Hi, I'm Oli

Image of Oli Lewis-Barclay

If you’ve just decided to get married – congratulations!

A wedding is a wonderful occasion, and I believe the marriage ceremony should be right at its heart, setting the tone for the day and how it will be remembered.

I will help you to create a joyful marriage ceremony that is both truly memorable and unforgettably you.

I love meeting couples for the first time. It’s a huge privilege to hear your story and to find out what you’re looking for in your ceremony. As we chat, I’ll try to get to the essence of what makes your romance uniquely yours, so that I can craft (and then conduct) a ceremony that’s perfect for you.

When it comes to telling their love story, everyone’s different, of course. Some couples like to let it all hang out, others prefer to keep some things under wraps. Having worked for many happy and successful years in creative ad agencies, I’m totally comfortable writing to whatever brief I’m given. Getting the tone and atmosphere of the ceremony just how you want it will keep it authentic, warm and meaningful.

You may have a clear idea of music and readings you’d like in your ceremony. But if not, I’m keen and well-equipped to advise. I’ve played the piano and sung in classical choirs most of my life as well as playing keyboards in various bands over the years. Music is an essential part of life for me - from Mozart to Miles Davis, from Gamelan to Gaga. So if you’re looking for music suggestions, I am armed and ready.

I’m also an avid reader and poetry lover - an occasional writer and performer too - so I’m never short of suggestions for readings either.

Finally, I’m happy to work with anyone and everyone who wants me to marry them. (That includes people of faith, by the way – a humanist marriage is a great solution for ‘mixed faith’ couples!)

I’d love to meet up or have a video call to see if we’re a good fit.

Image of Oli Lewis-Barclay

Oli Lewis-Barclay

Where I work

Mainly around Sussex, Kent and London, but I’ll travel anywhere I’m needed.

Fees from...

£850

How to contact me
Email

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.