤️

22/05/2024

☀️ Aoife and Graham ☀️

An absolute wonder day, in every sense. Here I am captured, looking like a proud aunty, by the very chill and very lovely Conor from

We had a piper play Aoife down the aisle, gorgeous readings from their mums and a nod to both their hometowns with a sand blending ceremony.

We took a trip down memory lane to 2012 when they met, and had laughs and ‘awwww’s’ along the way.

Thanks to the lovely for looking after me, and keeping me right!

Shout out to too - was great to meet you and actually really comforting to see friendly faces at the back during the ceremony - helps the auld nerves (yup, still get them!) 🦋

25/04/2024

*LOOKING FOR REVIEWS!* There are two sides to this celebranting malarkey. The side you all see on here where I put my best foot forward and deliver the best service for you and your loved ones.

On the other side is the admin, the self-promotion, and all that stuff that I’m a little bit wonky at…

So this is my long-winded way of asking for a review please! Even if you’ve been a guest (mention that!), it would really help the algorithm ✨

Link in my bio 👀 and story. If it doesn’t work - let me know, I told ya - I’m wonky at this side of things!!

04/04/2024

💞Emma and Danielle 💞

These girls were the first couple to book me way back in 2022 after meeting at a wedding fayre.

So, for two years I’ve gotten to know them and their love story. We only met a couple of times, but from being friends on here I’ve watched them prepare for their big day, and celebrate the milestones leading up to it.

It’s so lovely when you finally get to the wedding day and you feel like you really know the couple. Danielle was a bag of nerves, which we tried to get on top of (unsuccessfully). Emma glided down the aisle - coolness personified, and we had a lovely ceremony with lots of laughs and the odd tear.

I loved every moment of the planning and the ceremony with this couple - and even when it was happening I was already sad that it would soon all be over!

They had the best line up of suppliers too, the girls have great taste - what can I say!

Photograph courtesy of and my obligatory terrible selfie. Music was by and their gorgeous venue was Looking forward to the video from and I’m more determined than ever to keep saving so that I can one day visit after drooling over Danielle’s suit!

Keep smiling you two , - you deserve all the happiness in the world ❤️

24/03/2024

❤️ Emma & Danielle ❤️

I might not have won anything on the scratch card you bought me and but I definitely won the celebrant jackpot when I bagged you two as a couple!

It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you, Henry, George, all the David’s, your mum’s and your friends - yesterday was definitely a massive highlight for me.

So excited for you both starting off married life together - just keep having fun and adventures ❤️❤️❤️❤️

17/01/2024

5. Love Me When I’m Old - I chose this one, which was read at and Brian’s on a windy day for the memory seared in my brain of the range of emotions their daughter went through during each new verse 😂 Completely unintentional, but hilarious!

4. Etta James, At Last - this was the first song at my very first wedding in May 2022, and I absolutely love it. Always been a fan of the song but in this context, it was just extra special.

3. Love is a friendship caught fire was chosen by and Iain, and it has resonated with me ever since; and I now sometimes incorporate into love stories when it feels right. So many amazing marriages are built on firm friendships, and this just encapsulates that for me.

2. When I started off in this role I remember saying to a friend ‘aye, I won’t be sucked in by all that Captain Morelli’s Mandolin romantic stuff’ and, replied ‘that’s an oldie but a goodie’ and you know what - she was right, as usual.

1. This line from the song I do this all the time, has been in all of my weddings, and will be forever more. Next time you’re at one, see if you can spot it!

16/01/2024

PART 1

This was planned and written before my gorgeous gift last night - so they might change soon!

10. Metallica lyrics - and Keith had us all unintentionally humming along to this one on a gorgeous day in May - it’s lived rent free in my head ever since.

9. Maybe. First time I heard this it was such an emotional and emotional moment with and - we were at and myself and Shirley may also have shed a tear or two 😢

8. I picked up a book on my way back from my funeral training and I’ve been hooked ever since. This one is just perfection to me for a wedding and I never tire of it.

7. Mr Seamus Heaney! I like a couple of his for weddings and funerals, but this was the first one I heard - and it was fittingly at a wedding in the heart of his homeland. Check out their Book Festival this May!

6. You are the Bubbles….a funny uplifting one from December that I just loved!

Part 2 tomorrow evening!

15/01/2024

The MOST beautiful and thoughtful gift from Anne Davidson - thank you for these, and for always being there for all of us over the years - from picking us up (literally) as teenagers to cheering as on as (supposed) adults.

You’re an absolute star….(and your daughter turned out not too bad either!) ❤️

13/01/2024

It’s me, hi, I’m the problem it’s me…

This weekend has been for fun with the niece and nephew and good food with friends! Slide one and two show me getting stuck behind the bed during hide and seek. Properly claustrophobic and what did the fam do…..yup, keep me there and take pictures 😭😂

10/01/2024

Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pics and letting me share you and Matty’s day. And for having me! 🖤🤍

Read more about their day on my blog - link in my stories!

📸
📹
💒
🎧

07/01/2024

S W I P E ➡️

Thank you for the side profile of me being SUPER professional 😉

ceremonies

02/01/2024

A beautiful portrait of one of my favourite poets gifted to me for Christmas - looking to him for inspiration as I head back in to the writing cave (aka, my Oodie in the corner of my sofa!).

05/12/2023

I have the nicest work peeps!

Came in to find this on my desk, after being gifted panto tickets as well through a scheme at QUB.

If whoever left this follows me on here - reveal yourself!

04/11/2023

🍂 One week of Mr & Mrs 🍂

Hope you’re shhhhhhhhhipping champagne somewhere special 😘 🥂

03/11/2023

Donegal days… ❤️🌈

28/10/2023

😳 Selfie Scunderation 😳

After 50 odd weddings for me, has the honour of being the first photographer that I’ve met for a second time…and so it’s my FIRST vendor selfie 🙈

I don’t look this in real life, I pull a weird selfie face. Vicki claims she has one - which I can actually attest to as I took multiple takes and she looks the same in every one 😂

Today was absolute vibes. But then, isn’t every day in this job 🥰

17/10/2023

🪢 Handfasting 🪢

If you’re worried it’ll go wrong, fear (k)not, as the results are hilarious.

14/10/2023

💚 Dunluce at dusk 💚

The red eye this morning was worth it to hitch this gorgeous pair yesterday evening.

It somehow stayed dry, although the wind made itself known. This ceremony was built on humanist values of respect for each other, the world around us and their many, many animals (present and future!).

As celebrants you will hear us say the word ‘privilege’ time and again in our posts; because that’s what this job is. Strangers let you into their safest space and trust you with their story and dreams for their most special day.

Friday the 13th tried its best to mess with them, but I hope they got just what they wanted ❤️

I managed to get this shot on my phone - I can’t wait to see what captured for them 📸

16/09/2023

🍂 Rebekah and Matthew 🍂

One whole week since they said ‘I do’ under a canopy of trees at the gorgeous Palace Ruins

A gorgeous day, with every last detail taken care of by the funniest and loveliest of couples. Tears flowed from beginning to end!

Thank you for having me and Matthew, aka Matty, aka Granda Jim, aka White Shirt Boy 😘😘

26/08/2023

⭐️ Research ⭐️

I’ve a script to write this weekend.

M & A told me this is their favourite film and inspired their engagement plans.

So I’m partaking in some productive-procrastination and watching it in the interests of research….

24/08/2023

💕 Pure Joy 💕

And one heck of a party, to celebrate the love and marriage of Michelle and Brian.

From the moment we met at L***y Beg to plan this one, I knew it would be emotional. Their three kids were all a part of the wedding party and watched on in awe of the love between their mam and dad. It was very sweet.

It was also hilarious watching their youngest listen to this rollercoaster of a poem:

Love Me When I’m Old by Bee Rawlinson

Love me when I’m old and shocking
Peel off my elastic stockings
Swing me from the chandeliers
Let’s be randy bad old dears.

Push around my chromed Bath Chair
Let me tease your white chest hair
Scaring children, swapping dentures
Let us have some great adventures

Take me to the Dogs and Bingo
Teach me how to speak the lingo
Bone my eels and bring me tea
Show me how it’s meant to be

Take me to your special places
Watching all the puzzled faces
You in shorts and socks and sandals
Me with warts and huge love-handles

As the need for love enthralls
Wrestle with my damp proof smalls
Make me laugh without constraint
Buy me chocolate body paint

Hold me safe throughout the night
When my hair has turned to white
Believe me when I say it’s true
I’ve waited all my life for you

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

I thoroughly enjoyed my small part, and loved seeing the pictures of how the rest of the day/weekend unfolded ❤️

Happy forever after you two 😘😘

21/08/2023

📍Class Craic.
This is by far the thing that people tell me the most after we have finished a ceremony. Family and friends will have enjoyed a ceremony that is relaxed, cracks a few jokes, includes the guests and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

📍All about the couple.

The whole ceremony is focussed on the couple – who they are, how they met and stories from their relationship. It only includes things that they want and it sets the tone for the rest of their day. Readings can be included that are poems, quotes from favourite movies or song lyrics. It really is a chance to live by the latest saying ‘you do you!’.

📍Having the freedom to marry anywhere.

This one is pretty cool….whether it’s a local bar or golf club that aren’t licensed for marriages, a popular wedding venue, or a wee corner of a beach; as long as we have permission from the owner – the world (of Northern Ireland) is our lobster.

📍Legal.
Humanist UK celebrants are registered to officiate legal weddings – and we can also accommodate and guide couples looking at Ireland for elopements. This part of getting married can be a little complicated; there are a few options – religious, spiritual and a council registrar – reach out to us and we can explain the similarities and differences.

07/08/2023

Stress free Sten!

06/08/2023

Belfast.

I really do love this city.

A Sunday morning cycle has me in a reflective mood.

All of my favourite memories revolve around places I worked in Belfast, places we partied and places we avoided.

Some of my favourite bars have been changed or moved on (Katy’s and Auntie Annie’s in particular), but some have endured - especially the Duke of York (back when I was 16 it was nowhere near as cool though….).

I love the history that Belfast has, and the scars that it bears. I love that some of these are healing. I hate that some are still red raw, and there are people who want to keep it that way. I hate that it’s in the grip of some horrible drugs at the minute, the impact of which is especially visceral on a Sunday morning.

I love that most people are sound. I’ve just been cheered up the Antrim Road by a lady on her way back from the shops (I needed that yeeeeeeoooo).

I love that half of belfast on a Sunday morning is bewildered tourists coming off the newly arrived cruise ships and St George’s Market coming to life.

I know I cheated on you, Belfast, when I moved to Glasgow for a few years. When you think about it though, the only reason I liked Glasgow was because it reminded me so much of you. And I came home practically every other weekend…

Belfast, you have your flaws - but don’t we all. It’s what makes us unique.

Now I’ve got that off my chest, I better stop chatting sh*te and write some ceremonies.

September couples, I’ll be right with you.

04/08/2023

This is an unreal transformation of our local Bowling Club!

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 21:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 21:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 21:00
Thursday	08:00 - 21:00
Friday	08:00 - 21:00
Saturday	08:00 - 21:00
Sunday	08:00 - 21:00

Website

http://www.avrilhawthorne.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Avril Hawthorne, Life Celebrant posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Avril Hawthorne, Life Celebrant:

Videos

New website LIVE! Sharing is caring folks ❤️❤️ I’d love to be hooked up with as many potential couples as possible - so please feel free to share my wee bake far and wide… #niweddings #humanistwedding #celebrant #nonreligious #elopmentwedding #funerals #memorials

Shortcuts

Address
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Event Planning Service?

Country:

City: