Dorset wedding celebrant Laura Bell says she’s “over the moon” after reaching the regional final of The Wedding Industry Awards.

Also known as ‘Ceremonies by Laura Bell’, she’s written and conducted over 26 ceremonies this year alone, including the first wedding ceremony on Weymouth Beach.

Laura, who works full-time in marketing and has a five-year-old son, said she regarded being named a regional finalist in the Celebrant and Newcomer categories as a huge accolade.

She said: “My ceremonies are my passion project.

“I have worked with some amazing couples and families this year to create magical ceremonies that reflect them personally through a bespoke script and symbolic rituals.

“This year I made the decision to rebrand from Fox & Star Ceremonies to just Ceremonies by Laura Bell as it’s easier for clients to find me and refer me.

“I’ve had an amazing year working across many venues across Dorset and beyond and I’m over the moon to be recognised in this capacity by my clients.”

Laura, pictured left, is an independent celebrant and lives in Weymouth.

Having worked in the wedding industry prior to becoming a celebrant, she wanted to explore something more personal and flexible for couples tying the knot.

Celebrants in England and Wales are currently not legally able to officiate marriages so the couple need to do this with their local registry office.

However, it does provide them with more options for venues with many opting for gardens, woodlands and beaches that are unlicensed.

Laura, 31, said: “People always ask me about the legal part and I always say, when do you celebrate your birthday?

“Is it on the day you were born or the day your birth was legally registered by your parents?

“By separating your legal marriage day and wedding day, you have the ultimate choice and can design your ceremony with me, however you choose.”

The South West Region includes Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Bristol and the Cotswolds.

The regional finals take place on November 21.

Juliette Williams, of Lyme Regis, is also in the running for the Celebrant and Newcomer award categories.

Laura and Juliette have teamed up recently to work together, offering Dorset Elopement packages for couples wanting a quieter exchange of vows with only the waves as their witnesses.

Other Dorset regional finalists in The Wedding Industry Awards are:

Band
The Benedicts – Your Friendly Neighbourhood Party Band! – Wimborne.

Cake designer
Cakey Lulu’s, Poole.

Florist
Fleur Provocateur, Dorset

Hair stylist
Christchurch Bridal Hair & Make-up, Christchurch

Makeup artist
Chantelle Wareham Makeup Artist, Shaftesbury

Mobile bar services
Outside Bars Dorset, Shaftesbury
Perfect Day Wedding Services, Weymouth

Musical act
The Wedding Musician (Harry North), Weymouth

Newcomer
Dan Pitman – Photo & Film, Shaftesbury
Sylvestris Wedding Films, Verwood

Photographer
Lotus Photography UK, Bournemouth
Millard Photography, Bournemouth
Nathan@libraphotographic.co.uk, Poole

Venue (hotel)
The Green House, Bournemouth

Venue stylist
Perfect Day Wedding Services, Weymouth
Winterborne Hire & Styling, Dorchester

Videographer
Coastline Films, Poundbury
Dan Pitman – Photo & Film, Shaftesbury
Sylvestris Wedding Films, Verwood

• ceremoniesbylaurabell.com