Humanist weddings are more and more popular. People are reflecting seriously upon their beliefs when they come to arrange a wedding and whether or not they want or need a religious aspect to the ceremony .  Many come to the conclusion that even despite an upbringing which included religious rituals, their adult life does not include a God and so feel it is inappropriate to have a religious wedding . This is where a Humanist wedding ceremony is the ideal solution.

Here are a few frequently asked questions which I hope you will find useful !

What will you do for us ? 

• arrange an initial meeting to discuss how you would like your ceremony to be
• prepare your completely unique wedding ceremony script
• keep in touch throughout the writing process for your amendments / additions until it’s perfect for you
• take a rehearsal (usually the day before)
• take the wedding ceremony
• send you a beautiful copy of your wedding ceremony words afterwards for you to keep as a family record

 

Where can we have the ceremony ?

It can be anywhere as the venue does not have to be licenced . Often they are held outdoors in back gardens, beaches, woods, cliff tops, etc. but they can also be held in more conventional wedding venues such as hotels, houses and stately homes.

 

If we are planning a big wedding with lots of guests, do you use a microphone ?

I have my own lapel wireless mic with a receiver which plugs into the back of a small amp.

 

Are Humanist wedding ceremonies legal?

They are In Scotland, Northern Ireland, Guernsey and Jersey but sadly not yet in England and Wales. Humanists UK are constantly lobbying government for a change in the law, so watch this space . You can, however, ask up to four witnesses to sign a Humanist wedding certificate on the day .

 

What does that mean for us?

For now, you will have to legally register your wedding at your local registry office. The price of this varies but a statutory ceremony locally starts from £57. Most couples arrange for the legal ceremony to take place a few days before their Humanist wedding with either parents, siblings or friends as their legal witnesses.

Do we have to be members of Humanists UK ?

No, although we would expect you to agree with the basic ethos behind Humanism.

 

What’s your fee ?

£725 plus travelling expenses from DT4. A deposit of £200 is due to confirm the booking with the balance not payable until 30 days before the wedding date. You are not expected to confirm the booking until we had our first meeting, don’t worry !

 

What happens at a Humanist wedding ceremony ?

The ceremony format is usually similar to a church service only without any reference to God or it can be as far away from that as possible – it’s up to you ! A typical ceremony contains vows, exchange of rings, Humanist certificate signing and has two or more readings and music at the usual key moments.