Hello, I'm Phoebe
Hello, I’m Phoebe
Hello, I’m Phoebe
Helping people create ceremonies that bring a room full of people closer together.
Helping people create ceremonies that bring a room full of people closer together.
I’m Phoebe Bence, a wedding celebrant based in Brighton, writing and leading ceremonies for couples across Sussex, London and the South East.
I love great design, good stories and thoughtful gatherings. I'm fascinated by the ways people come together to mark important moments with connection and celebration.
——— BRIGHTON · WEDDING CELEBRANT
I’m Phoebe Bence. A wedding celebrant based in Brighton, writing and leading ceremonies for couples across Sussex, London and the South East.
I love great design, good stories and thoughtful gatherings. I’m fascinated by the ways people come together to celebrate, connect and mark important moments.
——— BRIGHTON · WEDDING CELEBRANT
I’m Phoebe Bence. A wedding celebrant based in Brighton, writing and leading ceremonies for couples across Sussex, London and the South East.
I love great design, good stories and thoughtful gatherings. I’m fascinated by the ways people come together to celebrate, connect and mark important moments.
——— BRIGHTON · WEDDING CELEBRANT
WHAT LED ME TO BECOME A CELEBRANT
I believe in gathering well
I believe in gathering well
Feeling frustrated by missed opportunities for deeper human connection across a range of gatherings in my own life, my search led me to Priya Parker's wonderful book, The Art of Gathering. One of her central ideas is that a gathering needs someone to decide what it’s for, and then plan towards that purpose. A gathering needs someone to decide what it's for, and then intentionally plan towards that purpose.
Weddings are one of those rare occasions where everyone we love ends up in the same room, and yet the connection doesn't just happen by itself. I've been to ceremonies where I left knowing the venue and the order of service, but very little about why these two people chose each other. For me, that's the part everyone is waiting to hear.
Feeling frustrated by what I felt were missed opportunities for deeper human connection across a range of gatherings in my own life, my search led me to Priya Parker's wonderful book, The Art of Gathering. One of her central ideas is that while we often gather people together in the hope of connection, connection doesn't just happen by itself. A gathering needs someone to decide what it's for, and then intentionally plan towards that purpose.
Weddings are one of those rare occasions where everyone we love ends up in the same room, and yet the connection doesn't just happen by itself. I've been to ceremonies where I left knowing the venue and the order of service, but very little about why these two people chose each other. For me, that's the part everyone is waiting to hear.
————
Feeling frustrated by missed opportunities for deeper human connection across a range of gatherings in my own life, my search led me to Priya Parker's wonderful book, The Art of Gathering. One of her central ideas is that a gathering needs someone to decide what it’s for, and then plan towards that purpose. A gathering needs someone to decide what it's for, and then intentionally plan towards that purpose.
Weddings are one of those rare occasions where everyone we love ends up in the same room, and yet the connection doesn't just happen by itself. I've been to ceremonies where I left knowing the venue and the order of service, but very little about why these two people chose each other. For me, that's the part everyone is waiting to hear.
WHAT TEACHING PHYSICS TAUGHT ME
I have a background in education, having taught physics for thirteen years. It has been a much-loved career in which many of my strengths and passions have collided: building relationships, telling stories, listening, and helping others. I’ve learned that people engage when they feel curious, included, and emotionally invested in what’s happening. Those same skills and interests now form the foundation of my work as a celebrant.
————
I have a background in education, having taught physics for thirteen years. It has been a much-loved career in which many of my strengths and passions have collided: building relationships, telling stories, listening, and helping others. I’ve learned that people engage when they feel curious, included, and emotionally invested in what’s happening. Those same skills and interests now form the foundation of my work as a celebrant.
————
I have a background in education, having taught physics for thirteen years. It has been a much-loved career in which many of my strengths and passions have collided: building relationships, telling stories, listening, and helping others. I’ve learned that people engage when they feel curious, included, and emotionally invested in what’s happening. Those same skills and interests now form the foundation of my work as a celebrant.
————
When everyone you love is finally in one room, it feels like a missed opportunity not to make something meaningful of it.
When everyone you love is finally in one room, it feels like a missed opportunity not to make something meaningful of it.
Photo - V&H Wedding Photography Oxford
Photo - V&H Wedding Photography Oxford
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME
I love getting to know all sorts of people, so expect a lot of questions about the two of you and a fair amount of laughing. It shouldn’t feel like another job on the list. I’ll pore over every moment of the ceremony, because I care about how it feels for you and your guests. You can know exactly what I’m going to say, or you can be surprised on the day. The ceremony should look as good as the rest of your wedding, so I’ll think about the aesthetics as well as the words. By the day, you should feel you’re being married by a very professional friend.
The full step-by-step is on the Weddings page
I love getting to know all sorts of people, so expect a lot of questions about the two of you and a fair amount of laughing. It shouldn’t feel like another job on the list. I’ll pore over every moment of the ceremony, because I care about how it feels for you and your guests. You can know exactly what I’m going to say, or you can be surprised on the day. The ceremony should look as good as the rest of your wedding, so I’ll think about the aesthetics as well as the words. By the day, you should feel you’re being married by a very professional friend.
The full step-by-step is on the Weddings page
Modern Rites · Phoebe Bence · Wedding celebrant in Brighton and the South East
© 2026 Modern Rites · Privacy Policy
Modern Rites · Phoebe Bence · Wedding celebrant in Brighton and the South East
© 2026 Modern Rites · Privacy Policy