HUMANIST WEDDINGS
Probably The Best Way To Get Married
What is a humanist wedding?
A humanist wedding ceremony is not the bit you have to endure before the party begins. It’s where it starts. This is where we laugh, cry (in that good way) and cheer. Where we celebrate, take part and feel together. It’s where your love story is shared in all its glory and where memories are made for life for you and your guests. A shared experience.
If you are non-religious, and you want a unique and joyful witnessing and celebration of your union, there is another, and better, option than a boring, impersonal and superficial registrar ceremony. A celebrant-led humanist wedding allows you to include all the things that matter to you (and none of what doesn’t) - your unique quirks, personal values and stories as a couple and as individuals, as well as any cultural elements that are important to you.
How is a celebrant ceremony different?
It’s all about the personal touch! We will spend months getting to know each other, with me listening, writing and meeting with you.
As I get to know you, your story and your relationships (with each other as well as other important people, and pets?), the script for your ceremony will take shape and evolve into a wonderful presentation of all the anecdotes, meaningful sentiments and those personal touches that can’t quite be defined, only felt.
On your wedding day, your ceremony will feel like a fresh experience, delivered with warmth, love and intention - with me as your friend at the end of the aisle.
Want to have a chat about how to make your wedding ceremony utterly unique?
What are your options?
Without the restrictions of location, time and legal rules, you can choose to celebrate your love exactly how you desire.
Get married anywhere, whether you want your wedding ceremony outdoors in a field, woodland or on a beach, in a licensed or non-licensed venue or even at home. Include elements that are special to you, be it your dog or a toast with a shot, or even guest participation with readings, a fun quiz or a sing-along.
Or, maybe you want your ceremony to look a little traditional, just with more style and personality.
Most importantly, I will champion your love whether your relationship is straight, gay, queer, lesbian, same-sex/gender or other sex/gender, and I won’t make assumptions.
What is off the table?
I will do anything for love, but I won't …
do religious ceremonies, as a Humanist celebrant, but I’d be delighted to incorporate cultural aspects, and I have conducted ceremonies with buddhist, Indian, Celtic and Norse symbolic acts.
include animals that are not “consenting” pets or anything that is environmentally damaging (e.g. release balloons).
be able to create your legally binding marriage contract (or use legal contractual language). You can get your legal nuptials done quickly and cheaply before - read a bit about the legals here.
use discriminatory language or support patriarchal or derogatory acts.
“A family member commented that “usually at weddings you’re waiting for the service to end before the fun part begins, but with your wedding the service was part of the fun too.” High praise!” - Marta & Simon
The journey to your perfect wedding ceremony
First date
A free and informal 30 minute chat about you and your wishes, how it works and how I work.
Sealing the deal
When we are both happy to go ahead, we will commit to a basic agreement and a non-refundable first instalment to secure the date.
“Homework”
Questionnaire time! You’ll start recording your ideas and some logistics.
Planning like champs
This is where we meet in person and talk in-depth about your love story, what makes you tick (and ick) and decide on the vibe and elements of your ceremony. I’ll make sure I get all facts right, but also all your little quirks and especially how you feel about each other and what you wish for your future lives. Bring all your dreams to the planning table. It’s ok if your lives or families aren’t perfect - a wholehearted wedding has space for it all and celebrates all of you!
I’m there for you with guidance, support and inspiration for symbolic actions, readings, music and anything else you need (all the way until your wedding day).
I have a guide on how to write your personal vows and am also available to work with you one-to-one on your vows or other elements. You can also get it right here!
Wholehearted writing
I will then craft your personal and original ceremony script around your words and the feelings and values I get from you. There will be magical words on marriage, your love story told with humour and warmth, symbolic acts just for you and a fire-cracker of a celebration.
Celebrating you on your day
On your wedding day, I will deliver your one-of-a-kind, unforgettable wedding ceremony!
Fees and contract
My fee starts at £900, which includes all of the above.
If I need to travel further than an hour or make an overnight stay, I will charge separately for that. We will agree this in our first meeting before we get started.
There are no hidden extras - the initial quote is what you will pay - no matter how long or short the ceremony is.
What’s included?
My attention and dedication - you can contact me anytime with questions.
An exciting “homework” questionnaire to complete together
A full meeting to get to know you fully and to plan the ceremony in detail together (in your home or a public place)
A guide for how to write your personal vows
Ideas, guidance and inspiration for readings, music, symbolic acts and vows, including access to written and digital resources
A completely uniquely crafted ceremony script
A chance to edit or add to the script, after the first version
Me delivering your ceremony on the day (I will be early and will stay back for as long as needed)
Support for sourcing relevant props for symbolic acts
A keepsake (biodegradable) box, including a copy of your ceremony script formatted beautifully, your vow booklets and any props, e.g. hand fasting cords.
A tree planted and dedicated to you with your wedding date on the certificate (or you can choose another donation option, if you like)
A commemorative wedding certificate to sign and keep (if relevant)
Access to a replacement celebrant from my network, in case of emergency
The reassurance of a fully accredited and insured Humanists UK celebrant
*Humanist weddings are not legally recognised in England (yet!) so the ‘paperwork bit’ needs to be done separately. Don’t worry though – it’s simple and inexpensive, and most couples choose to do this in the days or weeks before their special day. I am happy to talk you through this..
**I care a lot about animals and the environment, so I would ask you not to release balloons, lanterns or doves etc.