Wedding Ceremonies

A Humanist Wedding Ceremony provides you with a special opportunity to celebrate your marriage in a meaningful way, reflecting your uniqueness as a couple.

Why choose a Humanist Wedding Ceremony?

Many couples do not want a traditional wedding at a church or temple as they feel it is inappropriate - they may not hold religious beliefs or if they do, they may be different. They may also feel a civil wedding is not personal enough to convey the meaning that they would like reflected in their marriage ceremony. The laws governing Register Office ceremonies strictly control what can be said or done. These ceremonies are designed around a standard framework. It is not currently possible to be legally married out of doors and there are limitations on time, place and content of ceremonies.

As weddings are becoming more commercialised, many couples are also looking for something that is special and unique to them. They would like the marriage ceremony to be central to their wedding day and express their individuality and personal values.

Couples also want to choose where they would like to be married, rather than being restricted to set venues. A Humanist Wedding Ceremony can be held indoors or outdoors and can be a special place which is particularly significant to one or both of you.

What is included in a Humanist Wedding Ceremony?

For most couples vows or commitments and an exchange of rings play a major part in the ceremony. These can be from a sample selection or you can have help writing your own. The ceremony can also include tributes or readings from relatives and friends. Other ideas that you can incorporate are signing a wedding certificate or book, lighting a unity candle or handfasting.

And, if you have children, either together or from previous relationships, then they can also be included in the ceremony. They may like to take part, such as reading a poem or playing some music. You can also make promises to them, as you give public recognition to them being part of your family.

How and where?

Your wedding ceremony can be as formal or informal as you like. It can be an intimate occasion with a small number of family and friends or it can be part of a large and extravagant celebration. If you would like to incorporate a particular interest or theme, then this can also be included.

Choose where you would like your wedding ceremony to be held: in your home or garden, a special building or beauty spot. It is up to you!

If you would really like something different I have a wide experience of working in the outdoors as I am a qualified Summer Mountain Leader. So if you would like to have a ceremony on one of the Lake District’s hills or mountains or by one of its lakes or tarns then just ask!

Legalities

Couples regard their Humanist Wedding Ceremony as their real celebration, expressing their deepest feelings in the company of all their family and friends.

However, it does not form a marriage contract in the legal sense. Most couples, therefore, also attend a Register Office, sometimes a day or two before the humanist ceremony, to deal with the legal formalities and obtain a civil marriage certificate. It is not necessary to exchange rings at the Register Office.