Hi, I'm Sonya
Thank you for your interest in Humanist Ceremonies and congratulations on your engagement!
As a celebrant, I feel that a wedding ceremony should be personal and reflect the people that you are. Your ceremony should be very much what you want it to be, delivered with warmth and originality.
After training as a Humanist Celebrant in 2016, I work closely with my friend and colleague, Louise Forty, under the name of Heartfelt Ceremonies. We are both accredited, experienced, humanist celebrants and have had the privilege to work with many, many couples to create meaningful, personal ceremonies. We are both down to earth and offer a supportive and unified approach. Our normal practice is for one of us to lead your ceremony with background assistance from the other. For one fixed fee you receive the benefits of two qualified, professional celebrants.
At Heartfelt Ceremonies we appreciate how important it is that everything is just as you would like it to be on your special day. We will take time to listen to your ideas, your hopes for the future and your journey so far. If you need guidance or direction, we can bring experience, expertise and plenty of ideas without pushiness or judgement. Together we will transform your plans into a bespoke ceremony, personal and meaningful to you both, filled with love and joy.
Your ceremony can be whatever and wherever you want it to be. It can be huge and magnificent, small and intimate or anything in between. It can be in your home, a castle, a hotel, the woods, a village hall, on a beach – wherever you choose. We have never done one in the air or under water but we are open to considering it!
Humanist weddings are inclusive and designed to be meaningful for everyone present, whatever their beliefs. Fun or romantic, traditional and always personal, you can set whatever tone you like. We can include cultural, meaningful symbolic actions so that important traditions of different backgrounds can still be part of your special day. If you want us to bind you together in a handfasting, we would be delighted to do so. We have had rings delivered by dogs, children and even a hawk. We can stick with traditions, ignore them altogether or include them with a twist – whatever you would like. However you decide to get married, we will ensure that the ceremony is a heartfelt one!
We had such a lovely day and everyone commented on how brilliant the ceremony was! I thought it was the bit of the wedding I just wanted to get through before enjoying the rest of the day, but looking back on it, it was my favourite part. You and Louise were both brilliant and we can't thank you enough for how perfectly organised it was and how great the ceremony went.
— Katie and Mouse
I want to start by thanking you both for your hard work and input for the day. We were overwhelmed ourselves with everything and really appreciated the structure and guidance that was provided by yourselves.
— Neil and Brendan
Thank you again for all your help with an amazing ceremony. We loved it, and lots of guests have said how much they enjoyed it.
— Anna and Chris
Sonya Soundy
Where I work
We cover the whole of Devon and can go further afield if need be, provided that additional expenses are covered.
Fees from...
Price on application
How to contact me
Phone
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.
