Watch our video about Humanist Ceremonies in Yorkshire!

Many people are familiar with non-religious, Humanist funeral services but far fewer have come across Humanist ceremonies for weddings. They aren’t all that common as yet – around 1,000 take place annually in the UK – but the numbers are growing as awareness spreads!

Couples often come across us Humanist celebrants when they are searching for something more personal than a register office and feel uncomfortable at the idea of a religious wedding. Often it’s because they want to make the vows that mean most to them in a place that’s particularly meaningful to them, which is not licensed.

The beauty of having a Humanist ceremony lies in its total flexibility. It can be whatever you want it to be; include whatever you want to say, whoever you want to include; it can take place wherever you want it to take place.  It is unique to you.

My ceremonies are unique because they are always written from scratch, created just for you. Together we will find the words and gestures to reflect your story, your way, that best express how you feel about each other and why you are making this wonderful commitment to each other before your family and friends.

Inclusiveness

There are no barriers or restrictions with a Humanist ceremony. If you are looking to make that public commitment to each other, I am happy to be involved, regardless of gender, sex, identity, disability, age, race or belief.

What you can expect

Currently Humanist weddings are not (yet!) part of the legal framework for marriage in England and Wales – so you will still need to ‘do the legal bit’ at a register office.

Your personalised Humanist wedding ceremony could include:

• Welcome and Introduction
• A few words about your choice of Humanist wedding ceremony
• A little about your hopes and dreams for your future together
• Your stories – how you met, how you fell in love, The Proposal!
• Your vows or commitments to each other – in both words and actions of your own choosing
• (An exchange of rings or other jewellery is probably the most familiar ‘ritual’ you could include, but there are others you might not have thought of, such as the lighting of candles or hand fasting – or anything else that works for you! There’s lots of lovely options we can explore).
• Closing words and celebrations

Plus of course, whatever music or readings you’d like to include (I can help you out with suggestions, particularly for readings, if you’d like me to)

The length of a ceremony can vary, depending on how many guests there are, how much music and readings you’d like etc – but 20-40 minutes is typical.

I promise you a warm and friendly, reliable, professional service focused on understanding what you want for your special day.

Want to know more? Give me a call or message me on 07740 814731. Or drop me an email at jessica.alexander@humanistceremonies.org.uk