When planning your wedding, one of the most personal and meaningful decisions you’ll make is choosing the right wedding celebrant. The celebrant plays a key role in shaping the tone and atmosphere of your ceremony, so it’s important to choose someone who aligns with your values, beliefs, and vision for the day.
Whether you’re looking for a religious, spiritual, or non-religious wedding, understanding the different types of celebrants available will help you make the best choice for you and your partner.
Types of Wedding Celebrants
Faith leaders
Religious ceremonies are led by faith leaders – such as priests, rabbis, imams, or ministers – and follow the traditions of a particular faith. If you’re planning a religious wedding, you can usually arrange it through your local place of worship. Even if you’re not a regular member, many faith leaders are open to performing weddings for couples in the wider community. You can also ask for personal recommendations or search online for a celebrant connected to your faith.
Civil Registrars
A civil ceremony is led by a government-registered official at a registry office or an approved venue. These ceremonies are legally binding and strictly secular, meaning no religious or spiritual references are allowed. While they are efficient and formal, there’s often limited room for personalisation, such as bespoke vows or unique symbolic gestures. You are also unlikely to meet the register in person before the day, so will not be able to develop a relationship with them, and the ceremony itself will likely have a strict time allocation.
Independent Celebrants
Independent celebrants can offer more flexibility than religious or civil options. They work with couples to create personalised ceremonies, and are e often happy to include religious readings, prayers, or spiritual elements, depending on your wishes. However, while some independent celebrants are members of professional associations that provide training and uphold codes of conduct, not all are. It’s important to do your homework when considering an independent celebrant to check the following:
Are they part of a professional body?
Ask if they belong to a recognised organisation, and what protections that offers. Are they insured? DBS checked? What are the admission requirements for the association?
Are they qualified and experienced?
Have they completed any formal celebrancy training? A well-qualified celebrant should be able to confidently lead a ceremony and offer ideas that make your day truly personal.
Check reviews and testimonials
Reading reviews or speaking to previous couples can give you a good sense of the celebrant’s style and professionalism. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or look for reviews online.
Humanist Ceremonies celebrants
Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are a fantastic option for anyone who’d like a non-religious wedding that is deeply personal, meaningful, and inclusive, and reflects values of equality and humanity.
Authentically Non-Religious: Humanist ceremonies are created for people who don’t follow a religion but still want a sincere, celebratory and meaningful ceremony that honours their love and commitment.
Trained and Accredited: All Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are trained to a high standard and are annually accredited by Humanists UK, a leading organisation dedicated to supporting non religious people and promoting humanist values. Humanists UK has been performing weddings for over 125 years and are the longest-standing celebrant organisation in the UK.
Personalised: Your celebrant will work with you to create a ceremony that reflects your values, your relationship, and your story – there’s no set script, and every ceremony is bespoke.
Humanist ceremonies are inclusive of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. They’re ideal for anyone who wants a wedding that feels deeply personal, modern, and respectful of diverse values.
Campaigning for Equality:
Humanists UK has long been at the forefront of campaigning for equality and human rights for all. They were instrumental in advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the UK. Alongside other campaigns Humanists UK also continues to advocate for legal humanist marriage in England and Wales, working to ensure that couples who choose a non-religious ceremony have the same legal recognition and rights as those who opt for religious or civil ceremonies. Currently, legal humanist marriage is recognised only in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Scotland.
How to Find a Wedding Celebrant Near You
If you’re looking for a non-religious wedding celebrant near you, we offer a nationwide directory of accredited celebrants. You can find your local wedding celebrant by using our easy-to-use map: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/find-a-celebrant/weddings/
When choosing the right wedding celebrant, the key is to find someone who resonates with your beliefs, understands your story, and can help you create a day that feels authentically yours. Whether you choose a religious, civil, independent, or humanist celebrant, make sure they are qualified, experienced, and aligned with your values and vision.
For a non-religious wedding that is personal, heartfelt, and authentic, a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant is a trusted choice.
