Weddings
Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding!
I am Elizabeth Lucas, an experienced Celebrant accredited by the British Humanist Association.
Providing the perfect wedding, without religion, to truly reflect a couple’s personalities, wishes & dreams is my passion. It is a privilege to work together with you both to produce a ceremony to remember forever, of your happiest of days, shared with those whom you love.
Why have a Humanist Wedding?
-Because you wish for a personal, unique ceremony which will reflect your values & beliefs, and will provide you with wonderful memories for years to come.
-Because your world view does not encompass a faith, but you still wish to have a meaningful and moving celebration of your love.
-Because you have differing faiths, and a ceremony that stresses the personal, and the joy of love would be fitting and appropriate for you.
-You may wish to celebrate your union after having had a legal ceremony elsewhere, perhaps abroad
There are many reasons…but most couples wish for something that is absolutely “them”. A Humanist Wedding is unique- each is entirely personal, never to be repeated. You control the content; I will listen, suggest ideas, offer guidance and support. My background as a counsellor, coach and trainer enables me to understand just how stressful, as well as joyful, weddings can be; I am there to offer support at all stages of your wedding, and am always available to talk your ideas & plans over in more detail as the script takes shape.
What will our wedding include?
Your script will include all you wish to say to each other on your special day, and will be beautifully written, with the utmost attention to detail. Poetry, prose & music of your choice can be included, and you can invite family or friends to perform a reading, or play a particular role in the ceremony, such as a Handfasting, Sand Ceremony, exchange of gifts, dove, butterfly or balloon release or other symbolic act. If you’re not quite sure as yet how you would like the ceremony to be, that’s no problem: we can talk over the options, and come up with content that is just perfect for you. Some time before the wedding takes place, there will be a rehearsal so we can be absolutely sure on The Day that all will run smoothly.
Ceremonies can be conducted in a range of venues- one huge advantage of a Humanist Wedding is that you have a free hand- outdoors in a tranquil spot or indoors in a favourite setting, grand or simple. Venues don’t need to be licensed, so a Humanist Wedding is an inspired choice for those not wishing to pay the inflated prices charged by some licensed venues. If, for example, you have a lovely garden- or have access to one-why not take advantage of it?
I have married couples both older & younger, previously married, gay, lesbian or straight, and have even had a bride’s beloved greyhound act as ringbearer!
Be it relaxed, quirky- I have twice appeared as the Celebrant in “Marrying Mum & Dad” on BBC’s CBeebies- to formal, highly scripted & elaborate- your wedding will leave you with joyful memories to treasure for a lifetime.
Most couples marry at the Register Office before or after their Humanist Wedding- but you may simply wish to make commitments to each other without any legal constraints. You don’t need to exchange rings at the Register Office if you prefer to save this most romantic of gestures for your wedding day.
Going ahead…
I am always very happy to meet a couple informally, with no obligation, to talk over the ideas you have for your ceremony. If you decide to make a firm booking, a deposit (generally non-returnable) of £100 will secure the date, and we can then begin the exciting process of planning!
My fees for 2017-18 are £500, which includes an in-depth planning meeting, the preparation of the script, any amendments you may wish to make, ongoing support and consultation if required by phone and email, a rehearsal of the ceremony, and, finally, the delivery of the ceremony itself. You will also receive a keepsake copy of the wedding script on parchment paper & tied with ribbon.
If you are based more than 50 miles outside of postcode S36 1FN, or if your wedding venue is outside of this area, I reserve the right to charge you a small fee for mileage, which I am happy to discuss with you.
Weddings can also be conducted outside of the UK, by negotiation.
Seeking a Celebrant who will listen, guide & support you, and who will enjoy your wedding day almost as much as you do? Then please do get in touch!
Testimonials:
V& J: “I just wanted to say thank you so very much for our ceremony on Saturday. It was everything we had hoped for and more, and, without exception, every single guest commented on how wonderful and personal it was. Several guests also said it was the loveliest ceremony they’d ever been to”.
C & E: “We had a wonderful day! I lost count of the people who commented on how amazing the ceremony was, and perfect for us. We loved every part. I think you have definitely converted people to the joy of a Humanist ceremony”.
L & A: “The service was really professional and it was lovely to write our own vows. Having experienced both a register office wedding and a Humanist Ceremony, I can say that the Humanist wedding was by far the most deeply personal & meaningful”.
A & D: “We have just come down to earth after the madness of getting married. I am just writing to say thank you, once again…it was perfect”.
E & S: “We had the most amazing day, we loved every minute of it. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put in to the ceremony, we thought it was wonderful. Every one commented on how fantastic it was & how good it was to hear something personal. A number of people told me it was the best wedding they had ever been to”.
Other Ceremonies:
I also offer bespoke ceremonies for the following occasions:
-Engagements: Celebrate with friends & family as you “plight your troth” together, anticipating years of happiness.
-Renewal of Vows (this can be after only a few, or very many years together, or it may be after a significant event in your lives…) Remind all those who love you what it is to have found the one person who means the world to you, and celebrate all that you have achieved together.
-Adoption, Coming of Age, New Home…the possibilities are limitless. Any event in your lives that you wish to mark & celebrate can be made all the more moving and special by an appropriate, personal Humanist Ceremony.