Weddings
Wouldn’t it be great to start your married life with a ceremony that really means something? To tell your friends and family what your relationship means to you, and why you are choosing to get married?
Many of us who aren’t religious are looking for a wedding that is more flexible and personal than a civil or register office ceremony.
A humanist, non-religious wedding ceremony gives you the opportunity to marry where you want, when you want and how you want. You can set the tone that’s right for you and choose your own words and music.
Humanist weddings are perfect for couples who would like:
- a meaningful ceremony that isn’t religious
- to marry outdoors or at a location that isn’t licensed for civil weddings
- the flexibility to create a personal ceremony that is unique to them
- to get to know the person who will be conducting their wedding
- to celebrate their marriage with family and friends but without legally registering it – perhaps you will have already undertaken the formalities overseas, for example.
Unlike in Scotland, humanist weddings are not yet recognised in law in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Couples will often go to the register office to take care of the legal formalities in the days before their humanist wedding. However most couples still regard their humanist wedding as their ‘real’ wedding.
Richard Ford
“It was a beautiful ceremony that exceeded our expectations. It was sincere and dignified, touching, and full of humour. So many people said it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to!”
There’s no set script for a humanist wedding ceremony – it’s way too personal an occasion for that. Instead, every wedding is tailored to meet the particular couple’s requirements.
Our celebrants are trained, friendly and experienced people who will guide you through the process of creating a wedding that’s just perfect for you. They will:
- Meet you to get to know you and what you want from the occasion
- Share their ideas and draw on their experience
- Write a unique ceremony based on what you want
- Edit this in response to your feedback to make sure it’s absolutely perfect for you
- Conduct the ceremony on the day itself
- Give you a presentation copy of the final script.
Mick Shah
Fees vary according to the distance travelled and what is wanted from the occasion and are likely to be from £400 upwards. This reflects the many hours the celebrant puts in to planning and conducting each wedding.
Click here to download our weddings leaflet, or look for celebrants who conduct wedding ceremonies in your area.
You may also like to buy a copy of the British Humanist Association’s book, Sharing the Future. This includes lots of information and ideas on music and readings as well as sample ceremonies.
Humanist wedding ceremonies have featured in many blogs and wedding websites including the following:
We’d love to hear from you if you’ve had a humanist wedding and would like to share a photo and a tell us a bit about it for our website.
