What a secular ceremony is, and why so many couples choose one in Belgium
In Belgium, only the civil marriage is legally binding. The secular ceremony comes right after, or the next day: it is the moment when you tell each other what truly matters, in front of the people who matter, with no set script and no religious framework. It lasts between 45 minutes and an hour and a quarter, takes place wherever you want — garden, castle, forest, beach, barn — and it tells your own story. In recent years it has become the emotional heart of the day: more than a formality, it is where the tears and the laughter come. Many couples tell us afterwards that it is the memory that stays with them most.
The role of the celebrant: writing, then celebrating
A wedding celebrant does not read a text found online. Anthony starts by listening: each partner answers, separately and in our private app, 19 questions about how you met, your little habits, what you admire in each other. He then writes a unique script, in the style that suits you — romantic, modern, classic or with humour — and a trusted witness proofreads it to check the details. You discover your story on the day, together with your guests. On the day itself he guides the proceedings: welcome, speeches from loved ones, exchange of vows, ritual, exit. He hands over the microphone, puts nervous speakers at ease and keeps the pace so the ceremony never sags. Anthony leads the ceremonies in English and Dutch; Jessica leads the French-language ones.
What is included, and what it costs
Our two packages are shown above with their starting prices, excluding VAT (6% for the artistic performance). Celebrant only includes the questionnaires, the bespoke script, a preparation video call, the coordination of the speakers and the ceremony itself; your venue provides the sound. The complete ceremony adds our portable, battery-powered Bose S1 Pro+ sound system with two wireless microphones — so no power socket needed — and a professional pianist playing live throughout the ceremony, from entrance to exit. A saxophonist or a violinist can be added for the ceremony and the drinks reception. When comparing quotes, look at what is included: with us, the preparation, the video calls and the coordination on the day are part of the price, with no hidden extras.
Where we celebrate
Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven and the coast first, but we celebrate everywhere in Belgium, including Wallonia and the Ardennes, with Jessica for French-language ceremonies. Luxembourg and northern France are within driving distance. Because the sound runs on battery, a clearing in the woods, a beach or a boat poses no technical problem. And if your day continues with us, the same team follows on: ceremony, drinks reception with the saxophonist, then the party with the wedding DJ — one point of contact, one quote.