Ceremony Officer in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council is looking for Ceremony Officers (Celebrants) to join us on flexible, zero-hours contracts to conduct and register legal ceremonies in Suffolk. You will be based at one of our Registration Offices but will travel across the county to lead ceremonies at various registered venues. We currently have approximately 3000 ceremonies per year across 120 venues plus our own register office rooms.

Our Celebrants need to be reliable, have excellent presentation and communication skills and be confident with people and public speaking. Time management and the ability to organise yourself and others is essential as you will need to be punctual and make sure that ceremonies run on time. Your English needs to be of a really high standard, though not necessarily your first language.

We are looking for friendly and professional people who are available at weekends, especially over the peak season, bank holidays and ideally have availability during the week too. If you enjoy working with people, can keep calm under pressure, and are passionate about creating special moments, we would love to hear from you. This is a chance to make a real difference for our customers while showcasing your presentation and leadership talents. With the right person, this role offers immense variety and is very rewarding. If that sounds appealing, don't hesitate to apply.

Your role and responsibilities

• Conducting and/or registering civil ceremonies across the county, either in a ceremony room or various licensed buildings.
• Meeting couples, preparing scripts for the service, talking through their requirements, and other associated paperwork relating to ceremony management.
• Conducting renewal of vows and celebration ceremonies.
• Being flexible, as ceremonies take place throughout the working week, at weekends, and most bank holidays.

You will need

• A high level of personal resilience and flexibility.
• Proven experience working effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for offering excellent customer service, confident public speaking, strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Neat, legible handwriting and experience working with emotional people.
• Confidence to travel to locations around the county, many in rural areas inaccessible by public transport.

The team works as part of one of our ceremony teams, belonging to a professional and caring service and working with others from across the Registration Service.

We will offer you

• A varied and rewarding role.
• Full onsite training in your role, and in registration and the law.
• Potential for progression within the registration service.
• A gradual learning process working to become a celebrant to conduct weddings.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

How to apply

• Read the Job and Person Profile.
• Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
• Upload a supporting statement answering specific questions.
• Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

Closing date: 11.30 pm 14 June 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.