What is a Humanist Wedding?

A Humanist UK wedding is a non-religious ceremony, which puts the couple at the heart of their wedding. It’s completely inclusive, giving you the opportunity to be married, in a way that is personal to you.

“Your wedding, your way” is a phrase Humanist UK celebrants like to use, as a Humanist wedding allows you to choose the place, the time, the structure and the content of your wedding ceremony.

Where you want it – unlike religious or civil ceremonies, Humanist ceremonies don’t have to take place in specified wedding venues. There are many different places that can hold significance for a couple, for example the home and/or garden of a friend or family member, a favourite place, venue or even where you proposed

When you want it – unlike religious or civil ceremonies, Humanist celebrants are yours for the day, affording for a more personalised schedule and taking the pressure out of pre-assigned time slots. Weekdays are also popular alternatives.

In the style that suits you – your wedding can be as traditional or as contemporary as you like. It can also involve the blending of traditional cultural practices with elements that are unique to you as a couple. Your story is our story.

When using an accredited Humanists UK celebrant, you can be assured of having a wedding that is fully supported by Humanist Ceremonies™, which sets the highest standards for its celebrants. We are also part of a national network, which means there is always additional back-up for any unforeseen or unexpected circumstances.

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 What might a ceremony include? 

Your story – how you met, your feelings for each other and your hopes for the future.

Your commitments and promises to each other, including what love and marriage means for you.

Your vows, which can be written by yourselves and completely personalised or inspired by a selection of pre-written vows, which you can adapt.

The exchange of rings or similar tokens, as an outward symbol of your union.

Readings of poetry or prose, which have meanings for you as a couple. I can help you in selecting these pieces based on your interests and preferences. At the ceremony, the readings can be delivered by friends, family members or myself.

Music, either live or recorded, chosen by you and often with personal meanings for you as a couple.

Symbolic Acts of various kinds, including handfasting (where the couple’s hands are tied together with ribbons and hence the phrase ‘tying the knot’), lighting candles, blending sand, drinking from a shared cup or anything else you might like to do, which has meaning for you as a couple.

The active involvement of your guests in any part of the ceremony. You could ask them for their support in your vows, they could ‘warm’ your rings with their hopes for you, they could bind your hands together for the handfasting or in any other way you or they wish to be involved.

 How will we work together? 

I will design and create a bespoke wedding ceremony in close collaboration with you.

We start with an initial meeting (either on-line or in person), where we can discuss any ideas you may have, and any plans you already have in place. If you subsequently decide that I am the celebrant for you, we secure the date and my commitment to you with a deposit.

We will meet in person for a planning meeting. This meeting is important, as it is when we will discuss all the details for your ceremony, as well as ‘your story’, including the first date, the proposal, feelings you have for each other, and your hopes for your marriage. At this meeting I can show you samples of readings, vows, ideas for symbolic rituals and ways in which we can involve friends and family.

After the planning meeting, I will compose the first draft of your bespoke wedding ceremony script. We can then pass it back and forth for any re-drafting, so that it’s exactly how you want it to be and makes you feel confident and happy.

The day before your wedding, we will have a rehearsal, where we can organise and practice in the space, check technical aspects, including sound and ensure those who are involved feel confident in what they are doing, so you can all relax and enjoy the ceremony on the day itself.

On the day of the wedding, I will be available to you alone for the whole day. I will arrive nice and early, and will coordinate all elements of my part in your ceremony including, communicating with wedding planners, videographers, photographers and musicians. I will conduct your wedding and pronounce you as a married couple.

After the wedding I will prepare and send to you a presentational copy of your wedding ceremony for you to keep and remember your special day.