Hi, I'm Ian
We wrote our own wedding ceremony – long before I trained to be a celebrant – and managed to make almost all the mistakes it is possible to make (but we still had a brilliant wedding).
A non-religious wedding starts with a blank sheet of paper. There is no defined form or fixed structure. No liturgy to fall back on. That doesn’t mean a Humanist Wedding is anti-religious (indeed it is often a solution for couples with families who hold differing religious faiths).
But it does mean that each ceremony is unique. Every element of your wedding ceremony – music, words, symbolic acts, vows and structure – is tailored to suit you.
We’ll start with an informal conversation – for you to decide whether you are comfortable with me. If you’re not – this is the time to part company. A good relationship with your celebrant is essential. I have plenty of equally experienced colleagues (see Not The Celebrant You’re Looking For in the side bar).
Over the next weeks and months I’ll help you create your ceremony – everything from vows and readings to sightlines and wedding certificates. Humanist weddings in England are currently symbolic rather than legal.
Once the structure and script of your wedding ceremony meet your approval, we can concentrate on the day itself. I strongly recommend a rehearsal (often held the day before).
I will arrive in plenty of time, liaise with other participants (like your photographer) to ensure everything goes smoothly, and conduct your wedding ceremony.
I will give you a presentation copy of your wedding ceremony to mark the event.
I also do elopments.
Ian Willox
Where I work
Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and the adjoining counties. I am happy to go further afield - especially for weddings.
Fees from...
Price on application
How to contact me
ian.willox@humanistceremonies.org.uk
Phone
Website
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.
