Hi, I'm Sally

Image of Sally Feldman

Happiness, laughter and tears – that’s the recipe for all of the humanist weddings I’ve been conducting for the last 13 years. I love the mixture of emotion and solemnity and sheer joy.

For most of my career I’ve been committed to humanist values, so when I left my post as Dean of Media, Arts and Design at the University of Westminster, becoming a celebrant seemed like a natural next step.

I’ve always been passionately committed to feminism, equal opportunities and everyone’s rights to a fair, ethical life with or without religion. For many years I was editor of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, a programme, which offers so many women the opportunity to share their experiences. I was fascinated by all of their stories, so much so that I’ve now written a book, Golden Girls: Advice and Inspiration for Today’s Grandmothers, which encompasses all of these principles.

You may have decided that you don’t want a religious wedding. But I’ve found that however radically atheist they may be, the couples I marry always want some elements of a traditional ceremony. But the one marriage symbol that everyone insists on is the ring. Most choose matching rings together. One couple even made their own in a gold jewellery workshop. Simon and Claire decided to follow a custom from his Greek family background, where chosen members of each family take it in turns to slide the rings on the fingers of the bride and groom.

People who choose a humanist wedding value the freedom to create their own, original ceremony without having to follow any rules. Gemma wore a red dress at her wedding. The bridesmaids were all in black. Ruth came down the aisle with her four-year-old daughter and Anna with her mother. Paul was followed by two “groomsmaids” as he approached Ricardo, who played the guitar and serenaded his love.

Often, couples will want to adapt traditions from their own religious backgrounds, regardless of their humanism. Laura and John chose a hand-fasting to reflect their Irish heritage. Jesse and Melissa, from two different faiths, liked the Jewish custom where the bride walks seven times round the groom. But, instead, they went round each other three times each, then once together, to emphasise their equality.

Planning a wedding should be a happy time but it can also be stressful and hard work. I will support you and your partner in creating a unique ceremony that is special to you, one that recognises the seriousness of the occasion but also the joy.

Chris and I would like to say a big thank you for all your work and support in creating the most beautiful and special wedding ceremony! It felt perfect and ‘us’, and so many guests said how much they enjoyed it and how unique and memorable it was – and how great and funny you were! Thank you again.

— Sarah and Chris

“Thank you for a fantastic ceremony. Anj, I and all of our guests really liked how personal it felt and it was great working with you to put it all together!”

— Mayghai and Anini

Thank you so, so much for yesterday. A lot of people told us that they loved the ceremony and how you led it. We were thrilled too. We had so much fun. Our families were pleased too and thought your ceremony was wonderful – as did we.

— Ed and Harriet

Sally was the perfect addition to our wedding day, and we truly loved having her there. She was incredibly helpful in the lead-up to the ceremony, even taking the time to visit our venue the day before to meet us and do a run-through with our bridal party, which completely put us at ease.The ceremony felt so personal and unique, and all our friends and family have commented on how special it was. We are so grateful for all the thoughtful touches and her lovely words that made our day unforgettable. Thank you, Sally, for everything!

— Nia and Alex

Image of Sally Feldman

Sally Feldman

Where I work

I work mainly in London, especially North and East, but I am also happy to travel farther - most recently to the Cotswolds and Pangbourne.

Fees from...

£1000, plus expenses if outside London.

How to contact me
Email

sallyjoyfeldman@gmail.com

Phone

07930 314 259

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.