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Testimonials Mark was excellent!!! He was the officiant for our wedding in May and made the event so special. I loved the amount of thought he put into the ceremony wording based on our conversations and a questionnaire. He was really there for us on the day too which was really comforting. The ceremony was the perfect mix of laughter and heartfelt moments. Highly highly recommend!! Thank you so much Mark!! Mark is an absolute gentleman! From day one when we spoke with him, he was so likeable, easy going and full of ideas and plans for us. He put together the most beautiful personal wedding ceremony for us, after spending time getting to know us both. We were so thankful to have him as part of our day. A huge thank you to Mark for being the celebrant on our wedding day. From the first call, through ceremony preparation, to the big day itself, it was a pleasure to work with Mark and share our story with him. Mark made us both feel comfortable from the beginning, was open to our thoughts & ideas for the ceremony, and then led the ceremony on the day perfectly. Don't hesitate to contact Mark if you are looking for a wedding celebrant! Thank you so so much. It was everything we wished for and more. Every single person at the wedding said how wonderful you were and how much they enjoyed the ceremony. Hi Mark! Finally settling down now as everyone has left…just wanted to take a moment to thank you for being a part of our wedding day, it was fantastic! Everyone came up to us after the ceremony saying that you did an amazing job. Thank you again, Thank you Mark for everything! You really did make the day perfect and we wouldn't have changed a thing. Thank you for all your efforts in making it happen! We've had so many people say how brilliant you were, so our view is certainly shared by our guests! Click here to return to Wedding Homepage

Mark Rind I am a Professional Independent English Speaking Celebrant living in beautiful South West France. I am fully TCC accredited and a member of the Celebrant Circle. I originally trained as an actor working in Theatre, Film and TV. After moving into Theatre production, I discovered a passion for inspiring others and went on to work in many areas of formal and informal Education. Words, atmosphere and ceremony have always been part of my work whether on stage, writing or facilitating in others. ​ Then France called! I took the plunge and I've never looked back. This glorious country has beauty in every corner. Living in an area surrounded by the vineyards and jaw dropping chateaux of SW France is inspiring on a daily basis. ​ It is a privilege to be a celebrant. Whether it is creating a wedding ceremony to celebrate a couple's love story or discovering the life story of a loved one who has recently departed. Discovering the love stories and life stories of the couples and families I work with and guiding them through the toughest and happiest of times is a profound honour. ​ My approach to my celebrant work is very much client led. The ceremonies I create are about you, not me! It is you who influences the content and as an Independent Celebrant I am very much open to including any element that you wish. So if it's a 'humanist' non-religious style you are looking for or wish to include a religious reference, a prayer, hymn or ritual....everything and anything is possible. ​

Saying Goodbye in France Saying goodbye to a loved one is always difficult. Whether sudden or forseen the impact of loss and the waves of grief can be overwhelming. Often this is made harder by the additional need to navigate French regulations and procedures. As a professional English Funeral Celebrant living in France I hope to ease the process for you. Listening to your wishes, I create and deliver a unique ceremony whilst also supporting you as an additional link with the Funeral Directors. ​ “Mark visited us at home and his natural warmth and kindness made us feel like we were talking to a friend an d his reassurances left us feeling like a weight had been lifted from our shoulders.” J S-G. Funeral ceremonies in France are traditionally very different from the UK but don't let that constrain you from having the service you desire for your loved one. Whether it's a heartfelt goodbye or a wonderful celebration of life, with an independent celebrant led ceremony it is always possible to have your wishes realised. How I support you We will begin with a meeting usually at your home where we talk. I listen to your requests for the ceremony and I discover the Life Story of your loved one. The happy memories, the funny times, the life events. We will talk about any Readings/Poems/Music you wish to include in the service and whether you would like me to write and/or deliver the Eulogy. With an independent celebrant led ceremony anything is possible so we can add traditional or religious elements if you would like, but we don't have to be bound by traditional constraints. My job is to listen to your wishes and create a deeply personal ceremony to suit. After our meeting and having discovered your wishes for the ceremony, I put pen to paper and compose a bespoke and loving ceremony fitting your requirements. I always start with a blank page...every life is unique and deserves a unique ceremony. Never copied, always bespoke. ​ “I cannot recommend Mark highly enough. I was persuaded it would be better to use Mark's services as a Celebrant. Best decision I ever made.” C.M. ​ We will stay in contact and I will support you in the days leading up to the ceremony. I will liaise with the Funeral Director and Crematorium to ensure all the logistics for the ceremony are in order and that nothing has got 'lost in translation'. ​ On the day of the Ceremony my support continues and I will be there to officiate the ceremony at the venue, liaise with venue staff and ensure everything runs smoothly. ​ Click here to read the testimonials of the families I have helped Testimonials Services and Fees Full Funeral Ceremony including home visit, unlimited contact, liaising with Funeral Directors and Funeral venue, writing and delivering a bespoke ceremony and Eulogy (if required) . Live webcast of the ceremony, if requested, and design of the Order of Service** €380* ​ Full Memorial Ceremony including home visit, liasing with memorial venue and contributors, writing and delivering a bespoke ceremony and Eulogy (if required) From €380* *Travel is included for all home visits within 50km of Monsegur 33580 and is included for ceremonies at the following Crematoria: Bergerac, Montusson, Merignac, Tonniens & Crematorium du Grand Villeneuvois. Other funeral/memorial venues and home visits are subject to additional travel costs to be agreed in advance. ​ **printing costs are additional Useful Links These are some useful links which I hope will help you find information about funerals and procedures when a loved one dies in France Bereavement Support Network in France A wonderful service that offers detailed information and support Click Here Click here Understanding French Funerals, Burials and Cremations An informative website with lots of facts about dealing with a death in France. Click Here Click here Official British Embassy Advice Guidance from the British Government Foreign Office. Click Here Click here

Do you only create wedding ceremonies in France? No. The wonderful thing about being a wedding celebrant is that I can deliver ceremonies wherever I’m needed. So if you are looking for a wedding celebrant in the UK or throughout Europe, get in touch. Where did you train to be a celebrant? I trained with the Celebrant Circle in the UK. They are a leading celebrant training organisation who not only deliver exceptionally high quality training but who also champion the voice of independent celebrants and contribute to the improvement of professional standards within the industry at a National level. I've heard of a 'Humanist' Celebrant but not an ‘Independent’ Celebrant, what's the difference? As an Independent celebrant I am only governed by your wishes which means I can include anything you like in your wedding ceremony. A Humanist Celebrant will have certain constraints or may not be able to include certain elements, however as an Independent Celebrant anything is possible. So if you wish to include a prayer or religious reference you can. After all, it’s YOUR wedding so why be constrained? We’ve never heard of a celebrant and we’re a bit confused by what it all means. Can you explain? Yes I can!! Many couples come to me not knowing what a celebrant does or how a wedding ceremony can be so personal. 100% of those couples understand and are excited about the possibilities after they have a discovery video call with me. So, if you’re a bit confused, browse through my website and then get in touch to book a discovery call - I’m always happy to explain about my job and how I can craft your wedding ceremony into a perfectly unique celebration of your love story! Do you bring your own microphones/sound system for the ceremony? I have my own sound system with radio and handheld microphones which I can use for your ceremony free of charge. Most venues will include a sound system for the ceremony, but if not, I can provide one to ensure all your guests can hear me! Are your ceremonies legally binding? Not yet! The laws in the UK and France still require certain procedures are followed for a marriage to be legalised, and whilst these laws may soon change, currently a celebrant led ceremony is a symbolic ceremony with no legal status. Did you know that simple a legal marriage in the UK takes 6 minutes and costs about £40? This is why many couples choose to pop into the registry office, say a few words, collect their documents and then focus on their actual wedding day - their celebrant led wedding day. Do you liaise with our other suppliers for our wedding? Absolutely! Before your big day I will always contact your photographer and videographer to make sure they are aware of the contents of the ceremony so that they know when to get the best shots. If you have a planner I will be in consistent contact with them to ensure we are all working for the common goal - your day. If I haven’t been to your venue I will always contact them and if possible visit to see their ceremony space prior to your wedding day. If you are having live music during your ceremony I always like to make contact to ensure everything is as planned. My responsibility is for the smooth running of the ceremony on your day and working closely with other wedding professionals is part of my job. Is there any limit to what I can include in my ceremony? Absolutely not! Anything and everything is possible! I have a set fee which does not alter despite how many changes or additions you make to the ceremony. So, as the ceremony is created you don't have to worry about additional costs. How many weddings do you do in a day? Just yours! On your day, my focus is you! How much contact do you have with your couples? As much as you like! Once you book me I set up a WhatsApp group for the three of us so that you have immediate access to me throughout the process. We will arrange video calls at key points as the ceremony is created, but I’m always available on the phone, email or additional video calls whenever you need me. Are you legally allowed to work in France? Yes, I live in France and I have my ‘Carte de Sejour’ which means I am a French tax resident legally allowed to work in France. Since Brexit, British citizens must have a 'Carte de Sejour' or a working visa to be allowed to work in France.

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Unique Ceremonies for Unique Moments Our life's journey is structured around ceremony. Welcoming a life into the world, celebrating the love of two or saying farewell as a loved one departs us. These deeply personal and emotional moments are marked with a ceremony, sometimes traditional, but more often less so. ​ An Independent Celebrant led ceremony offers you limitless possibilities. Perhaps you'd like to include a hint of the traditional, a drop of religion, a ritual from a different culture or perhaps, you are looking for something modern, never seen before and ground breaking! I say to all my clients simply this... ....Everything is possible. ​ What I Do I am an Independent celebrant living in France. I compose and deliver unique ceremonies to mark all of life's occasions. Starting with a blank page I listen to the words of your Love stories and Life stories, and I weave them into a beautifully unique ceremony. Supporting you throughout with regular contact, ideas and inspiration I ensure you have the perfect ceremony. Never copied, always bespoke. Unique wedding ceremonies throughout France "Never Copied, Always Bespoke" Discover more on my Wedding page Wedding Ceremonies Weddings Discover more Funeral and Memorial Ceremonies Whether it's difficult goodbyes or joyous celebrations of life, through listening and compassion I deliver a personal ceremony to honour the life departed Discover how I can help you here... Memorials & Funerals Discover more Other Ceremonies This list is endless and the possibilities are as broad as our imaginations! Vow Renewels Baby Naming Ceremonies Elopements... Discover more on my Other Ceremonies page Other Ceremonies Discover more Tel: +33 (0)7.87.71.61.77 Email: bonjour@markrindcelebrant.com

Other Ceremonies The wonderful thing about an independent celebrant led ceremony is that the possibilities are endless! ​ Perhaps you have a traditional ceremony in mind but you want to do somethin g different . Perhaps you want to mark a moment, honour a loved one or celebrate a life achievement but not quite sure how. Perhaps you are searching for an alternative to a religious ceremony but still want to mark the occasion. Then, perhaps, it is a celebrant led ceremony you are looking for. ​ Below are some of the most popular ceremonies but really the sky's the limit - so get in touch, let's talk and let me inspire you with creative ideas! Baby Naming Traditionally a 'Christening' but now more meaningful, personal, playful and unique. Vow Renewals You're never too old to reaffirm your love, to celebrate your life together and toast the future! Elopements Need to get away? What fun! Mark the adventure with a ceremony to suit!

Testimonials A heartfelt thank you for your help, advice, consolation and above all your patience with our constant questions, demands and changes regardless of time or day. You were our staff to lean on in our darkest hours. V.T. Dad and I were so pleased when we found Mark to be the Celebrant at my Mums service, and both knew Mum would have thoroughly approved! What he managed to create, from the medley of memories, information and ideas we wished to be incorporated, was a truly amazing gift. He managed to draw together the many different strands of Mums life into a wonderful memoir, incorporating laughter, reflections and the essence of what my Mum meant to all whose lives she touched. W.H. We must say a huge thank you for yesterday. It was a true celebration of G's life and whilst filled with pain, was full of joy and positivity. We have had many messages saying how wonderful the ceremony was - thank you. L.B . I cannot recommend Mark highly enough. I was persuaded it would be better to use Mark's services as a Celebrant. Best decision I ever made. He visited me at home and spoke a length about my husband and his life and Mark took everything in hand and liaised with the Funeral directors. Mark was considerate, kind and very professional - in fact I could not have made the a rrangements and outcome without his skills. Everything ran smoothly and he orchestrated the service better than could be expected. C.M Dear Mark , Myself and the family would like to thank you for the superb service you gave to us for B, and the invaluable help you gave me before in the lead up to the day. It was truly a celebration of B's life and although tears were shed they were tears of joy for a life well lived. M any thanks. S.G. Mark visited us at home and his natural warmth and kindness made us feel like we were talking to a friend and his reassurances left us feeling like a weight had been lifted from our shoulders. Mark helped us with practical arrangements at the crematorium, told us about local customs and always got back to us quickly about any questions we had about the service, working over the weekend and seamlessly incorporating memories from other members of the family and last-minute thoughts to create a beautiful service and help us remember Dad the way he would have wanted. Thank you Mark. J.S-G. I worked with Mark on a funeral service and he was brilliant. Mark is clearly very passionate about what he does and this showed in the service that he put together. I found him to be very kind and compassionate and extremely easy to get along with. I was very impressed and I think in the future he will help a lot of families with what is a very difficult time in their lives.I would without doubt use Mark again. B.U. - Unwins Funeral Directors Mark was celebrant at my mum's funeral and he did an absolutely fabulous job! I cannot recommend him highly enough. He liaised with the funeral directors so that everything ran smoothly and orchestrated the service perfectly. F.B Un grand merci à vous Mark Rind pour votre accompagnement et pour ce bel hommage. Nous vous recommanderons ! ( Many thanks to you Mark Rind for your guidance and for this beautiful tribute. We will recommend you!) Pompes Funèbres Laborde Mark handled the situation we were faced with extremely professionally, leaving us confident from the outset that he would create an appropriate and beautiful service for our loved ones, which he duly did. P.S.

Make an Enquiry You can contact me via email, phone, Whatsapp or send me a message using the my contact form on this page. I look forward to hearing from you! Email: bonjour@markrindcelebrant.com Tel: +33 (0) 7.87.71.61.77 +33 (0) 787716177 Submit Thanks for submitting! I'll be in touch within 24hours...

Bespoke Wedding Ceremonies in France... ...where everything and anything is possible Congratulations on your engagement! So you want to get married in France? How fabulous! ​ You'll know by now that France has some utterly spectacular venues to celebrate your wedding day. From the sumptuous Chateaux to the Bijou Vineyards, the rustic farmhouses to the grandiose municipal buildings of Bordeaux. ​ ​ "Sans toi, je ne suis rien" Without you, I am nothing ​ ​ Whether you have s ecured your venue yet or not, n ow is a great time to find a celebrant that you both connect with to create and officiate your wedding cerem ony. Creating your Ceremony The most wonderful thing about creating wedding ceremonies are the variety of Love Stories that my couples come to me with. All love stories are unique and your love story deserves a unique ceremony. It's wonderful to discover the journey you have been on as a couple. The silly times you have shared, the emotional times, the times you have strengthened each other and of course the times you could have throttled each other! ​ "La vie est une fleur, l ’amour est le miel" Life is a flower, Love is the Honey (V Hugo) ​ These are your stories. We will develop our relationship on regular video calls and our private Whatsapp group, through w hi ch I discover your love story and your wishes for the ceremony and I spri nkle them onto the page to form your very personal wedding ceremony. We will talk through the variety of elements you could include in your ceremony, whether traditional or something more modern and unique. The e xchange of rings (or bracelets...there are no rules!), music, readings/poems, spoken vows of commitment, certificate signing, symbolic rituals such as hand fastening, wine or sand ceremonies, the list is endless and I look forward to sharing them with you! Anything can be included, Don't forget there are no rules!. You may know exactly what you want for your ceremony, you may not have a clue or you maybe somewhere in between! I can help with creative ideas and offer inspiration when needed resulting in a truly unique ceremony leaving your guests saying 'that was the best wedding we've been to!'. Through our usually laughter filled meetings the ceremony takes shape and you will receive the written ceremony in advance for your approval. By the time the big day comes you will have confidence knowing that you have someone you can trust to deliver your ceremony with skill, warmth and heaps of love filled laughter! Discovery Call Choosing the right celebrant for you is an important decision. It is the celebrant who officiates the union of your love. ​ I encourage all couples to book a free discovery call with me to ensure that you are happy that I fit for you both. We'll meet on video call and have a good chat, get to know each other a little and I can answer all your questions, after which you will be able to make an informed decision. ​ After this initial meeting the fun really starts as I get to work composing your bespoke wedding ceremony. We will create a Whatsapp group so that you have unlimited contact with me, always here to answer your questions or provide inspiration and ideas. After the ceremony you will receive a pa rchment copy of your ceremony, your vows and your certificate of commitment. ​ To help your budgeting, I prefer, where possible, to include travel within my fee but it does depend on the location of your venue. So, drop me an email or a Whatsapp message, let me know your date and venue and I can provide you with an accurate price...I'm looking forward to meeting you both and discovering your love story! Contact Wedding Testimonials