Hi, I'm Ewan

Image of Ewan Main

I've been writing and conducting non-religious wedding, partnership and vow renewal ceremonies since 2012, and I entirely love it.

We’ll find exactly the right mix of words, music, tradition, novelty, fun, seriousness, old and new to reflect you. And don’t worry: if (like me when I got married) the notion of crafting vows or declaring your feelings in your own way fills you with fear and embarrassment, that’s fine too: simple and dignified is just as good as free-spirited and emotional. It’s all about what works for you.

I love:

- Getting to know you properly. That's what makes a lovely ceremony. My aim is that by the time your wedding comes round, people are asking how many years we've known each other.

- Finding the little moments in your story that led to everything else. The tiny events that, if they'd gone differently, would have changed the whole thing. (I wrote a passage in The Little Book of Humanist Weddings about the magic of these things.)

- Crafting words really carefully so that they make you smile at all the right moments. A wedding can feel like a performance to others, and—let's be honest—it sort of is. But I hope I can bring a smile, a laugh or a tear to your eyes too.

- Sharing that incredible nervous moment with you just before things begin. That's always when I remember what a privilege it is to be going through this with you.

- Spending time with you in a place that's beautiful or meaningful to you. Some of my favourites are The Orangery at Settrington near Malton, The Hospitium in York, Hutton Wandesley Stables near York, The Normans near York, White Syke Fields near York, Grays Court tucked just behind York Minster... we really are spoiled for choice round here.

I take a pride in:

- Meeting guests who tell me, afterwards, “I've never been to a humanist wedding before, and now I'm definitely going to have one myself.” Or, better still, “I didn't expect to approve of this because it wasn't in a church/mosque/synagogue, but it was brilliant.” My aim is for everyone to be able to relate to it and share in your happiness. Weddings are for togetherness, after all.

- Still being in touch with many couples months or years after their ceremony. Let me know how you’re getting on!

This is an important step, and it’s important that you choose the right option—and the right celebrant—for you. I can guarantee that I'll be happy to talk to you while you decide, answer any questions and help you think things through - no pressure or obligation.

Ewan was wonderful from start to finish! He went over and above to make our ceremony perfect, from lots of Zoom calls to coming in to Leeds for a walkthrough at the venue (and staying for a drink with our nearest and dearest). It’s so obvious how much he loves his work and it shines through and made us feel very supported and at ease. We knew we could trust him to do an amazing job - so much so that we didn’t want or need to see the script before he delivered it. He made people laugh, cry and laugh again and I would unreservedly recommend him to anyone.

— M and L

The amount of people who told us our ceremony was the best they’d ever been to is testament to Ewan’s great skills! We knew we wanted a light hearted and entertaining ceremony and he certainly delivered. He was engaged and interested in our story from the very first meeting and listened intently (making notes) every time we chatted. He managed to craft a perfect story that had us and our guests laughing the whole time. He was happy to include any stories we requested and also remove anything we said we didn’t want to focus on. We chose to not read the transcript ahead of our ceremony and I can really recommend this - it made it such a great experience for us to know the basic outline but be surprised and entertained along with our friends and family. His delivery is also perfect, he got lots of laughs!

— J and R

Thank you so much for a truly wonderful ceremony. It was the beautiful heart of an incredible day. The wedding day was the warmest, most relaxed, happy, friendly, heartfelt, sentimental, funny, upbeat, sincere, generous, inclusive, loved filled, emotional, fun, utterly fabulous day from start to finish. Your ceremony set that entire tone and everything just flowed from there beautifully. I loved every single second of the ceremony; your writing was warm, sincere and gently humorous and captured their dynamic brilliantly - it really was the heart of the day. I will be eternally grateful for your part in giving two of the people I love most in the world, exactly the day they'd hoped for. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

— A mother of the bride

Ewan's ceremony was the best and most memorable part of our day. He exceeded all of our expectations, and now we are expecting our first child we are going to ask him to perform the naming ceremony when the time comes!

— M and A

Ewan Main was absolutely amazing from beginning to end. I couldn't believe how perfect the ceremony was and I can never thank him enough.

— H and A

Image of Ewan Main

Ewan Main

Where I work

I'm based in York, so I do a lot of ceremonies around the north of England - Yorkshire, Teesside, Lancashire, Manchester, Liverpool, anywhere. But I'm in London a lot, and am happy to travel wherever I'm needed!

Fees from...

£650, including travel in the north of England. If you're on a low income, contact me anyway and I'm happy to discuss. I've been there myself.

How to contact me
Email

ceremonies@ewanmain.uk

Phone

01904 891794

Website

ewanthecelebrant.com

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist weddings

A humanist wedding ceremony is a wonderful option to celebrate your wedding in the way you choose: without religion but with meaning, and totally true to the two of you. They are uplifting and heartwarming occasions, personal to each couple to reflect your personalities and interests, and your love story. Sincere and significant, your ceremony will be crafted to create an occasion which is unique and fitting to you both.