Humanist ceremonies have developed as an alternative to Church weddings for those of us who wish to embrace a traditional but secular celebration with family an

d friends.Unfortunately, however, these non-religious ceremonies do not as yet have any legal authority and  you will therefore be required to undertake a registry office formality either before or after the ceremony if you wish to be legally wed

Humanist wedding ceremonies are designed so that couples can create their own personal and unique day by incorporating words and music that are pertinent and significant to them as individuals and together.

 

A Humanist ceremony can be as long or as short as you want; you design it. My role as the celebrant is to develop, refine and deliver your thoughts, affirmations, aspirations and words of commitment in whatever setting, informal or formal, that you choose.

For illustration purposes a ceremony may last between 25 – 50 minutes and might progress as follows:

1.   Entry

• Usually accompanied by specially chosen music

2. Introductory remarks

• Welcoming everyone and setting the scene for the significant occasion
• The couple’s recognition and appreciation of their family and friends being in attendance
• The couple’s own thoughts about themselves and their partnership; the journey they have come on to be here on the day

3.     The Marriage

• The couple, usually standing, share their own personal aspirations / vows to each other in front of their guests. 

e.g    I promise to continue loving you, to relish every moment I spend with you and to encourage your creativity. I promise to share memories and make plans with you for tomorrow and beyond. I will be your companion and confidante.

I promise to always love you, to respect you and through  understanding you, to organise you. I promise to indulge your impulsiveness with patience and good humour. I will be your rock regardless of the inevitable ebb and flow of our relationship. I anticipate a lifetime’s journey ahead of us which will be full of fun and laughter.’

• Symbolic actions can be included at this point
  e.g.

Handfasting:

Exchanging tokens of commitment:

Tree planting;

Sand blending:

Jumping the broom:

Or your own shared action….http://www.emlii.com/5cb38a40/15-Extremely-Strange-And-Craziest-Wedding-Traditions-In-The-World

 

4.     Closing words

 

And then, it is over to you to celebrate your union with you family and friends.

 

 

 

Specially chosen Readings

The Confirmation by Edwin Muir  

Yes, yours, my love, is the right human face.

I in my mind had waited for this long,

Seeing the false and searching for the true,

Then found you as a traveller finds a place

Of welcome suddenly amid the wrong

Valleys and rocks and twisting roads. But you,

What shall I call you? A fountain in a waste,

A well of water in a country dry,

Or anything that’s honest and good, an eye

That makes the whole world seem bright. Your open heart,

Simple with giving, gives the primal deed,

The first good world, the blossom, the blowing seed,

The hearth, the steadfast land, the wandering sea.

Not beautiful or rare in every part.

But like yourself, as they were meant to be.