What is a humanist celebrant?

A humanist celebrant takes your love story, and weaves it into a detailed ceremony script that truly reflects your values, your personalities, and your unique relationship. We create meaningful moments for you to share with each other or your loved ones. We then co-ordinate and deliver your beautiful, bespoke ceremony on the big day!

 

• So what exactly is humanism?

It’s really just about being a decent, kind person, living the best life we can. Humanism is a non-religious worldview based on reason and science.

Humanists focus on living our one life ethically, with compassion, and to the fullest. We believe that humans can act to give our own lives meaning, by seeking happiness in this life and helping others do the same.

 

• Can a humanist ceremony be held literally anywhere?

If you are choosing a non-religious wedding for tying the knot, you will more than likely be aware of the plethora of lovely licensed venues on offer to host your special day.

A humanist wedding can take place anywhere, any time, and include whomever you choose. If you would like the polished presentation of the licensed venues, then you can still absolutely have your beautiful bespoke ceremony there – but alternatively…

You could have a barefoot bohemian beach wedding?

A clifftop wedding with a breathtaking view?

An irreverent knees-up at your local pub?

Tie the knot at the stone circle, overlooking a bustling Glastonbury festival?

Or have a BBQ wedding breakfast in your own back garden, after sharing an intimate ceremony there with your closest family and friends. Spend your saved pennies on a great band and dance the night away…

The choices really are endless.

 

• How long is a humanist ceremony?

An average humanist ceremony can range from around 20 minutes to over an hour. But really, it is however long it needs to be. We work together to create a script that includes everything that is important to you- and that can vary greatly.

On the day, I arrive early, and leave only once everything is wrapped up and the reception is underway. There will be no toe-tapping or clock-watching from me (I’m looking at you, Joan from the register office!) I will never have another wedding to dash off to – I am exclusively yours for the day.

If there is an inconveniently timed rain shower that we could avoid, or an essential member of the bridal party is stuck in traffic, I am very flexible and will adapt things wherever I can.

 

• How creative can a humanist ceremony get?

Humanist ceremonies can be as creative as you like- it’s your day, your way! You can include your children, your friends, your dog? You can have a singalong? A theme? You can geek-out about your favourite films, special interests or games?

Whatever helps you to connect with your loved ones and with each other. You can really have fun with it, and make it uniquely yours!

 

• We would like something personal, but not too unconventional. Do you create ceremonies with a more traditional feel?

Absolutely. I will craft your day to your personal preferences, and I absolutely love leading humanist weddings with a classic style. I can write you a beautiful, bespoke script- telling your love story, and incorporating any traditional aspects that are meaningful to you. You can say traditional vows too if you wish. It is all your choice.

 

• We’d like to include a ritual from another culture – is that okay?

Of course! Unlike registrar-led ceremonies, we celebrants are free to incorporate cultural aspects and rituals to honour your heritage. Humanists believe in human connection, and value all of our individual journeys- so your family and heritage are very important! I absolutely encourage you to have a glass breaking, a garland exchange, jumping the broom, or another act of cultural significance, if it is important to you or your loved ones.

 

• What about LGBTQ+ weddings?

Absolutely! Love is Love, and we humanists are an inclusive, progressive bunch! To underline my support and commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, I have completed allyship training with Stonewall. I celebrate love in all its forms.

 

• Do you support the needs of neuro-divergent couples?

Yes! I am very tuned in to the needs of ND couples. I will always ask you your preferred methods of communication, and will happily send you gentle reminders, if you tell me you need them. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you to feel more comfortable as we plan your big day. Remember, your ceremony is totally bespoke, so we can include/not include whatever works for you!

 

• Are humanist weddings legal?

In England and Wales, not yet- but marriage law will be changed in the coming years. Our ceremonies are currently already legal in Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey.

Whilst we wait for our government to catch up with the rest of the UK and Ireland, we must take the additional step of attending the register office for a ‘statutory marriage’ signing. This involves saying simple declaratory and contracting words, and does not need to include an exchange of rings or vows. You can save those for your real ceremony if you wish.

In Birmingham the current charge for the basic ‘2+2 witnesses’ service is £57 and this includes one certificate.

(If you think the fact that we are still not legally recognised is unfair, here is the link to write to your MP and encourage them to sort it out.)

Write to your MP to support humanist marriage

 

• So is it a real wedding?

Well I suppose it depends what you define as a ‘real’ wedding. What makes it real? Is it the signing of paperwork? Or is it making your vows to each other, in front of your loved ones?

When someone dies, is the funeral the day the death certificate is signed? Or is it the day that you gather together to remember them?

When a baby is born, do we celebrate the day that we register the birth at the register office? Or is it the day they arrived?

These rites of passage have been marked with ceremony and ritual throughout human history. Ceremonies such as these predate organised religion, and certainly predate register offices. What makes them real is not the legal transaction… but the ceremony- with all of its emotional connection and focused intention.

 

• What does it mean to be accredited by Humanists UK?

To gain accreditation, HUK celebrants must pass rigorous training in script writing and delivery. We have mentoring and ongoing professional development, and a huge network of other excellent celebrants to share practice with.

The HUK celebrant network is a wonderful, supportive community of like-minded professionals, and all are committed to maintaining our consistently high standards and excellent reputation.