Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you deserve to have a wedding ceremony that is authentic to you both. A humanist wedding is all about your unique story – the ceremony will reflect your values and be conducted by a celebrant who shares them.
Why choose a humanist wedding ceremony?
A humanist ceremony is the perfect choice for couples looking for a non-religious wedding that is truly personal and memorable. Unlike some traditional weddings that follow a set religious script, a humanist celebrant will work with you to create a wedding ceremony that is tailor-made to you.
As well as being wonderful, unforgettable ceremonies, there are many more benefits to choosing a humanist ceremony.
With a humanist wedding, you have the freedom to incorporate personal elements such as favourite readings, music, or symbolic rituals that hold special meaning to you. You can also leave out any traditions that don’t suit you. And humanist weddings can take place anywhere whether it’s a beach, a park, or even your own home – and at any date or time. This freedom allows you to choose a setting that resonates with you as a couple, and means you are not tied into the availability of a registrar.
With a humanist wedding you choose the location, style, and content of your ceremony, giving you the chance to have the wedding you’ve always wanted.
All Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are highly trained and annually accredited by Humanists UK.
Find a wedding celebrant
If you’re planning your wedding now, then contact a celebrant as early as possible.
Not only will they be excited to meet you and discover your love story, they can also share their expertise and experience with you to help you shape your perfect day.
Visit the Humanist Ceremonies simple to use ‘Find a celebrant’ map to find wedding celebrants local to you.
Legal status of humanist weddings in the UK
In the UK, marriage is a devolved issue. Humanist marriages enjoy legal recognition in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey, and Guernsey (and humanist marriages which take place in these locations are legally recognised everywhere), but not yet in England and Wales. Couples who have a humanist wedding in England or Wales will also need to have the legalities carried out by a registrar, either at a register office or in an approved building. This can be done before or after your humanist wedding ceremony and, for a simple ceremony with two witnesses, can cost £56.
Find out more about humanist weddings
Humanist Wedding FAQs
What is a humanist wedding?
A guide to hand fasting
Renewing your vows.
Wedding stories
Discover stories of non-religious weddings shared by couples, and find wedding inspiration for planning your own ceremony
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