Mel Gordon
Independent Celebrant
Unique Bespoke Ceremonies
I am a creative, calm and caring event officiant who specializes in conducting family ceremonies for special milestone moments in your life. I will bring a unique and personal touch to each ceremony-whether it's a joyous celebration of love or life; a heartfelt welcoming of a new life, or name; or a solemn goodbye to a loved one. Any ceremony I create is bespoke and will not be used by anyone else; and I ensure that every moment is meaningful to you, and memorable. I love listening to your unique stories and I will work closely with you to create personalized ceremonies that reflect you, your values and wishes; allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the moment and create lasting memories. I am based near Salisbury, working in Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset, and I'm willing to travel.
Contact me for a no obligation chat: 07970 024922
Or email: hello@melgordoncelebrant.co.uk
ABOUT ME!
I was born and brought up in South Wiltshire and it is where I am now based. I live in a village with my husband, my daughter and our three dogs. It's pretty idyllic and I am very lucky!
After school, I attended the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to continue learning about my first love: acting and performance. On leaving Drama College I set about repaying debts and decided a stable job for a few years would enable me to do that. I went into teaching Drama in secondary schools and found that I also loved that! I love the creativity and optimism of teenagers and was constantly inspired by them. I enjoyed directing and producing the school plays and working with a wide variety of individuals. Every day was a school day for me as well as them!
I decided I would like to be a Celebrant after writing and delivering the eulogy at my Mum's funeral, and then the tribute at my best friend's celebration of life. I could sense the power of words and how they evoke memories and emotions, as well as soothe. How humour could be used and how well-chosen words can make a difficult day a little better for all. I quickly realised that as a Wedding Celebrant I could bring even more joy to an already joyous occasion, and that I could offer couples a wedding that was completely bespoke, and unique, to them and their love story. As a Celebrant I am not restricted as to the content of ceremonies that I offer and therefore it can be made perfect for you.
Ceremonies
Personalized
Meaningful
Unforgettable
Your wedding is your big day. The day when you share your love and intentions with your family and friends.
As your wedding celebrant, I will work closely with you to create the ceremony that you want, in a place that you choose, and at any time that suits you. The ceremony I create for you will be completely tailored around you and your unique love story. It can include music, readings, images, food, drink, games...or anything that you want! I can help you to write unique vows and, of course, your love is always central. You can involve your family and friends in a ring warming ritual, we could do handfasting, a sand or cocktail ceremony, to name but a few of the ways we can make your day absolutely unique. And we can do this anywhere you would like-on a beach, in a wood, on a mountain, in a hot air balloon....Whatever you choose, it will be MAGICAL!
Traditional wedding, or alternative wedding, I've got your back and will support you through the process. Let's celebrate!
Prices start at £700
Naming ceremonies are becoming much more popular than christenings. There can still be religious elements, if you choose, but there is a freedom to celebrate in a way that is right for you. Namings can be done at any age. We can include some rituals, readings and music and it could involve the choosing of godparents/oddparents/fairygodparents to involve family and friends.
Naming ceremonies can also be done if a person changes their name for any reason. This might be due to preference or a gender transition, when it is important to shout your identity to the world. Let's make it even more special with a ceremony to mark the occasion!
Whatever you choose, it is a time to celebrate.
Prices start at £300
I can craft a beautiful and memorable funeral ceremony, or celebration of life, to honour and remember your loved ones. As a funeral celebrant, I will meet with you to listen to your stories and wishes, and that will enable me to create a completely bespoke ceremony that reflects the character of your loved one and upholds their values. I will guide and support you leading up to the ceremony and on the day itself, ensuring the ceremony runs smoothly and ensuring you don't need to worry about it.
I can deliver the ceremony at a crematorium or burial ground, but I can also offer alternative funerals in a place of your choosing. With this type of funeral there are no restrictions in the venue, or length, of ceremony. It can take place at your home, a park, a pub, or anywhere that is special to you, and at a time of your choosing. This can be with or without the coffin being present, so is also suitable if you choose an unattended cremation.
If you choose an unattended cremation we can create a fitting and beautiful Memorial or Celebration of Life, This will enable you to honour your loved one, to gather family and friends and say your farewells in a fitting tribute. I am also available for interments.
Prices start at £250
Kind Words
What a beautiful celebration of P's life. I know that he would've loved it. You spoke like you knew him and I thank you for that.
Thank you for your help yesterday, you were amazing, a great ceremony!
Just a quick line to thank you for the beautiful ceremony yesterday, lots of our guests commented on the touching words you gave.
Mel's caring and compassionate approach made the funeral ceremony a true celebration of life.
Thanks for a lovely service. I will recommend you for your lovely kindness and warmth
You captured his antics so well in words.
I felt the eulogy captured my beautiful wife very much.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything yesterday. It was a beautiful service
We would like to thank you for conducting such a wonderful service yesterday. Every single person that attended said that they thought you were fantastic. You created the right atmosphere and brought us comfort with the dignity and compassion that you showed.
You handled the service with care and compassion and as if you had known us all your life - well done it was very much appreciated.
Thanks so much for the eulogy you put together- it's clear you have such a gift for this and I'm so grateful to you, it catches the essence of my Mum perfectly.
Calm and Creative
I am a calm and creative independent celebrant who is dedicated to creating unique and memorable ceremonies for all occasions.
Let me know your ceremony date and requirements. We can discuss the options and create something special together.
hello@melgordoncelebrant.co.uk
07970 024922