What makes a humanist wedding ceremony special?
Put simply, it is designed around your unique love story. They can be formal or informal, although like traditional wedding services, they nearly always include familiar elements like vows and ring exchanges.
Although humanist weddings are non-religious and there are no rules around the words you have to use. I have helped many couples write their own, deeply personal vows or meaningful ring exchanges, reflecting their commitments to each other, always with personality and often with a splash of fun.
You can include music and readings. You can add a symbolic act, like a hand-fasting, a ring warming or a sand-blending. You can design something yourself that shows what your marriage means to you. It is entirely your call.
As your celebrant, I will work with you to hand-craft a ceremony that’s reflects you as a couple. Something made for you.
Where can you have your humanist wedding ceremony?
Literally anywhere. I have conducted weddings in barns, fields, gardens, hotels, castles, woodlands and the list goes on … Wherever you decide to have your ceremony, we’ll work together to make the space work beautifully for you.
How long is a humanist wedding?
Again, there are no rules and it can be as long as you want it to be. To give you a guide, humanist weddings are often between 35 to 45 minutes long, depending on what you want to include. It’s up to you.
Is a humanist wedding ceremony legal?
They are in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey but not yet in England, Wales or the Isle of Man. Humanists UK is actively lobbying the government who has committed to recognising humanist marriages. Progress is slow and if you’d like to find out more, please keep an eye on the Humanists UK website.
Will we need two weddings?
Not at all. If you choose a humanist ceremony, it is your wedding. Absolutely no question. It’s the day that you celebrate your love for each other with all your friends and family. Look at the visit to the Register Office as the legal part.
Working with your Registrar
At least 3 months before the date you intend to marry, you’ll both need to go to your local Register Office to “Give Notice to be Married”. At this meeting, please ask the Registrar for the shorter ceremony. Although it is low cost, it still ticks all the “legally married” box.
Some couples will complete the legal part before the day of their humanist wedding. Some Registrars may be open to working with us so that you can have both on the same day. There are solemnities to be observed, although when I have worked with Registrars previously, my couples have always been delighted with the result.
Want to find out more?
I hope I’ve given you a flavour of a humanist wedding ceremony. If you’d like to find out more, why not drop me a line at fi.humphries@icloud.com or give me a call on 07788 925179?