Stephen Young
Humanism is a philosophy of living that respects and values human life without the need for religion – humanists think that we should take responsibility for our own lives and for our own actions – because people can live ethically and responsibly without relying on religion or superstition. There’s more information about humanism, including videos and other resources at the website of the British Humanist Association.
Humanist Ceremonies: Weddings and Baby Namings
More and more people are seeking humanist ceremonies to mark important moments in their lives. Ceremonies include funerals (which I don’t do), plus weddings, baby namings, and other individual and personal ceremonies, like anniversaries and adoption ceremonies (which I do). Humanist ceremonies are available through a network of Celebrants, who, like me, are trained and accredited by the British Humanist Association.
About Me
I live in Brighton and Hove (Hove, actually) and have been a humanist for many years – originally, without even realising it! I became a Celebrant after experiencing the humanist funeral of my mother, and later, attending a friend’s humanist wedding ceremony. Being a Celebrant combines my personal beliefs as a humanist, and a career as a university lecturer, plus speaking at conferences and events. I have written books, reports and magazine articles, so I have had a lot of practice as a writer – excellent background for preparing the script for your ceremony! There’s more about me at:
http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/stephen-young/18/129/316
Your Ceremony
Your humanist ceremony will be tailored and personalised, and will reflect your personalities and your wishes. The ceremony which I will write and deliver for you can include recorded or live music, poems or prose, which can be read or performed by family and friends. Or I can suggest readings and music, and I will read them if you wish. You may choose to include a symbolic exchange of gifts. It really is up to you!
Location, location, location
Whether you are considering a wedding, an affirmation or a naming, your humanist ceremony can take place wherever you choose, except, of course, at a religious building or site. You might wish to have a ceremony at home, in the garden, in a school or college, in the back room of a pub, or in a building hired for the occasion – I have performed ceremonies in a mansion on the edge of Brighton, a private garden deep in the countryside, a village hall in Sussex, a Georgian mansion in London’s Belgravia, a field on a Surrey farm, and in the garden of a Normandy chateau. As well as in a living room. The ceremony can be as formal or as informal as you wish: the choice is limited only by your imagination and by what is practical.
Charges
For more information, including charges, please click on:
http://www.stephenyoung.org.uk/page6.htm