What is a celebrant?

Meet Richard Smart, your modern, local celebrant for life’s biggest moments.

A celebrant is someone who creates and leads non-religious or semi-religious ceremonies that are completely personal to you. Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, a naming day or even a pet farewell, a celebrant makes sure the words spoken on the day reflect you — your story, your values, and your voice.

I’m Richard Smart, an independent civil celebrant trained by the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants. Through my business, Smartly Said, I help people across Poole and Bournemouth, Dorset and Cornwall’s north coast mark the biggest moments in their lives with warmth, meaning and authenticity.

A celebrant-led ceremony: heartfelt, flexible and yours

Unlike a registrar or a faith leader, a civil celebrant like me isn’t tied to a script or set format. That means your ceremony isn’t just personalised — it’s handcrafted from scratch. I write every word myself, never copied and never dull. I take the time to get to know you, your wishes, and what matters most, before creating a ceremony that feels natural, inclusive, and full of heart.

Discover the role of a celebrant amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Dorset coastline.

Here’s how I can support you:

💍 Weddings and vow renewals

Whether you’re getting married barefoot on a beach in Cornwall or planning a relaxed garden wedding in Dorset, I’ll help you craft a ceremony that feels unmistakably yours. Want to include family traditions, personal vows, or even your dog as ring bearer? Brilliant.

With me, anything’s possible, except the legal paperwork (which most couples complete at the registry office beforehand). Your wedding should feel like you, not a tick-box exercise.

🕊️ Funerals and celebrations of life

Saying goodbye deserves care and dignity but also joy and personality. I create funeral ceremonies that honour a life well lived, combining true storytelling with empathy and calm guidance. Whether it’s a traditional crematorium service in Poole or a woodland burial in Cornwall, I’ll work closely with you and your funeral director to make the day feel right.

👶 Naming ceremonies for babies, children and beyond

Not everyone chooses a christening, but many still want a meaningful way to welcome a child into the world. A naming ceremony is a wonderful way to do just that and it’s not just for babies. I also work with families and individuals (including members of the trans community) who want to celebrate a new identity with pride and support. It’s all about affirming who you are, and doing it in your own words.

🐾 Pet ceremonies and goodbyes

Our pets are family, and their loss is deeply felt. I offer thoughtful, gentle ceremonies to say goodbye to your beloved pet, honouring the bond you shared and helping you find peace. Whether in your garden, at the beach, or with close friends around, I’ll support you through this tender time.

Why choose Smartly Said?

I bring over 15 years’ experience in communications and public speaking, and I’ve built a reputation for ceremonies that are relaxed, modern, and never generic. I’m warm, professional and always human. And because I work across both Dorset and Cornwall, I understand the local feel of venues, landscapes, and traditions from coastal elopements to quiet cremations.

If you’re planning a ceremony and want someone who will truly listen and help you find the right words, I’d love to help.

Based in Poole and Bournemouth in Dorset and on Cornwall’s North Coast.

Every word written for you, never copy and paste.

Ceremonies with heart, spoken smartly.

Get in touch to start planning something beautiful with me, Richard Smart, your local civil celebrant.