FAQs
What happens at a Humanist wedding ceremony?
It can be very similar in structure and content to a traditional religious service or civil ceremony only without any religious elements. Or it can be as far away from that as possible. It really is up to you! I’m here to guide you through the whole process and help you decide what works for you and your guests.
A ceremony often includes vows or declarations, the exchange of rings or other tokens, and your choice of readings and music at key moments. You can also include symbolic acts of commitment such as a handfasting, sand-blending, candle lighting, tree planting or anything else that is meaningful for you. I love creating ceremonies that reflect your unique relationship and personalities, with all your glorious quirks.
I truly believe that a wedding ceremony shouldn’t be a cut and paste script where the only personal aspect is your names. The ceremonies I write can draw from a wealth of traditions according to your tastes, culture, interests and values. Your ceremony can be light-hearted, informal and humorous or conducted with dignity and gravitas which honours the seriousness of the occasion. Or even better, a balance between the two which reflects your own personal approach to life.
A ceremony often includes vows or declarations, the exchange of rings or other tokens, and your choice of readings and music at key moments. You can also include symbolic acts of commitment such as a handfasting, sand-blending, candle lighting, tree planting or anything else that is meaningful for you. I love creating ceremonies that reflect your unique relationship and personalities, with all your glorious quirks.
I truly believe that a wedding ceremony shouldn’t be a cut and paste script where the only personal aspect is your names. The ceremonies I write can draw from a wealth of traditions according to your tastes, culture, interests and values. Your ceremony can be light-hearted, informal and humorous or conducted with dignity and gravitas which honours the seriousness of the occasion. Or even better, a balance between the two which reflects your own personal approach to life.
What does the celebrant do?
Once your booking is confirmed we will have a planning meeting where I will ask some questions to find out more about the two of you and your plans for your wedding day. This is where I start to learn about your individual personalities, how you met and fell in love, and what you think and feel about each other. I will create a ceremony with your personal love story in mind and will ensure that your day is a happy enjoyable and memorable one for everyone involved. We can discuss all aspects of the ceremony such as your vows, any readings or poetry, and any themes you may like running through the day. We can discuss who else you want to involve in your ceremony and whether there are traditions or rituals that are important to you.
I will take lots of notes and use these to produce the first draft of the ceremony script. This is emailed to you and it usually takes three or four amendments by yourselves and me before you have your final, perfect script. We might have a second meeting to discuss more details. That isn't always needed, but the option is always there. I usually aim to have the final script ready a few weeks before your wedding day but this depends on how far ahead you book me, and any late changes that are needed.
If the venue is outdoors or somewhere unusual then it can be helpful to have a site visit together before the script is finalised. We can discuss at our planning meeting if this is needed/possible. I will usually attend a rehearsal (often held the day before) to walk through everything that will happen, and then take the ceremony on the day. You will also be given a presentation copy of your wedding script for you to keep.
I will take lots of notes and use these to produce the first draft of the ceremony script. This is emailed to you and it usually takes three or four amendments by yourselves and me before you have your final, perfect script. We might have a second meeting to discuss more details. That isn't always needed, but the option is always there. I usually aim to have the final script ready a few weeks before your wedding day but this depends on how far ahead you book me, and any late changes that are needed.
If the venue is outdoors or somewhere unusual then it can be helpful to have a site visit together before the script is finalised. We can discuss at our planning meeting if this is needed/possible. I will usually attend a rehearsal (often held the day before) to walk through everything that will happen, and then take the ceremony on the day. You will also be given a presentation copy of your wedding script for you to keep.
Where can we get married?Humanist ceremonies don’t need to take place in a licensed venue so you can have your wedding anywhere you choose. That includes outdoors – woodlands, beaches, fields, clifftops, back gardens etc. or in beautiful, traditional venues such as hotels, houses, stately homes and theatres. If you would like a ceremony at dawn, sunset, or under a full moon it is all possible, limited only by your imagination and the adventurousness of your guests. The world really is your oyster.
How long are you there for on the day? |
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I only ever take one wedding booking per day. This means that I am completely committed and dedicated to your day. I will be there from well before your ceremony starts until after the end of the ceremony. You don’t have to worry about any delays or hiccups on the day – I’m there with you until you move into the next part of your celebrations, whatever they might be.
Do you do gay weddings?
Hell yeah! One of the things I love about humanist ceremonies is that they are designed to be unique, personal and inclusive because love is love, in all it’s wonderful variety.
Marriage is a declaration and witnessing of two people’s love and their freely chosen commitment to one another. There is no place for discrimination on the basis of sexuality, race, gender identity, disability, age, or any other aspect of who you are.
That said, while society in general is much more accepting than it was in the past, I understand that sometimes family members might still hold some challenging views and opinions. I'm used to working with sensitive situations and happy to talk with you about how to make your wedding a joyful celebration of you and your love in all your glory. And if that means a ceremony with chosen family then I am with you all the way. Let's find ways for the people you love and trust to be part of your special day, honouring the care you have for each other.
Marriage is a declaration and witnessing of two people’s love and their freely chosen commitment to one another. There is no place for discrimination on the basis of sexuality, race, gender identity, disability, age, or any other aspect of who you are.
That said, while society in general is much more accepting than it was in the past, I understand that sometimes family members might still hold some challenging views and opinions. I'm used to working with sensitive situations and happy to talk with you about how to make your wedding a joyful celebration of you and your love in all your glory. And if that means a ceremony with chosen family then I am with you all the way. Let's find ways for the people you love and trust to be part of your special day, honouring the care you have for each other.
Is it a legal ceremony?
Humanist weddings are currently legally recognised in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Humanists UK is working hard to get them the same legal recognition in England and Wales. At present if you want your marriage to be legally recognised you will need to arrange for a simple registration to take place at a registry office. Most couples have the legal ceremony the same morning or a few days before. I can give you more information about this if required.
You can include signing a wedding certificate during your ceremony, if you want to. This can create a lovely moment for your guests to take photos without interrupting the ceremony, and the certificate is a lovely keepsake.
You can include signing a wedding certificate during your ceremony, if you want to. This can create a lovely moment for your guests to take photos without interrupting the ceremony, and the certificate is a lovely keepsake.
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Where do you work?I am based in Dursley, Gloucestershire. I work throughout the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, Bristol, the South West and South Wales. I'm happy to travel further afield too. I love delivering outdoor ceremonies surrounded by nature just as much as I love working in more traditional venues.
Destination wedding? I'll get my passport! |
We are planning a big wedding with lots of guests, will everyone be able to hear?
I have my own discrete lapel mic with a receiver that plugs into a standard microphone jack, so all you need to provide is a small amp. If it’s a more intimate wedding at an indoors venue then we might find there’s no need for a mic.
How much will it cost?
My fees for writing and delivering your unique wedding ceremony are -
2024 £730.00
2025 £750.00
This includes:
A non-refundable deposit of £250.00 is required at the time of booking to secure your date. This is included in the total fees given above.
2024 £730.00
2025 £750.00
This includes:
- All pre-wedding meetings and communications
- Writing your unique, personalised wedding ceremony
- Attending a rehearsal if you have one
- Officiating on the day
- Your keepsake presentation script
A non-refundable deposit of £250.00 is required at the time of booking to secure your date. This is included in the total fees given above.
Have a question that's not answered here?
Get in touch! I'm always happy to answer any questions you have so drop me an email or give me a call and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can.
What do we do now?
The main priority is to set a date and choose a venue if you haven’t already. Then get in touch for an informal chat in person, by phone or Zoom to decide if I am the right person to create your wedding ceremony with you.
