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| Arranging an Humanist Wedding Ceremony | |
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| It is natural to want to celebrate the most important events in life with a special ceremony, usually involving speech, poetry, music, song, and feasting and dancing. Humanists like to celebrate too, but prefer to do so in non-religious ceremonies, where they will not find themselves saying things they do not believe. | |
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| What is Humanism? | |
| "Humanism is the belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. We seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves." The British Humanist Association | |
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| Why choose a Humanist Wedding Ceremony? | |
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A traditional church wedding, with ritual and religious words does not fit with everyone’s outlook on life or hopes for the future. The laws governing Register Office weddings strictly control what can be said or done. These ceremonies are designed around a standard framework and very difficult to personalise to any great extent. Sometimes families of mixed religious beliefs choose a humanist ceremony because they can all agree on the non-religious, personal content. It is not currently possible to be legally married out of doors and there are limitations on time, place and content of ceremonies. A humanist wedding can take place anywhere and be designed to suit the individuals. It may be as dignified and serious as a church wedding, but with the religious element replaced by words and music that have real meaning for the couple. They can be as romantic and creative in designing their ceremony as they wish. |
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| How far can I personalise my Humanist Ceremony? | |
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Whether planning a formal, white wedding or something less conventional it is important that the marrying couple really enjoy it. Their wedding should be exactly where, when and how they want it to be. Humanist ceremonies have been held in gardens, marquees, on boats, in castles, on beaches. Many couples choose to stand facing their guests, for a more open and inclusive feeling. Couples with children can make them a part of the ceremony. No two ceremonies are the same – they can be as traditional or as unusual as suits the people marrying. The ceremony should focus on the couple's choice to share a life together. It includes the agreements (vows) they want to make to govern their marriage, and these agreements can be anything the couple chooses. Examples are: a) a promise to tell the truth |
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| Does an Humanist Ceremony meet the statutory legal requirements? | |
| Couples regard the humanist ceremony as that which truly makes them husband and wife. It is the real celebration, expressing the deepest feeling in the company of all 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 and this can be incorporated into the Humanist ceremony instead. | |
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| How do I find an Humanist Officiant? | |
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The British Humanist Association has a network of accredited officiants who are qualified to conduct humanist wedding ceremonies. Details can be found below. BHA wedding celebrants are friendly experienced people who can help prepare the words to be spoken, offer advice on readings and music, and explain the many small details that help make such a big occasion a success. The celebrant meets with the couple several times before the wedding, firstly to discuss ideas and answer questions, then to thoroughly plan and rehearse every aspect of the ceremony so they feel relaxed and confident of all going well. The BHA 'Sharing the Future' book gives a range of ideas, practical tips, sample ceremonies and a selection of poems and prose used by couples choosing a non-religious wedding ceremony. |
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| How much does an Humanist ceremony cost? | |
| Celebrants will discuss fees at the first meeting. The amount may vary depending on the time needed, distances travelled but you will typically pay between £200 and £300 – more if the celebrant has to travel some distance. | |
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For further information please contact the BHA: British Humanist Association, 1 Gower Street, London
WC1E 6HD Registered Charity No. 285987 Or visit the website at: |
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