Petra Rigby

Hello, my name is Petra and I am a heart-led celebrant based in Altrincham, Cheshire.

I am passionate about creating unique, personal and beautiful ceremonies with special symbolism for the most defining moments in life. I work across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire.

My own life experience gives me the calm, reassuring and resilient nature required to be a celebrant, whilst also instilling in me the wonder and joy of the storyteller when creating bespoke ceremonies that reflect your personal beliefs and values.

Before becoming a celebrant, I had an exciting and varied 32-year career in television production at the BBC.  I particularly loved working on ancient history documentaries, travelling the world, and even had the privilege of travelling to the “End of the World” in Ushuaia, Argentina to film ancient indigenous South American ceremonies.

I love writing poems which I find are such a powerful way to capture a thought, a moment, an emotion and to highlight all the symbolism of the natural world.

I love capturing the special, funny and surprising moments of life with photos, and nature never fails to surprise with her stunning beauty all around us.  I love the symbolism of blossom bringing hope in spring with rebirth and renewal; as a symbol of love, passion, beauty, strength and sexuality; and as blossom only flowers for a short time, it also symbolises the transient nature of life and our mortality.

My husband and I adopted our three children in 2009 and what an adventure we have been on since then!  So, in addition to weddings, funerals, vow renewals and naming ceremonies, it is an honour to also offer adoption ceremonies to other parents who have shared this wonderful experience!

I love spending time outdoors walking our dog, whatever the weather, surrounded by nature, preferably on my favourite beach.  My favourite ceremonies are outdoors too!

As a celebrant, I aim to help families embrace both the storms and sunshine of life through my heart-led ceremonies.