Having a humanist wedding means you can have a ceremony that is exactly how you want it (though I can’t guarantee fine weather, unfortunately!). Your wedding can be held indoors or outdoors, at a hotel, in a barn, or up a mountain. You can include whatever elements you choose, and involve friends and family in the ceremony, perhaps through symbolic acts such as a hand-fasting, or a ring warming. You can write your own vows to each other, if you wish, or I can help with this, and with suggestions for music and readings if required.

If you are considering having a humanist ceremony, I always suggest an informal meeting, face-to-face if possible, or via video call, so we can talk about what the ceremony might entail. This gives you a chance to make sure a humanist ceremony is right for you, and see if I am the person you wish to take the ceremony.

If you decide that this is the right option for you, we would have a more in-depth meeting, where you can tell me all about your story as a couple, your life together thus far, and your hopes for the future. I will build a script around everything you tell me, and whatever elements you wish to include within the ceremony. You can make any changes you wish to the draft script, to make it just the way you want it.

If you would like a rehearsal at the venue a few days prior to the wedding we can run through the staging of the ceremony, and have a practice at speaking for anyone involved. This means everyone is familiar with the venue, and reduces nerves on the day.

On the day of your wedding I will guide you through the ceremony, and leave you with a presentation copy of the script for you to keep.

My fee is £550, with travel expenses at 45p/mile if I am travelling over 30 miles from my home in Skelmanthorpe. I ask for payment in instalments, £150 as a deposit to secure the date, £200 before delivery of the script, and £200 before the big day itself.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any or all aspects of your wedding.

Important note: Humanist weddings are not yet legal in England (unlike in Scotland) and so if you want your wedding or partnership to be legally recognised you will need to have a civil ceremony. Often couples keep this fairly low-key, and consider their humanist ceremony as the real marking of their commitment to and love for one another.