This month it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Dee Carter (She/Her), Wedding Celebrant based in West Sussex. Dee was such an inspiring student, and I loved her approach to inclusivity and focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. She’s determined to make weddings more inclusive and accessible and I have no doubt she’ll have a big impact. She’s easy to talk to and brings so much to this work that will ensure those who work with her feel seen and heard.
1. What made you think about becoming a celebrant?
Dee Carter, Celebrant
I’ve wanted to become a celebrant for many, many years. It really comes down to the fact that I absolutely love love. I’m drawn to weddings – the joy, the energy, the connection between people – it’s something I find incredibly moving. Whenever there’s a wedding, I can’t help but stop and watch; I want to soak it all in and immerse myself in the magic of the moment.
But it’s not just weddings. I also deeply value the role of a celebrant in funerals. There’s something profoundly meaningful about people coming together to honour a life – to share stories, to grieve, and to celebrate the person they loved. I find that really beautiful and important.
So, becoming a celebrant just made perfect sense to me. It’s a way to be part of some of the most significant and emotional moments in people’s lives – and to help shape those moments with care, sincerity, and love.
2. You took our Wedding and Vow Renewal celebrant training – what did you most enjoy about the training?
Dee Carter, Celebrant
What I most enjoyed about the training was the strong sense that I was doing something deeply meaningful for my pathway – for my future, and the work I truly want to do in life. It felt like I was stepping into something that aligned with who I am and where I’m heading.
In terms of the training itself, I especially loved working with Dinah. She brought such encouragement and support to the process. She was genuinely positive about my writing skills and really affirmed my potential as a celebrant. That gave me so much confidence – not just to write, but to embrace the role fully.
Another highlight was how much I learned – more than I expected. Not because I thought I knew it all (definitely not!), but I gained insights I hadn’t even considered before. It really opened my eyes and expanded my understanding.
And something else that really stood out was how inclusive the training was. That matters to me deeply. My approach to life and celebrancy is rooted in inclusivity – making sure the service I offer honours each person’s needs and identities, including neurodiversity and the LGBTQIA+ community. The training truly reflected that, and it meant a lot.
3. What most surprised you as you learned about the role?
Dee Carter, Celebrant
What surprised me most as I learned about the role of a celebrant was just how much depth there is to it. I think I had an idea that it would be meaningful and creative – which it absolutely is – but I hadn’t realised just how much thought, care, and responsibility goes into holding space for people at such significant times in their lives.
And I was also surprised by how much scope there is for personalisation. I hadn’t fully appreciated how flexible and inclusive the role could be – how much it’s about really listening to people, honouring their values, and crafting a ceremony that’s uniquely theirs. That was a beautiful discovery for me.
4. Can you tell us about your previous roles, and in particular, how you think they will help you as a Celebrant?
Dee Carter, Celebrant
In terms of previous roles, I’ve always been – at my core – a people person. I genuinely care about ensuring people feel seen, heard, and held in mind. That’s been a constant throughout my career.
I’ve worked in the NHS since I was 18, which gave me a deep understanding of people’s emotional and physical needs. Alongside that, I trained and practiced as a holistic therapist – although I now focus solely on reflexology. But again, that work is about caring for the whole person, recognising them as individuals, and truly respecting who they are and what they need.
I deeply believe that everyone has a unique soul. And to honour that, we need to truly listen. When we listen with presence and intention, we allow people to feel validated and bring their uniqueness into the world with joy and dignity. That belief is at the heart of how I approach celebrancy.
My journey also included working with prisoners, which was unexpectedly rewarding. That experience taught me even more about the power of respect and non-judgment. Regardless of someone’s past or path, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and dignity.
All of these roles have shaped how I show up as a celebrant – grounded in compassion, open-mindedness, and a deep commitment to honouring people’s stories and identities.
5. Can you tell us why you think things need to change for the LGBTQIA+ community in the wedding industry in the UK?
Dee Carter, Celebrant
Because love is love – and yet, the wedding industry still too often centres around outdated, heteronormative traditions. LGBTQIA+ couples deserve to feel fully seen, respected, and celebrated without compromise.
It’s time for real inclusivity – with language, imagery, and services that reflect all love stories. As a celebrant, I’m committed to creating safe, joyful, and affirming spaces where every couple is honoured for who they truly are.
6. What types of ceremony are you hoping to create and who for?
Dee Carter, Celebrant
I want to create ceremonies that are warm, inclusive, and deeply personal – ceremonies that truly reflect the people at the heart of them. Whether it’s a wedding, a vow renewal, a funeral, or another life celebration, my aim is always to honour each person’s unique story, values, and identity.
I especially hope to serve people who may not always feel seen or represented – including LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, neurodivergent people, and those who want something a little different from the traditional. I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and celebrated just as they are.
Ultimately, I want to create meaningful, heartfelt moments where people feel heard, held, and honoured – and where love, in all its beautiful forms, is front and centre.
7. Tell me five things about Dee, the person not the Celebrant.
- I’m a big softie when it comes to love. I’ve been lucky enough to share my life with my amazing wife for over 30 years – and honestly, I love her more every single day. It’s the kind of love that grounds me and inspires me, and yes… I’m proudly soppy about it!
- I’m a natural people person. Whether it’s chatting in a queue or sharing a moment with a stranger, I love connecting with others. I truly believe everyone deserves to feel heard and valued.
- Spiritualism is a big part of who I am. I believe we’re more than just physical beings – that there’s a deeper connection between us, and with the world around us. That belief guides how I live and how I hold space for others.
- I’m a bit of a holistic soul. I still practise reflexology and have always been drawn to caring for people in a way that sees them as whole – body, mind, and spirit.
- Inclusivity isn’t a buzzword for me – it’s how I live. I’m proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrate neurodiversity, and simply be someone who welcomes everyone exactly as they are.
… I feel things deeply, and I think that’s one of my superpowers.