Hi, I'm Orla

Image of Orla Foster

I am so excited to be bringing my flavour of inclusive, personal and unique wedding ceremonies to Northern Ireland and beyond!

As a friend, family member and sometimes bridesmaid, I have attended a fair number of weddings. To my delight, I’ve learned that no two weddings are the same, and what’s always been done can be changed up.

From the moment you book a wedding with me, I am your collaborator, and that day is your day. Each ceremony is completely unique and I spend time with couples to ensure what is important to them is communicated. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – we can make it happen!

It’s the small details that make the difference.

Choosing what to include in your ceremony can be overwhelming, but I’m here to help. I will make sure you know all the options, help inspire you with ideas and get to know you properly so that the wedding ceremony you end up with represents who you are as a couple.

I love that humanist celebrants get to know each couple before the wedding day, so it doesn’t feel like you’re turning up to have a stranger conduct your wedding.

And I promise to take the time to get all the small details exactly right – especially name pronunciations! I want you to feel that your ceremony is safe in my hands on your big day.

What does a humanist wedding entail?

A humanist wedding is non‑religious, but inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Rather than being mainly about the legalities like in a civil ceremony, it can be personal, beautiful, funny and everything in between.

If a traditional‑style ceremony is what you want, we can make that happen. And if you want to go wild with things you don’t think have ever been done before, then please tell me because I’ll give anything a shot. Most couples land somewhere in the middle, allowing for beautiful traditions to endure harmoniously alongside their 21st century ethics.

When you choose me as your celebrant, you receive:

1. An initial exploratory video call

2. An in-person meet up or video call

3. A completely unique ceremony script, written specifically for you

4. Communication to make sure the script is exactly what you want it to be

5. A wedding rehearsal if feasible/desired

6. A punctual, well‑rehearsed and kind celebrant to guide you through the commitment you’re making

7. A ceremony presentation script

Orla is incredible. She created and delivered the most amazing, personalised and special ceremony, which was better than we could have ever imagined. All our guests are still talking about how wonderful it was and especially how personal it was to us and our story. We couldn't recommend her more to anyone getting married.

— Jess and Charlie

We were very lucky to have Orla as our celebrant. She crafted a beautiful and unique handfasting ceremony, including our sisters, which was very special. It was a moment we will cherish forever and it wouldn't have been the same without her thoughtful input. Her great sense of humour, warmth and kindness created a genuinely peaceful atmosphere, and our day was even more remarkable than we could have imagined.

— Onur and Nazli

Orla was fantastic from start to end. We knew the first time we spoke with her that she was the right person for us; she's warm, enthusiastic but also containing and a calming presence. She made us feel like she had everything in hand which helped manage our nerves, and also offered guidance where we needed it. She did a lot with us even before the day of the ceremony in preparing us and supporting us, and that made the ceremony feel more natural because we were already very comfortable with her. Orla even helped iron tablecloths on the day and did everything she could to make it a success. We absolutely loved our ceremony and it wouldn't have been as special without someone that we had come to trust and who we felt understood us as a family. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a humanist ceremony because her people skills shine through. She is also fab with kids and made our children feel comfortable. We totally lucked out getting Orla!

— Steph and Owen

Image of Orla Foster

Orla Foster

Where I work

Based in Craigavon, I take ceremonies across the six counties in Northern Ireland, but am happy to travel further depending on my availability.

Previously based in Warwickshire, I am also happy consider ceremonies across England.

Fees from...

How to contact me
Email

info@orlathecelebrant.com

Phone

07833 097144

Website

orlathecelebrant.com

Instagram

http://orlathecelebrant

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.