Dawn Vincent Celebrant

Picture your guests laughing at a story only your best friends knew. A few minutes later, someone reaching for a tissue. Everyone joining in, not just watching. That's the kind of ceremony I write.

I'm Dawn, a celebrant based in Great Ayton, writing and leading ceremonies across North Yorkshire, Teesside and the wider North East. I don't hand you a script with your names dropped in. We shape your ceremony together: you bring the story, the in-jokes and the traditions you love, and I bring the ideas, from rituals your guests can join in with to ways of honouring the people who can't be there. Keep what you love, rework what you're not sure about, and leave out anything that doesn't feel like you.

I create and lead weddings, vow renewals, naming and adoption ceremonies, and funerals and celebrations of life. Every one is written from scratch, and every one is led by someone who knows your story by the time the day arrives. A ceremony shouldn't be predictable. It should be unforgettable.

Why Choose Me? You'll feel known, not processed. I get to know you properly over several conversations before I write a word. You'll stay in control. You see every word before the day and can tweak it until it sounds like you. You'll relax on the day. With over 30 years of performing and public speaking behind me, I hold the room with calm confidence, so you don't have to. If anything goes off-plan, nobody will ever know. You'll have my full attention. I only take one wedding a day, and I reply to every enquiry within 24 hours.

After a long career in administration and management, where, let’s be honest, I spent more time colour-coding spreadsheets than creating joy, I found myself at a crossroads. When the chance came for voluntary redundancy, I took the leap. Scary at any age, but especially in your 50s! I knew there had to be more to life than office routines.

Having planned my own wedding (and loved every detail), I’d often wondered about becoming a wedding planner. It never quite fit, until I discovered the world of Celebrants. Everything just clicked. Now, I get to do what I love every day: creating ceremonies that matter.

I’ve spent many years speaking and performing in front of large audiences long before becoming a celebrant. As a public speaker and former singer in a Vintage Harmony trio, I’m deeply familiar with:

Standing up in front of a crowd Projecting the voice clearly and confidently Using pacing, tone, and pauses to hold attention Managing nerves and staying grounded Delivering words so they connect, not just fill time

That experience means I don’t just stand there and read from a script, I hold the room, interact with you and your guests and deliver a ceremony with confidence and presence.

I’m a multi-talented Celebrant working across Yorkshire and the North East known for my quirky and imaginative ceremonies. People love my warmth, humour and knack for creating ceremonies that match their vibe and personality. Whether you're planning a wedding, vow renewal, naming ceremony or making another significant life event I can help you create a ceremony that is completely unique to you.

I am a member of the International College of Professional Celebrants.