Hi, I'm Serena

Image of Serena Cross

If a conventional church wedding isn’t your bag, and you’re after something more personal and joyful than just a register office, you've come to the right place...

I may not be religious, but I’ve always been a massive fan of rituals and celebrations that mark the important moments in life with family and friends - and it doesn't get any bigger than your Big Day! Whether it's an intimate wedding in your front room, a romantic elopement in a woodland, or a grand do in a castle, I can work with you to create your bespoke dream ceremony: something old, something new, something different, something YOU.

As a humanist celebrant, there’s no one size fits all... I’ll consult with you and write and deliver an uplifting non-religious ceremony that’s a real one-off and expresses who you are as individuals and as a couple. I ensure that every detail is tailored to your preferences; you may choose to involve family and friends, music, readings, and symbolic rituals. It's your day, your way. And I promise it will make you and your guests laugh and cry (in a good way), will be remembered by everyone (for all the right reasons), and will never, ever, be boooooring!

I live in Crouch End / Hornsey in North London with my husband (who’s a musician), two teenagers and our cats Maude and Arthur. I'm unofficial social secretary for our friends, I run the girls’ section at a local cricket club and I'm an Arsenal FC season ticket holder (but don't let that put you off!) I'm happiest in nature: walking, wild swimming and wildflower spotting. I enjoy the theatre and exploring the city. I love food and read vegan cookbooks like they’re novels. I’m passionate about equality and inclusivity - and one of the brilliant things about Humanists UK is that it was always at the forefront of the campaign for equal marriage. I love being a wedding celebrant and I find that being a good one draws upon many of the same skills and passions as my career as a music and arts curator/producer in live events and television, for example getting to know people and telling their stories, and mining my library of literature and contact book of musicians.

Anyway, enough about me… I want to hear about you and your plans, so please do get in touch. We can arrange a (free) initial chat on the phone/online/in person and find out whether I am the right person to marry you!

You can find me on Instagram @wildandserene_ceremonies and on Facebook too.

We are SO grateful that we met Serena because it changed everything. It immediately felt like we'd known her for years, and we quickly felt super comfortable sharing our story and intentions for our wedding celebration. The process was so much fun - from sitting together over a tea for hours on the Southbank, to the day itself which was expertly planned and delivered. Serena has a really special ability to flit between humour and seriousness, and reading our first draft of the script will forever be one of my favourite memories. She kept us calm, encouraged our best ideas and steered us away from our worst, all with a huge smile on her face. All our friends and family have commented on how deeply personal the whole ceremony was - which was the most important thing for us. Thank you Serena! 

— Holly & Al

Serena was absolutely brilliant from the moment we met her to the wedding day itself. She was so fun and easy to work with and guided us through everything with such ease, expertise, and warmth. She listened to our story for hours and turned it into a ceremony script that captured us and our story perfectly. We had only a few small edits, which she happily accommodated. Ahead of the wedding, she kept us up-to-date with her progress and plan via email and even arranged to speak with us and our wedding party so that we all felt fully prepared and knew exactly what to expect. On the day itself, her presence was calm, her delivery was clear, and the ceremony so fun and full of love – the perfect reflection of us as a couple. So many guests have told us it was the best wedding ceremony they’ve ever attended!

— Amelia & George

Serena's ceremonies are a unique blend of creativity, fun and substance. Her kindness, empathy and great listening skills mean she really takes the trouble to understand your needs and desires from the outset. With her background in the arts, Serena is used to creating impressive events and her organisational skills are exceptional. She carries it all off with calm good grace even under pressure. Her sense of romance comes through strongly, but never becomes sugary. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Serena!

— Harriet

Serena will make the best day of your life THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE!! Simple!

— Geir

Image of Serena Cross

Serena Cross

Where I work

I live in Hornsey / Crouch End in North London and work mostly across London and the Home Counties, Cambridge, Norwich and Bristol, but I'm happy to travel anywhere in the UK - and abroad!

Fees from...

£900 depending on location and requirements

How to contact me
Email

serena.cross@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07740 732379

Website

humanist.org.uk/serenacross

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist weddings

A humanist wedding ceremony is a wonderful option to celebrate your wedding in the way you choose: without religion but with meaning, and totally true to the two of you. They are uplifting and heartwarming occasions, personal to each couple to reflect your personalities and interests, and your love story. Sincere and significant, your ceremony will be crafted to create an occasion which is unique and fitting to you both.