A CELEBRANT who quit her 35-year career as a teacher to officiate at weddings has been named as one of the best in the UK.

Amanda Wheal, from Leigh, has spent the past three years making couple’s dream weddings come true after the drastic career switch when the Covid pandemic hit.

Now the 60-year-old’s company, Amanda’s Beautiful Ceremonies, has been named in the Hitched UK Wedding Awards 2024 celebrating the best wedding venues, organisers and celebrants in the country.

Amanda has been named as the best wedding celebrant in Essex as part of the awards.

She said: “My mantra from the beginning has been to do the best I can for couples, I try to deliver quality every time and that is what it is all about for me.

“I started in 2020, I was a teacher for 35 years and I retired to manage events - for the first year there was no weddings, and I spent the year learning about business.

“At the time it wasn’t great, but it was a chance to build a foundation, it was hit and miss due to everything being closed off and no one knowing when it would end but I made some contacts and now I am a recommended celebrant.

“With a wedding celebrant, you build a relationship, I always try to meet the couple in person, even if a wedding is two years way, and I am their cheerleader if there is an issue with the ceremony and with the suppliers.”

While most weddings Amanda officiates at are typical white wedding affairs - it is not always the case.

She said: “I’ve done many weddings at Apton Hall in Rochford, it is different vibes for different people, some want a barn wedding some want something more traditional.

“I have only done one themed wedding, it was a pirate ceremony where I had to dress up. The ceremony was in pirate speak and we did shots of rum and had sea shanties and I was invited to stay for the whole event.

“I take any wedding challenge, ceremonies without limit, any time, any place.”

Amanda added that celebrants often grow close to the bride and groom, acting as support for nerves on the big day and ensuring their demands are met. I get to know them quite well.

“If you enjoy the work, you do you often forget just how much you do.”