Beyond The Ceremony Podcast Episode 16: Celebrancy In Ireland
Connie Keogh has built a celebrant life that is equal parts practical, theatrical, and utterly joyful. Based in Ireland, Connie is the force behind Hitched by Connie, a registered Solemniser who loves the less ordinary, the inclusive, and the beautifully human.
In this episode of Beyond The Ceremony, Connie talks to Laura Crockett about how she found celebrancy, and what it actually looks like to lead legal ceremonies in Ireland.
Connie’s story is full of lovely twists. She explains how a tiny £40 caravan and a mobile prosecco bar led to falling in love with celebrant ceremonies.
She also walks us through the mechanics of being a Solemniser, the register process, the legal rules you need to know, and how non-denominational celebrants can include religious elements when couples want them to.
If you want a clear, friendly explanation of how weddings work in Ireland, and a warm, realistic view of what life as a celebrant looks like there, this conversation is for you.
Connie is frank about the highs and the hidden hours; she shares unforgettable ceremony memories, and she offers practical advice for anyone thinking of training.
Highlights
🕊️ What a Solemniser is and how the register works in Ireland.
🕊️ How non-denominational celebrants can safely include religious or cultural elements.
🕊️ Connie’s leap from engineering to events, and how a tiny caravan sparked a whole new career.
🕊️ The realities of ceremony days, travel, late nights, and the emotional come down.
🕊️ Practical tips for new celebrants on finding your tribe, planning your diary, and saying yes without burning out.
This episode is for
Those curious about celebrancy in Ireland, how it differs from the UK, and what the title Solemniser means.
Anyone who wants an honest view of the job beyond the Instagram highlights.
Celebrants who work with mixed faith or multicultural couples and want ideas for inclusive ceremonies.
Anyone considering a creative career change, especially those who want flexibility and meaningful work.
Connie’s message is simple and lovely: if celebrancy is calling you, take the training, find your people, and get started. There is room for creativity, legality, and compassion to live side by side.
If you liked this episode, stick around for episode 17, all about celebrancy in Scotland, to be released soon.
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💒 Beyond The Ceremony Podcast: Modern Celebrancy. Unfiltered. 💒
Everything you need to know about how to succeed as a modern celebrant. From top tips on how to create unforgettable ceremonies, to success stories from some of the best in the biz, we will give you a behind-the-scenes look into life as a celebrant. Hosted by Laura Crockett, Award-winning Celebrant, radio personality, and celebrant mentor at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy.
Learn more about the Academy of Modern Celebrancy here.
MEET CONNIE KEOGH
Hitched by Connie is a Wedding Celebrant and Registered Solemniser who brings an unconventional background and infectious energy to every ceremony. After 25 years as a Chartered Civil Engineer in construction, Connie made the leap to celebrancy, driven by her love for the less ordinary and her passion for daring to be different. Whether it's a misty morning meadow, a secluded beach, a wild woodland, or an opulent castle courtyard, she guides couples with confidence to create personalized wedding ceremonies filled with humor, style, and heart.
When she's not celebrating love, Connie enjoys time with her husband and four children, her vintage caravan wedding bar "Marilyn" (featured on Hitched Collective), and her passion for wine; she holds a WSET Level 3 with Distinction. A self-proclaimed show-off who loves making people laugh, she's motivated by couples ready to celebrate in an "unboring" way.
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MEET YOUR HOST, LAURA CROCKETT
Laura has been an independent celebrant for 5 years and absolutely loves it. It makes her so proud seeing how far she’s come in that time. Laura feels like she’s found her calling and is so excited to keep progressing and growing her Celebrant business! Laura creates all kinds of ceremonies, including Weddings, Funerals, Vow Renewals, and Naming Ceremonies. Before she was a celebrant, Laura was a breakfast radio presenter, so her happy place is either at the front of a ceremony or sitting behind a microphone!
At home, Laura is married to Johnathan (a primary school teacher and her biggest cheerleader) and a mummy to two boys – Woody and Dougie. Laura is also a dog mum to Betty and Barney, the cockapoos! They can often be found curled up by her side when she’s writing scripts or lying by the radiator in the office when she’s on couples calls!
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