Your story is our story

Welcome to Humanist Ceremonies

Major life events deserve memorable and meaningful ceremonies. And they need to be special, so we shape them for and with the people and families involved. Humanist Ceremonies bring human values to life.

Wedding ceremonies
& vow renewals

Funerals &
memorial ceremonies

Naming and welcoming ceremonies

Humanist naming ceremony

Find a celebrant

Become a celebrant

Naming celebrant Dawn Rees by ETT Photography

About our celebrants

Our non-religious ceremonies are warm, welcoming, and inclusive. Because we are all human. And we all have stories. Our ceremonies represent something essential and timeless – the shared values and narratives that connect us all.

Our network of trained and accredited non-religious celebrants has been trusted with marking life’s most significant moments with authenticity and care since 1896.

We’re part of Humanists UK, a registered charity bringing non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have and work together for a more tolerant, better society.

Humanist Ceremonies give people the opportunity to make thoughtful, positive choices about life’s most significant moments and experience how their personal stories reflect timeless human values.

Your story is our story

Your stories

Explore real stories of how Humanist Ceremonies bring together personal narratives and enduring human values to create meaningful and memorable ceremonies.

Wedding stories

What is Handfasting?

Handfasting is a beautiful and symbolic ritual that has been used for centuries to signify a couple’s commitment to one another. It’s thought that the ritual originates from ancient Celtic…

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What’s the difference between a humanist wedding and a registrar marriage ceremony?

If you’re planning to get married, you may be wondering about the different types of ceremonies available. In the UK, couples who want a wedding led by someone other than…

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Tasha and Raef’s humanist wedding: A ceremony with equality at the heart

Surgeons Tasha and Raef had a humanist wedding in York – the town where they first met as students. Here they explain how, with help from their humanist celebrant, they…

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Funeral stories

Ideas for including uplifting moments in a funeral

When someone dies, amid the grief and loss felt by the people close to them, there is often a desire to celebrate the life they lived and to share happy…

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Tips for How to Create a Personalised Celebration of Life Ceremony

6 Tips for How to Create a Personal Celebration of Life Ceremony

Planning a funeral can be one of life’s most emotional challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to celebrate a life in a way that reflects the individual’s unique personality, values,…

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An uplifting celebration of life ceremony: Steve’s humanist memorial ceremony took place on his farm, the perfect goodbye for this unique farmer.

Margaret, Steve’s partner of 60 years, explains how a humanist celebrant helped her remember and celebrate Steve’s life with his friends and family on the farm that he loved, as…

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Naming Ceremony stories

What is a humanist naming ceremony and how is it different from a christening?

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a momentous occasion, and many families wish to celebrate this milestone with a special ceremony. A humanist naming ceremony and a christening…

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How to Plan a Non-religious Naming Ceremony: A Step-by-Step Guide

A naming ceremony is a meaningful and non-religious way to welcome a child into the world, celebrate their arrival, and surround them with love and support from family and friends….

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Is a humanist naming ceremony the right choice for your family?

Welcoming a new child into your family is one of the most important milestones in your life, and many parents seek a special way to mark this profound new chapter….

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Photos:
Handfasting in banner: Gareth Joseph
Wedding ceremonies and vow renewals: Luis Holden Photography