Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Muir.
Jenny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from the UK, and my journey into becoming a wedding and funeral officiant began as I started to think about what my work in the USA would be. In the UK, I had been a teacher and Vice Principal of a prestigious Independent School for many years but knew that my teaching qualifications wouldn’t easily transfer to the US school system. So, I drew on all of the transferable skills working in education had given me – a love of working with people, understanding them, storytelling, listening, empathy and patience – and used those to consider my next steps! In the UK, there is professional training to learn how to officiate and this training was important to me so that I could ensure I would offer the very best service for the families and couples I would serve. So, I undertook a weeks long residential course in April of 2022, at the end of which I qualified as a professional celebrant (officiant)
I almost immediately been working as a celebrant, creating and officiating bespoke wedding ceremonies for couples who wanted something deeply personal rather than simply traditional as well as personalized funeral services and celebrations of life.
Relocating to the Atlanta area was a big life step, but it also gave me the opportunity to bring my experience and perspective to couples and families here. What I love most about this work is getting to know people’s stories—for couples getting married this of course centres on how they met, what they value, what makes their relationship unique—and then crafting a ceremony that truly reflects who they are. and for funerals, it’s sitting with a family and holding space for them to talk about their loved one and to work alongside them to create a meaningful funeral or memorial service.
In many ways, my role is part storyteller, part guide, and part calm presence on what is either one of the most important days of someone’s life or one of the most difficult. But the skills are always the same – professional, warm, curious, a steady presence and a genuine, heartfelt approach.
In the nearly three years i have lived in ATL, I have worked with over 200 couples and families and always feel a sense of gratitude that I am able to do this work even more fully than I could have imagined when I was back in the UK.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Relocating internationally and building a business again in a new country definitely comes with challenges.
When you move somewhere new, you’re not just adjusting to a different culture—you’re also rebuilding your professional network from scratch. In the wedding industry, relationships and trust are incredibly important, so it takes time to establish yourself.
But I’ve found that the values behind my work translate across borders. Couples everywhere want the same thing at their wedding: to feel seen, understood, and supported. Once people experience the difference a thoughtful, well-crafted ceremony can make, they understand the value of what I do.
And my funeral work has come with challenges too as there is very much still an emphasis on funerals needing to be led by clergy as opposed to a celebrant.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I create and officiate bespoke ceremonies for life’s most meaningful moments, particularly weddings and funerals. Whether I’m helping a couple celebrate the beginning of their marriage or supporting a family as they honor the life of someone they love, my role is to create a ceremony that feels personal, thoughtful, and authentic.
Rather than relying on a standard script, I spend time getting to know the people I’m working with and understanding the story behind the moment we’re marking. For couples, that might mean weaving their love story into the ceremony or helping them shape vows that truly reflect their relationship. For families, it’s about capturing the essence of the person they’ve lost and creating a tribute that feels sincere and meaningful.
What makes my work unique is the level of care and intentionality behind every ceremony. I believe these moments deserve more than something generic—they deserve words and experiences that reflect the people at the center of them. My aim is always to create a ceremony that feels genuine and memorable for everyone present.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work with me is simply to reach out and start a conversation. I love meeting couples who are looking for a ceremony that truly reflects who they are and the journey that brought them together. If someone is planning a wedding and wants a ceremony that feels personal, meaningful, and thoughtfully crafted, I’m always delighted to connect and explore what that could look like together.
I also work with families who want to create a heartfelt and respectful funeral or celebration of life ceremony that honors the unique story of someone they love. Supporting families through those moments and helping them find the right words is a privilege I never take lightly.
Collaboration is also a big part of what I do. I enjoy connecting with wedding planners, venues, photographers, and other professionals in the events and hospitality community who share the same commitment to creating thoughtful experiences for their clients.
And of course, one of the greatest ways people can support a small business like mine is simply by sharing my name with someone who might need a celebrant or officiant. Personal recommendations mean the world in this industry and are often how the most wonderful connections begin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ceremoniesbyjenny.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniesbyjennym
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenny.muir.ceremonies
Image Credits
Steve Wallace
Mike Moon
Ryan Harville
Hayley Jones
Kelsie Jones
Taitt Vosatka
Lane Collins
Maekoi photography
