Jess May is a Brighton-based celebrant, host and creator of the Opening Ceremony podcast a soulful series that explores human stories and connections.
As a double-award-winning celebrant with more than a decade of experience, Jess is known for creating vibrant, inclusive and deeply personal ceremonies that honour all of life’s big moments, from weddings and commitment ceremonies to living wakes and funerals.
A recent turning point in her celebrancy journey came when she was invited to create a wedding ceremony for a polyamorous constellation. The experience was powerful, heartfelt, and transformative for her.
She says “I was really moved by the sincerity and generosity of the love I witnessed that day, there was so much care between everyone involved and such intention in how they chose to honour their love. It made perfect sense to begin offering polyamorous wedding ceremonies as part of my practice for polycules, couples, throuples and anyone exploring ethical non-monogamy.”
As polyamory becomes more visible and understood in the UK, the need for ceremonies that reflect diverse relationships is growing. People in multiple-partner relationships, like anyone else, want to celebrate their love with family and friends in a way that feels meaningful and true to who they are. Jess revealed, “Human beings have always celebrated love through ceremony, why should any relationship be excluded or unacknowledged just because it doesn’t fit into a traditional framework?”
Much of her work centres on people who value authenticity, emotional honesty and deep connection—qualities she often sees reflected in polyamorous communities. She approaches each ceremony with warmth, empathy, and a deep respect for the uniqueness of each person and relationship.
“My role is to cheerlead you and your loves,” she explains. “My ceremonies are fun, joyful, full of character and real emotion. It’s about capturing who you are and creating a space where your guests can feel that too.”
With no legal component required, celebrant-led wedding ceremonies offer incredible flexibility and that’s part of what makes them perfect for polyamorous relationships. They’re not about ticking boxes. They’re about storytelling, symbolism, and soul.
“Celebrant weddings are all about love, not law,” Jess explains. “You can hold your ceremony anywhere, under a tree, on a beach, in your garden or even in your local pub and shape it to reflect exactly who you are. That creative freedom means your love story is honoured in a way that feels completely true to you.”
Working with Jess is a collaborative and intimate process. She typically invests around 25 hours into each ceremony, spending time getting to know not just her clients, but also their friends and family. This allows her to craft ceremonies that feel authentic, personal, and resonant.
“I meet everyone and learn your stories. I find out what makes you laugh and what brings you together,” she says. “I write your love story and read it on the day, making sure everyone present can understand your story—there’s usually not many dry eyes in the house.”
Whether it’s a joyful, whimsical gathering or a deeply spiritual and symbolic ritual, Jess believes every ceremony should be a reflection of the people at its heart. Her work blends creativity with sensitivity, and she ensures her clients are never portrayed simplistically or stereotypically, especially important when working with communities that have historically been misunderstood or marginalised.
“You want to know that your celebrant has heard you, seen you and truly ‘got’ you,” she says. “That your story is being held with care and respect; that really matters, especially for people who are carving out new ways of loving and living.”
Now in her second decade as a celebrant, Jess is more inspired than ever. Working with polyamorous communities feels like a natural extension of her existing practices, reflecting a cultural shift she’s proud to be part of. “Society is changing. Our relationships are evolving. And ceremonies, which have always reflected cultural values, are evolving too. It’s exciting to be part of that change and to help facilitate rituals that honour a generosity and abundance of love.”
Whether you’re planning a ceremony as a couple, a throuple or a constellation of multiple loves, Jess offers a safe, joyful space to explore what a meaningful, inclusive celebration can look like, one that reflects your values, your people, and your love, in all its forms.
If you’re looking for a unique, inclusive, and joyfully personal wedding ceremony, whether you’re polyamorous or not, get in touch with Jess May.
07891 525 531
