Hi, I'm Gaynor

Image of Gaynor Doherty

Hi! I’m Gaynor. I’m a Humanists UK Celebrant who believes passionately in her work with couples to celebrate life and love. This really is the BEST job in the world!

It’s an extraordinary privilege to be a celebrant and meet couples who want to declare their love to the people who mean the most to them. Humanist ceremonies are inclusive and designed to be meaningful and poignant to everyone present, whatever their beliefs. They are chosen by a whole range of people – straight and gay, with or without children and of all ages.

Humanist Weddings and Vow Renewals can be conducted anywhere, as long as you have the consent of the landowner. And that opens up a wealth of possibilities…

So, how would you like to celebrate your special day? Where would you like to make or renew your vows?

In a rustic barn or historic house? On a clifftop or by a waterfall? In your favourite pub or an allotment? In an ancient stone circle, woodland or a beautiful garden, surrounded by flowers and birdsong?

No two love stories are the same and so every ceremony should be as unique as the two of you. Perhaps you’d like to have a handfasting, warm your wedding rings, include your family and friends in your promises? Maybe you’d like a ceremony which is fun and relaxed? Romantic and intimate? Boho or quirky? Traditional and time honoured? It all begins with your ideas and then together we will create your perfect ceremony. If you’re not sure, I can help! Being creative is a big part of the job!

I was a teacher of Drama and Theatre for over 30 years and have a wealth of writing and public speaking experience. I really understand the ways in which the spoken word and visual imagery work together to make fabulous memories. My aim is to create and deliver a beautiful, bespoke ceremony which can blend words and symbolic actions, poetry, readings and music to mark this hugely significant moment in your lives.

My Fees and Promises to you:

*An initial free, no obligation meeting in person or via Zoom

*A 2-4 hour planning meeting to help me write your love story and structure your ideas

*Any further emails, meetings, Zoom and telephone calls we need

*My attendance at your Ceremony rehearsal/run through

*Conducting your Ceremony on the day

*A keepsake copy of your completely bespoke script

*My travel expenses within a 30 mile radius of my home

“It was just brilliant – words actually won’t do our feedback justice. Gaynor was amazing and our ceremony was perfect in every way. We have had so many messages since the day to say it was the best ceremony people have ever attended too. It was so personal and just exactly what we had in mind. All we have to say is thank you.” 

— JD & OD

“Gaynor and the ceremony in general, far, far, FAR exceeded my expectations of what a wedding ceremony could and would be. Prior to meeting Gaynor I hadn’t concentrated on the wedding ceremony itself whilst planning the wedding, and it ended up being one of my favourite parts of the day. I would say that anyone who has Gaynor perform their ceremony is incredibly lucky to have her. Meeting Gaynor meant that we now know things about our relationship and each other that we hadn’t previously known, like what our first impressions of each other are – and what we have each found our own personal hardest parts of the relationship to date. These are important conversations that I feel grateful that we were led to have before the day. I honestly could not shout louder from the rooftops about how wonderful Gaynor is, and how grateful we feel to now have her in our life moving forward.”

— AS & AS

“Gaynor was absolutely exceptional. She stepped in at the last minute and we will never have the words to express how grateful we are. She could not have done more for us as a couple. Not only that, but she was genuinely interested in who we are and took our love story to another level. We had so many amazing comments about the ceremony and how it was the best that many people had ever been to. Thank you, Gaynor, from the bottom of our hearts. You made the day for us.”

— CB & KB

“Absolutely Amazing, all the guests were blown away and still haven’t stopped commenting about how amazing the ceremony was, so different, so personal, so touching. Nothing like a traditional ceremony , something much more special and to the heart.”

— JT & JT

“We were absolutely over the moon thrilled with Gaynor’s ceremony, and with the whole process leading up to it. Gaynor really took the time to get to know us, and we really enjoyed spending several hours with her in the pub talking about ourselves and our story to give her the insights that she needed. When we got the first draft through, we both cried! Fast-forward to the ceremony itself, and it really could not have been more perfect. We felt Gaynor really captured our story and who we were, and it was clear from looking around at all our guests that they were genuinely really enjoying the ceremony. There was laughter and light-hearted sections, paired beautifully with some really special moments and the vows which we were able to choose and finesse ourselves. We would not have wanted anyone else to do our ceremony, and we could not have written a better script for it. We had so many comments from friends and family afterwards complimenting Gaynor, which were 100% deserved. Unless you specifically want a religious or civil ceremony, do yourselves and your guests a favour and book Gaynor!!!”

— R F-M and JM

Image of Gaynor Doherty

Gaynor Doherty

Where I work

I’m very happy to work anywhere in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and further afield if requested

Fees from...

Price on application

How to contact me
Email

gaynor.doherty@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07885 448644

Website

humanist.org.uk/gaynordoherty

Instagram

bestdayeverceremonies

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.