Independent civil celebrant
Solent
Ceremonies.
Stephen Pestell creates personal, meaningful ceremonies across Hampshire and the Solent.
What I do
Ceremonies for every
chapter of life.
From the joy of a wedding or naming day to the tenderness of a farewell, I am here to help you mark life's milestones with care.
Weddings
Tailored ceremonies that reflect your love story. Every vow, reading and ritual chosen to feel unmistakably you.
Renewal of Vows
Celebrate your journey and your commitment with a ceremony that honours the years you have shared and the future ahead.
Naming Ceremonies
Welcome your little one with a ceremony full of love, warmth and personal promises from family and friends.
Funeral & Memorials
Honouring a life beautifully and meaningfully with a tribute that reflects the person, not just the occasion.
The person behind the words
A friendly, professional and caring celebrant.
I create bespoke ceremonies that are personal, heartfelt and unforgettable. Whether you are planning the happiest day of your life or saying goodbye to someone precious, I will take the time to understand what matters to you and craft a ceremony that feels genuine and true.
Based in the Solent area, I serve families across Hampshire, the Solent and surrounding areas. My approach is calm, warm and unhurried — because the best ceremonies are built on trust, listening and attention to detail.
Talk to StephenA real ceremony
David & Johanna.
A beautiful barn wedding filled with candlelight, flowers and heartfelt vows — it was a privilege to officiate their day. June 2026.
In their words / June 2026
“Steve took the time to actually understand us as a couple before writing a word. What he produced sounded like us: our sense of humour, our history, the things that matter to us, rather than a template with our names slotted in.
He was patient through the planning, relaxed when we changed our minds twice, and completely unflappable on the day.
He held the room properly; kept the timing tight without ever making it feel rushed, and judged the balance between moving and light-hearted exactly right.”
Why Solent Ceremonies
Making every ceremony uniquely yours.
My goal is simple: to be the first independent civil celebrant families in the Solent region recommend to the people they love. That means showing up with empathy, preparing with precision, and delivering a ceremony that feels effortless on the day.
Start a conversationPersonal
Written around your story, beliefs and wishes.
Meaningful
Every word chosen to matter.
Memorable
Ceremonies guests remember long after the day.
How it works
From first chat to finished ceremony.
Free, no-obligation chat
We talk through your ideas, the tone you want, and any special readings, rituals or people you would like included.
Bespoke writing
I draft your ceremony script and share it with you. We refine it together until every word feels right.
Beautifully delivered
On the day, I lead the ceremony with warmth and confidence, so you can be fully present in the moment.
Get in touch
Arrange a free, no-obligation chat.
Whether you have a date in mind or are simply exploring your options, I would love to hear from you.
Serving families across Hampshire, the Solent and surrounding areas
Send a message
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