Making such a commitment to someone you love is a very personal and joyful thing to do. It’s really important that your special day reflects your values and your world-view – whether it’s a wedding, civil partnership or a renewal of vows.
There are unlimited possibilities – indoors, outdoors, on a boat, in a barn, in your own garden, in a stately home or a local club. The only limitations are budget, and practicalities like access and the weather. I am very happy to advise and assist. Humanist Weddings can draw on traditions and rituals from all around the world, from all of history, or entirely from your own imagination. What matters is that it is meaningful for you.
Each ceremony is unique, and reflects the personalities of those involved. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Walk up the aisle in a cosy room above a pub, or fly in by helicopter onto a manicured lawn in an exotic garden on Midsummer’s Day – the choice is yours. You may choose a very short ceremony with simply the promises you wish to make to one another, or a longer one involving family members, children, or friends, with readings, music and other symbolic acts. Whatever you decide, this is the ceremony in which you will make the promises, vows or commitments you have chosen to make, in front of the people who are important to you.
Once we have agreed to work together, we will arrange a meeting where I will find out as much as I can about who you are, how your relationship came about, what hopes and aspirations you have, what ideas you have for your ceremony, and who else might be involved. I will help you to think about music, readings, participation by your family and friends, symbolic acts. I will also encourage you to write your own vows, though of course I will provide advice and guidance. I will liaise with others who may be involved with reading, singing, playing etc.
We will then go through a process of honing and editing a script until you are entirely happy with the ceremony we are planning. It is important that you feel complete ownership of every element.
On the day itself, I will be there early to confirm that everything is ready, and that all runs smoothly. My aim is to make your day a perfect memory.
After the ceremony, I will prepare a well-produced copy of your wedding script for you to have as a keepsake, helping you to remember your wonderful day.
You can find more details on my website.
