What is a Humanist Ceremony?

A Humanist ceremony is a deeply personal and non-religious and all inclusive wedding ceremony that is focussed entirely on your story , your values and the commitments you want to make to each other. It’s where your love story takes centre stage.

Humanist Ceremonies are completely personal

Humanist Celebrants are not bound by a fixed script or set formula. Couples often choose to include traditional elements, others prefer to add their own personality to the proceedings by incorporating their own way of expressing the commitment they’re about to make or with words, music, symbolic gestures, song lyrics and very often personalised vows.

Humanist Ceremonies are non-religious but meaningful

They are grounded in shared human values - love, commitment, equality, family, community, and mutual respect. For couples who aren’t religious but still want a ceremony that feels warm, reflective, and significant, (not just administrative), this is often the perfect balance.

Humanist Ceremonies can happen anywhere

Because it isn’t tied to a place of worship, or to a the legal requirement of using a licensed venue, Humanist Ceremonies can happen anywhere:

In a family garden
On a beach
In woodland
Literally anywhere that holds a special significance for you as a couple

Humanist Ceremonies are not legally binding (but that could change very soon)

Humanist UK have been campaigning for a chance in the law that will mean Humanist Ceremonies in England and Wales will be legally binding (this is currently the case in Scotland and Northern Ireland). The government have promised to revise the marriage laws soon. Updates will appear here.

What is humanism?

Humanists are people who choose to shape their lives in the present, believing it’s the only life we have. We understand the world through logic, reason, and evidence, and strive to treat others with warmth, understanding, and respect.

Here are some Humanist quotes from some well-known people.

“I don’t believe in heaven and hell. I don’t know if I believe in God. All I know is that as an individual, I won’t allow this life - the only thing I know to exist - to be wasted.

— George Clooney, Actor

”Wear a smile and have friends; Wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for, if not to make the world less difficult for each other.”

— George Eliot, Author

“Humanism is an approach to life which encourages ethical and fulfilling living on the basis of reason and humanity, and rejects superstition and religion. The most immediate impact of living as a Humanist is that we believe this life is all there is - so what we do and the choices we make really count”