For many couples, the idea of a traditional, one-size-fits-all wedding ceremony just doesn’t quite cut it! If you’re looking to celebrate your love story in a truly personal way that’s still really meaningful, working with a humanist wedding celebrant could be the perfect fit.

So, what exactly is a humanist wedding?

A humanist wedding ceremony is a non-religious celebration that focuses on the two of you, your personalities, and the unique journey you’ve taken together. Without religious content and not including any traditions that don’t work for you, a humanist ceremony allows you to work with a humanist celebrant to craft a celebration that genuinely reflects you as a couple.

Your celebrant will then lead the ceremony on the day. During the ceremony you’ll be able to exchange your vows, share anecdotes that make your guests laugh (and cry!) and incorporate rituals which hold significance for you, not because they are expected! This is where the power of a humanist ceremony shines. You have complete freedom to choose every element, from the readings and music to the vows and symbolic gestures.

Want to include a handfasting ceremony that symbolises your intertwined destinies? Go for it. If you would like a ring warming ceremony where your wedding rings are held by family and friends before you exchange them with each other? Delightful. Or you might think of a symbolic gesture that is unique to the two of you and your story. The choice is yours.

And the location? Entirely up to you too! While traditional wedding ceremonies are often confined to specific venues, a humanist wedding can take place anywhere that resonates with you as a couple. Your own back garden, your local pub, or in the woods – the possibilities are endless.

A Humanist Ceremonies wedding celebrant will spend time getting to know you both learning about your story so far, your hopes, and your ideas. Together, you’ll create a ceremony that is heartfelt and totally unique to you. It’s a collaborative process, resulting in a ceremony that tells your love story in a way that’s  unforgettable for everyone involved.

The legal challenge

A quick note on legality: in England and Wales, humanist weddings are not yet legally binding. This means you will need to have a separate short and simple ceremony at a registry office to take care of the legalities, either before or after your humanist celebration.

Humanists UK is currently campaigning for humanist weddings in England and Wales to be legally recognised! Wanting humanist couples to have the same rights to get married in line with their beliefs as their religious counterparts, and as humanist couples in Scotland and Northern Ireland enjoy. The Government acquired the power to grant legal recognition to humanist weddings in 2013, but instead the matter has been reviewed three times. In 2020, the High Court found the failure to change the law is ‘discrimination’ and said the Government must act once the last review finished which was completed in 2022.

Humanists UK is continuing to work with parliamentarians to urge the Government to use its powers so that humanist couples can have their weddings recognised in the eyes of the law.

Why choose a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant?

Humanist Ceremonies celebrants have been delivering non-religious weddings for more than 125 years and are committed to delivering the very best service to every couple, all Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are highly trained and accredited by Humanists UK, DBS checked, and insured.

You can find a humanist celebrant by visiting the ‘Find a Celebrant’ map on the Humanist Ceremonies website.

Ultimately, a humanist wedding is about celebrating your love, your way. It’s an opportunity to create a memorable ceremony that is as individual as you are. If you’re ready to start planning a personal, non-religious celebration, a humanist wedding might be your perfect match.

About the Author

Humanist Ceremonies is a network of trained and accredited non-religious celebrants. Our humanist wedding celebrants help you create a personalised, humanist ceremony that is unique to you.