Recently named Wedding Celebrant of the Year 2026 by WeddingsOnline Awards, Jo McAteer is known for her relaxed, genuine and personable approach to ceremonies. Here, she sits down with IMAGE to share her unique career journey from funeral celebrant to wedding solemniser – as well as her top tips for curating a memorable big day.
What service do you provide for weddings and couples?
I am an interfaith minister and an HSE-registered solemniser, which means I am legally authorised to marry couples here in Ireland. My role is to create and deliver bespoke wedding ceremonies that are personal, meaningful and completely reflective of each couple’s story, values and personalities.
For me, the ceremony is the heart of the wedding day. It is the moment everyone gathers together, the moment the families meet, the moment the celebrations truly begin. I work closely with each couple to create a ceremony that feels relaxed, genuine and memorable – something that feels like them.
What inspired you to become a celebrant?
Interestingly, I began my journey as a funeral celebrant. My father and brother are both undertakers, and it was actually my brother who suggested I explore the path of being a celebrant. At the time, I wasn’t convinced I would be able for it – I am naturally very empathetic and, if I’m honest, I’m the kind of person who cries at The X Factor! But what I discovered very quickly is that I bring a calm and reassuring presence to important moments in people’s lives.
Working in funerals gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of ceremony and storytelling. Moving into weddings felt like a very natural progression – celebrating love, connection and new beginnings is incredibly special, and it is a privilege to play a part in that.
What makes your service unique within the wedding industry?
I am a real people person, and I genuinely love getting to know couples and hearing what makes their relationship special. I also believe a ceremony should feel warm, engaging and enjoyable. While it is a very meaningful moment, it doesn’t need to feel overly formal or stiff.
I like to include gentle moments of humour and lightness, creating a ceremony atmosphere where everyone feels relaxed and present. The ceremony is often the first shared experience for both families and it really sets the tone for the rest of the day. I take great pride in delivering something that feels polished and professional, but also natural, sincere and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What do you enjoy most about your work, and have you encountered any challenges along the way?
I love that this role is always evolving. I am constantly learning, developing and looking for ways to improve the experience I offer couples. In my earlier days, I would not have trusted myself to move away from a script, whereas now I feel very confident in my delivery and in reading the room on the day.
I have also invested in professional development on the business side, including social media training, allowing me to connect with couples in a more authentic and accessible way. For me, it’s all about continually growing so that each couple receives the very best version of what I can offer.
How far in advance should couples book their celebrant?
It is never too early to get in touch. Many couples book their celebrant 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly for popular dates. I usually take just one ceremony per day so that each couple has my full focus and energy.
Summer months, bank holiday weekends and Thursdays through Saturdays are especially popular. Sometimes couples will contact me because they know they would love me to be part of their day, and having flexibility around dates can be very helpful in those cases.
What does the booking process look like from start to finish?
When a couple first enquires, I provide an information document outlining the booking process and answering many of the questions they may have. If they wish, we can arrange a call or meet so they can get a feel for me and how I work – this is really important, as connection and trust are key when choosing a celebrant.
Once a couple decides to proceed, I provide a contract confirming my availability. I also share a detailed ceremony checklist, which helps guide the development of the ceremony and ensures no detail is overlooked. We revisit this checklist a number of times throughout the planning process, including a final review before the wedding day, so couples can feel confident that everything is exactly as they want it.
Where are you based and what locations do you cover?
I am originally from Donegal and now based in Gorey in County Wexford, which allows me to travel easily throughout the country. I regularly travel nationwide for ceremonies and am always happy to discuss location options with couples. My priority is always arriving calm, prepared and fully present for each ceremony.
Is there a particular ceremony that stands out in your memory?
Every ceremony is special in its own way, and I am incredibly lucky to have been trusted with so many beautiful stories over the years.
One particularly memorable ceremony involved creating a handfasting cord using fabric from a bride’s late father’s pyjamas. He had been unwell for some time, and incorporating this into the ceremony allowed her father to be symbolically present as her hand was given in marriage. It was a very touching moment and a wonderful example of how personalised ceremonies can honour the people who mean the most to us.
What advice would you offer couples when choosing their celebrant or wedding suppliers?
Take time to explore suppliers online. Look at their website, social media and reviews – these give a great sense of their style and personality. Watching video content can be particularly helpful when choosing a celebrant, as it allows you to see how they communicate and whether you feel comfortable with them.
Most importantly, have a conversation. You should feel at ease with your celebrant and confident that they understand what is important to you. When you have the right suppliers around you, everything flows more easily, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your wedding day.