Planning A Humanist Wedding: A Couple's Guide

Humanist weddings are non-religious ceremonies that allow couples to marry on their own terms. Unlike religious and civil weddings, there is no set pattern or format, so you can get creative and make your day truly unique and memorable. You can choose where you want to get married, when, and who officiates the wedding ceremony. You can also include any traditional elements you like, such as vows, readings and exchanging of rings, as well as any non-traditional elements.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing a venue for your humanist wedding ceremony, the world is your oyster. Unlike civil weddings, humanist weddings can be held anywhere, so you can make it extra special and personal. Consider choosing a venue with sentimental value, or an outdoor location with beautiful scenery. You might also want to opt for an area that you love to visit.

If you're having an outdoor ceremony, you might want to create a focal point to make it extra special. Ask your florist to build a floral arch, hang lanterns or lighting from trees, or roll out Persian rugs down the aisle.

In the UK, it's important to note that humanist marriages are legally recognised in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not in England and Wales. If you're getting married in England or Wales, you'll need to take care of the legal formalities at a register office before or after your ceremony.

Readings and performances

Humanist weddings are non-religious ceremonies that allow you to personalise your wedding and marry on your own terms. There is no set format or script to follow, so you can be as creative as you like.

When it comes to readings and performances, the possibilities are endless. You can include traditional elements such as vows, readings and exchanging of rings, or you can go off-piste and include non-traditional elements. Think about the look and feel of the wedding as a whole to ensure the ceremony is in the same spirit as the rest of the day.

Consider the talents of your guests and utilise them. You could ask a guest to give a reading, or perform a musical number or creative piece. Be mindful to only ask people who would relish the occasion, rather than dread the responsibility.

If you're having an outdoor ceremony, you could ask your florist to build a floral arch, hang lanterns or lighting from trees, or roll out Persian rugs down the aisle. This will create a beautiful backdrop for your readings and performances.

Finally, don't forget the legal considerations. In the UK, humanist marriages are legally recognised in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not yet in England and Wales. If you're getting married in England or Wales, you'll need to go to the register office to take care of the legal formalities before or after your ceremony.

Traditional elements

Humanist weddings are non-religious ceremonies that allow you to personalise your wedding and marry on your own terms. You can choose where you want to get married, when, and who officiates the wedding ceremony.

If you want to include traditional elements in your humanist wedding, you can include vows, readings, and the exchanging of rings. You can also include musical or creative performances, and ask your florist to build a floral arch, hang lanterns or lighting from trees, or roll Persian rugs down the aisle.

You can choose any venue you like, so you could consider a venue with sentimental value, outdoor locations with beautiful scenery, or an area you love to visit.

In the UK, humanist marriages are legally recognised in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not yet in England and Wales. In England and Wales, couples who want to have a humanist wedding will often go to the register office to take care of the legal formalities in the days before or after their ceremony.

Non-traditional elements

Humanist weddings are non-religious ceremonies that allow you to personalise your wedding and marry on your own terms. With no set format or script to follow, you can get creative and include non-traditional elements.

For example, you can choose any venue you like, not just those licensed for civil weddings. You could pick a venue with sentimental value, an outdoor location with beautiful scenery, or an area you love to visit. You could ask your florist to build a floral arch, hang lanterns or lighting from trees, or roll out Persian rugs down the aisle.

You can also choose who officiates the wedding ceremony. You may want to consider a trained humanist celebrant who will be experienced at creating and performing a meaningful ceremony. You can get to know them and work with them to create a ceremony that reflects you as a couple.

You can also include non-traditional elements in the ceremony itself. You could include readings and musical or creative performances, perhaps by talented guests who would relish the occasion. You can also choose whether to include traditional elements such as vows, readings and exchanging rings.

Legal considerations

Humanist marriages are legally recognised in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not in England and Wales. If you live in England or Wales and want a humanist wedding, you will need to go to the register office to take care of the legal formalities in the days before or after your ceremony.

Unlike civil weddings, humanist weddings can take place anywhere. You can choose a venue with sentimental value, an outdoor location with beautiful scenery, or anywhere you love to visit.

You can also choose who officiates your wedding ceremony. You may want to consider a trained humanist celebrant who will be experienced at creating and performing a meaningful ceremony. You can search for a celebrant at https://humanism.org.uk/ceremonies/non-religious-weddings/.

Humanist weddings have no set format or script, so you are free to create a memorable day that is true to you as a couple.

Frequently asked questions