What is a Humanist Wedding and Should I Have One?

The term ‘humanist wedding’ is certainly becoming more widely known and is a popular option for modern wedding couples looking for alternative ways to celebrate their union. Simply put, a humanist wedding is a non-religious celebration that is inclusive, flexible and personally tailored to you as a couple.

Maybe you’ve attended one? You’ve almost certainly attended either a religious wedding ceremony or a civil ceremony in a licensed property, both of which are legally binding. You are also probably familiar with the formalities of a legal ceremony – the vows, the structure etc. Well, when it comes to a humanist wedding the options are much more open and are constructed around the couple, not the other way around. Pretty much anything goes!

In the UK currently only a registrar can legally marry you. So if your priority is being able to have the legal contract of marriage taking place on the same day as your wedding then this is definitely the option for you. But as mentioned before, legal ceremonies do take place in quite a strict environment. Approval is needed on all content within the ceremony, there is no flexibility on timings and of course the location – all legal marriage ceremonies must take place on licensed property. Truthfully, this option is currently the most popular in the UK. It’s convenient, it’s common practice and without research many couples believe this is the only option available to them.

But the alternative to a registrar leading a civil ceremony is a celebrant leading a humanist one. Ceremonies led by a humanist celebrant can include personalised vows, readings, poems, stories, music and any rituals you choose such as handfasting, lighting a candle or planting a tree together. These additional, often deeply symbolic acts aren’t allowed during a legal wedding ceremony. So if you love the idea of your ceremony being at the heart and centre of your day, with rituals, music and loving words from your family and friends then a humanist wedding is definitely for you.

A celebrant will spend time getting to know you in the run up to the big day, both as individuals and as a couple. Celebrating the essence of your marriage is another brilliant reason to consider a humanist wedding, and could give the commitment made on your wedding day an even deeper meaning . Remember though, this style of wedding ceremony isn’t legally binding so if you go for this option but you still wish to be a married couple in law then you do still need to do the legal bit beforehand. This can be a very simple step. You can officially seal the deal at your local registry office or Town Hall, with just a couple of witnesses present. Or you might choose to invite a handful of family members and friends and go for an intimate lunch / meal afterwards to celebrate.

Although considered similar at first, civil ceremonies and humanist weddings are in fact two quite different options. Not forgetting that because a humanist wedding isn’t legal it can take place anywhere. At your home, on a beach, or at any place that feels significant to you.

A humanist wedding, in its entirety, is focused on you, your love, and your story.