First of all, congratulations on your forthcoming marriage!
As a trained and accredited Humanist Celebrant, I'm often asked what is involved in a non-religious wedding ceremony; the honest answer is “whatever feels right to you both”. The only goal is that your ceremony will, above all, reflect your wishes; and my job is to help you design, create and conduct exactly the wedding you want. So whatever its final form, your wedding will thus be unique – designed around you both, and what you care about. It could be intimate, extravagantly crazy, or anything in between. It might take fifteen minutes or an hour and fifteen – whatever it needs.
That being said, there are elements that many couples want to incorporate in some form. A declaration of vows to each other is an ancient and powerful commitment – whether the words are written by you, or follow a more traditional form. Many couples ask their celebrant to tell their story – how they met, have grown together, and what they mean to each other. Music is popular – live or recorded, involving everyone, or just a solo performer, or both. And readings – prose, poetry, or more personal messages – give an opportunity to include contributions from friends and family. Symbolic rituals can also carry huge significance – from exchanging rings, or drinking from a shared cup, to communal rituals like handfasting. I will help you pick and mix from elements like these to create the ceremony that feels perfect to you both.
If you think that a non-religious ceremony might work for you, I’m happy to meet you both for a (no obligation) chat; to explore some ideas, but also to make sure we feel comfortable with one another. It is a privilege, and a responsibility, to be asked to conduct any marriage, and I want you to feel confident in trusting me with this moment in your lives. If that goes well, we will meet again so I can learn about you, and about what you want to include. Then I'll write a draft ceremony for us to work on together – shaping elements, perhaps incorporating friends and family – until you are absolutely happy.
On the day, I will arrive early, and stay as long as needed. I will liaise with wedding planners, musicians, participants and photographers to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly; and afterwards I will send a presentation copy as a keepsake, and for you to share if you wish.
Please contact me using the details just to the right if this prompts any more questions; I'd love to hear from you.
