Humanist Ceremonies

What are the options for us if we are not Religious?

Non-religious people are very likely to get married in a Register Office, where they can carry out the formal, legal part of getting married. (Indeed, by law no religious language is allowed in this kind of civil wedding.) But many people want something a bit more: they may want to choose their own words of committment to each other, or read appropriate prose or poetry, or hear music which means something to them, in a place they have chosen.

They can ask friends or family to officiate at the wedding, but some people like to have an experienced "celebrant" to help them plan and conduct the ceremony. Humanist weddings can be as formal or informal as the couple would like, and can take place anywhere, but because the couple have chosen the ceremony and their promises themselves, they take it seriously even though it is a happy occasion.

Some religions will not conduct weddings for divorced couples or for couples of different faiths, or ceremonies for gay couples, but humanist ceremonies are available to everyone.

What is the difference with a Humanist Ceremony?

No two ceremonies are the same and yours will be prepared just for you. It can be as traditional or as unusual as you like. The ceremony will focus on the two of you and your committment to each other. It will usually begin with the celebrant welcoming everyone on your behalf and perhaps explaining why you have chosen this type of ceremony. You may also want to say something about how you came together, your views on marriage and the things you especailly value on your relationship.

You are completely free to make all the important choices about words, reading and music. You might like to involve certain friends or family members more closely by asking them to read some prose or poetry. Music can help to create the right atmosphere and you can choose pieces that have real meaning for you. Your ceremony can be in a location of your choice. You can take advantage of the climte here and marry outdoors, on hilltops or on beaches and even in more unusual locations

Humanist weddings/affirmations can be as formal or informal as the couple would like, and can take place anywhere, but because the couple have chosen the ceremony and their promises themselves, they take it all seriously even though it is a happy occasion.

DIsclaimer

Although we support fully and endorse the aims & philosophy of the British Humanist Association. & provide links to their website we are not at present part of the BHA’s accredited network of celebrants.

We fully acknowledge that we quote material sourced from the BHA website and from a number of other sources. We thank them all for that use.

British Humanist Association