Congratulations – You’re getting married!

Let me help you plan your perfect ceremony for one of the most exciting and meaningful days of your life.

Together, we will craft a unique ceremony which completely reflects you both, your values and your relationship. Attention to detail and getting to know you over the months before your wedding day enable me to provide a bespoke, personal and memorable experience.

This can include cultural or traditional aspects important to you, symbolic acts and rituals such as handfasting (‘tying the knot’), unity candles, ring exchange or you can invent your own. I will help you to create personal, meaningful vows and work with you to involve friends, family, pets, props, poetry, readings or even interpretive dance to tell your love story and represent the transition of your relationship into married life.

Let me help ‘YOU do YOU’ when you say “I do”!

About me

I am a wedding celebrant accredited by Humanists UK. I live in Hackney and conduct ceremonies in the area and across the south east but can travel further if required.

I have worked in the NHS in Hackney for 28 years having trained as a Speech and Language Therapist following a Psychology degree. I have enjoyed my career as a therapist, then manager and also as a Clinical tutor to therapy students.

I’m also a trained massage therapist – just saying!

My previous work has given me a strong background of skills and experience such as listening, reflecting, being person centred, adapting communication style to the audience and advocating for and supporting people to work towards their goals.

My coaching and mentoring experience enables me to support you through every step of creating your perfect day giving you confidence that it will be exactly what you want.

Why a humanist ceremony?

Because they are awesome!!

A humanist ceremony is a non religious ceremony with no restrictions. It’s all about you expressing your love and commitment to each other in front of the people you care about and who care about you, wherever you choose. There are no rules. Mr and Mrs, Mrs and Mrs, Mr and Mr, Mx and Mx – Starlord and Drag Queen, You and You – love is love. Share it with those you love in whatever way feels authentic to you. A humanist ceremony will do exactly that.

“Ruuuuuuuuuth we laughed, we cried, we LOVED it!!!

Thank you so much”

“Great comedy writing and sensitivity – like you have known us all our lives.

Everyone said it was the highlight of the day”

FAQs

Is it legal? Humanist ceremonies are currently legal in Northern Ireland and Scotland meaning they result in a legal civil partnership. This is not yet the case in England so you may want to do the `legal bit’ at your local registry office before or after the ceremony. For more information on Humanists UK’s work to legalise ceremonies in England and Wales please see Legal recognition of humanist marriages » Humanists UK

What is Humanism?

Humanists believe that we only get one life and should live it to the full with freedom of choice and reason, combined with social responsibility. With core values of equality, kindness and compassion, humanism is a philosophy of life and ethics based on a concern for humanity and the natural world.

Humanists believe in the good within human beings and in the individual’s right to freedom of choice throughout their life.

How much does it cost?

The cost is £900 and includes;

• Initial meeting and `save the date’
• Getting to know you, your wishes and what your relationship means to you over several months leading up to your big day.
• Advice and support to create your unique script and vows in order to deliver your perfect ceremony
• A rehearsal to run through the ceremony a few days before.
• Delivering your ceremony on the day.
• A presentation copy of your ceremony.

Get in touch at ruth.gilmore@humanistceremonies.org.uk

or call 07941471533