The ceremony

THE APACHE WEDDING CHANT an option for closing a ceremony:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other.
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life inside you.
Go now to your dwelling to enter the days of your life together.
And may your days be good, and long upon the earth.

Whether planning a formal, white wedding, affirmation or something less conventional it is important that the marrying couple really enjoy it. Their wedding should be exactly where, when and how they want it to be.

A traditional church wedding, with ritual and religious words does not fit with everyone’s outlook on life or hopes for the future.

The laws governing Register Office weddings strictly control what can be said or done. These ceremonies are designed around a standard framework. It is not currently possible to be legally married out of doors and there are limitations on time, place and content of ceremonies.

A humanist wedding/affirmation can take place anywhere and be designed to suit the individuals. It may be as dignified and serious as a church wedding, but with the religious element replaced by words and music that have real meaning for the couple. They can be as romantic and creative in designing their ceremony as they wish. Humanist ceremonies have been held in gardens, marquees, on boats, in castles, on beaches.

Many couples choose to stand facing their guests, for a more open and inclusive feeling. Couples with children can make them a part of the ceremony. No two ceremonies are the same – they can be as traditional or as unusual as suits the people marrying.

The ceremony can take any form you choose at any venue and in any style.

There are a wide range of readings, poems, songs, music and elements from many cultures that can be incorporated

Anyone can speak and many of our couples choose for close family members, fathers, sons and close friends to actively participate in the ceremony.

The vows can be whatever you wish to say and we can advise and guide on all aspects of the ceremony
the choice is yours:

The BHA Sharing the Future book gives a range of ideas, practical tips, sample ceremonies and a selection of poems and prose used by couples choosing a non-religious wedding ceremony.

Order the Sharing the future book (£6.50)

Rings

For thousands of years lovers have exchanged rings as a token of their vows.
These simple gold bands are not of great value in themselves but are made precious by our wearing of them.
Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together.
Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows,
love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight.

nª take nº's ring and put it on her finger, and repeat after me:

Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal/
Just as it is made of indestructible substance/
my commitment to you will never fail/
With this ring I take you to be my trusted confidante
and partner for life.

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.