Humanist weddings and celebrant-led ceremonies have risen in popularity hugely in the UK. Over 1,000 occur in England and Wales each year. Lots of couples are now considering these as an alternative to a civil ceremony. Here we will guide you through everything you need to know about wedding celebrants and celebrant-led ceremonies.
- What is a Celebrant?
- What's the Difference Between a Civil and Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremony?
- Where Can I Have a Celebrant-led Ceremony?
- Can we write our own vows?
- Is a Celebrant-led Ceremony a legally binding marriage?
- How Much Does a Celebrant-led Ceremony Cost?
- What is a Humanist Ceremony?
- Is there a Difference between a Humanist Celebrant and an Independent Celebrant?
- What Happens at a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?
- How Do I Choose Content for a Celebrant-led Ceremony?
- How Long is a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?
- Should I Have a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?
- How Do I Choose a Celebrant?
Image by David Christopher from Sarah and John's Real Wedding, featuring Jennifer Patrice Celebrant
What is a Celebrant?
A wedding celebrant is a professionally trained and fully insured officiant who performs formal ceremonies such as weddings. Celebrants have the skills and experience to help couples tailor bespoke ceremonies that reflect their personalities and love for each other.
What's the Difference Between a Civil Ceremony and Celebrant-led Wedding Ceremony?
A civil ceremony is performed by a registrar, either in a registry office or a wedding venue that is licensed for ceremonies. While they are both non-religious wedding ceremonies, there are significant differences.
Civil ceremonies are legally recognised, but are bound by restrictions regarding the words spoken during the ceremony. For example, there can be no religious aspect at all.
On the other hand, a celebrant-led wedding is bespoke and meaningful, guided by a celebrant who delivers a personalised ceremony. There are no limits to gender, race, sexual orientation, size, ability, or circumstance for the couple. In ceremonies performed by an independent celebrant, religious aspects can be added to represent the couple's individual and combined beliefs.
Where Can I Have a Celebrant-led Ceremony?
Celebrants are essentially able to perform a ceremony at any wedding venue or location. So, it is entirely up to you what you want your ceremony backdrop to be. As well as location, there is no restriction on time slots. So, a celebrant-led wedding ceremony offers couples complete flexibility.
Can we write our own vows?
One of the aspects that couples love is that the Celebrant will get to know you before the ceremony and help you decide on key elements and rituals within the ceremony. As part of this, they'll help you to write your own vows if you choose to. You'll normally meet them in person or over a video link and they will ask you questions and take notes to understand more about you and give the ceremony a really personal feel. The celebrant may help you pick out readings, music, and show you the different symbolic acts you can pick.
The celebrant will craft a ceremony script based on your personalities and preferences and will check that you are totally happy with it. They will also be on hand to guide you through the process and discuss or adjust the ceremony all the way up to the wedding day.
Is a Celebrant-led Ceremony a Legally Binding Marriage?
Unlike in Scotland and Northern Ireland, celebrant-led weddings are not yet recognised in law in England and Wales on their own. However, it is likely this will change as the Law Commission recently announced their wedding law reform recommendations. The Law Commission is recommending that the officiant become licensed to perform ceremonies, rather than the location as the law currently requires. So, couples of the future (likely around 2024 / 2025) will hopefully be able to have a legally binding wedding ceremony performed by a celebrant.
For now though, the ceremonies will remain symbolic. So, couples often go to the registry office to be legally wed before or after but there is no reason that you can't combine a celebrant-led ceremony with a church or civil ceremony or partnership.
There's no rule that the certificate can only be signed after the ceremony. It can be signed beforehand so you're technically married before the ceremony even begins. So, as long as you have a signed wedding certificate your wedding will be legal and valid – it's the paperwork that makes it legal, not the ceremony.
Image by Mark Gray Wedding and Event Photography featuring Making Memories by Gerri
How Much Does a Celebrant-led Ceremony Cost?
There's no set fee structure; it's dependent on geographical location, experience, and local supply and demand. The general guide price can vary between £450-£1,000, however, we have found that most people pay between £500 and £600 which is the same you would pay for a typical church wedding or for the registrar's attendance at a civil ceremony.
What is a Humanist Ceremony?
A 'Humanist' is someone who chooses to live a good life without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists believe that moral values follow on from human nature and experience. A humanist, non-religious wedding ceremony gives you the opportunity to marry where, when, and how you want. Each ceremony is written specifically for the couple; there is no set format. As a guide, a typical wedding might include readings, poems or music as well as personal anecdotes about the couple. The couple will make vows or commitments to each other and often exchange rings.
Humanist celebrants offer secular/non-religious ceremonies only, as they have no-religious beliefs. So, do not include any religious acts of worship in their ceremonies. However, humanist ceremonies can include religious content if it occurs in readings, hymns, or music originally written for praise.
Is there a Difference between a Humanist Celebrant and an Independent Celebrant?
Whilst Humanist ceremonies are always non-religious and are based on an atheist belief system, an Independent Celebrant has the flexibility to include religious and/or spiritual elements if the couple wish to have them. Indeed many couples choose an Independent Celebrant because they have faith but are not a part of any organised religion. They may have faith but are divorced, or be of mixed faiths and therefore want a ceremony which includes an element of more than one religious which a celebrant can include. They are also often same-sex couples whom the church have actually turned away for their wedding.
Image by Paul Nelson Photography featuring White Rose Ceremonies
What Happens at a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?
Each ceremony is completely bespoke and personal to you. However, here is a basic outline of an example ceremony structure:
- Arrival of the couple (individually or together)
- Introductions and welcomes
- Words about love and commitment from a non-religious perspective
- Reading or poem
- The couple's story – how they met, their shared values, hopes for the future
- What marriage means to the couple
- Reading, poem, hymn or song
- The couple's promises/vows
- Meaningful symbolic act (e.g. handfasting or sand ceremony)
- Exchange of rings
- Pronouncement as married
- Words of well-wishing
- Closing and departure
There are also several symbolic acts that are an incredibly meaningful part of both humanist and celebrant-led wedding ceremonies. For example, swapping garlands, jumping the broom, gift-giving, and wine or flower rituals. We have outlined the most popular below.
What is Handfasting?
Handfasting is when a cord or sash is used to tie the hands of a couple together. Then, they recite words expressing their commitment to one another. It's where the phrase 'tying the knot' comes from!
What is a Hand-holding Ceremony?
A hand-holding ceremony is when couples face each other, hold hands and look into each others' eyes as a blessing is spoken over them. Sometimes you'll cross your arms over to form an infinity symbol that represents a love that will go on forever.
What is a Candle Ceremony?
A candle ceremony is when each of you lights a candle representing your separate lives. Then, together you use two tapers to light a third, different coloured candle to symbolise joining your life together in marriage.
What is a Unity Sand Ceremony?
A unity sand ceremony is where the couple each pour different coloured sand into a third container indicating the intertwining of their lives in marriage.
Religious Elements
The ceremony can include religious elements if the couple choose an Independent Celebrant, for example, words honouring deceased loved ones and how they may be spiritually present in this moment or watching over the couple on their special day. Some couples choose to include hymns, prayers or specific rituals that they would like to involve in the ceremony to honour their religion.
Image by Jasmine Andrews Photography, courtesy of Perfect Words Ceremonies
How Do I Choose Content for a Celebrant-led Ceremony?
Celebrants work with you to ensure that the content accurately reflects who they are. There are no restrictions when it comes to music or readings during your celebrant ceremony. So, you can opt for something that you both love, and not feel limited in your choices. You can also add elements of religion, acknowledge your cultural background or even a family tradition.
Celebrant-led ceremonies often use one of three styles of vows. The traditional “I do”, the 'repeat after me' vows or personal vows written by the couple. It's your day so be as creative as you wish, and have a truly personal day. Using a wedding celebrant means you will have a beautifully bespoke ceremony, created just for you, so make the most of the opportunities this by having vows that reflect your feelings.
How Long is a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?
This depends on the content of your ceremony. On average, most celebrant-led ceremonies are around half an hour, very similar to any other wedding ceremony. Of course, it depends on the length of your readings and any rituals you wish to include.
Should I Have a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?
Celebrant-led ceremonies weddings are perfect for couples who would like a meaningful ceremony but think traditional wedding structures are not for them. Celebrants can ensure you have more of a say over what you want to include and exclude in the ceremony and are generally more versatile.
Your bespoke ceremony is performed by a celebrant who has become close to you as a couple and knows your story. Celebrants can do more than just preside over the ceremony. They can stay by your side throughout the entire wedding process. Celebrants can also assist with paperwork, writing of vows, and even wedding planning.
Celebrants are also open and inclusive, welcome same-sex and interfaith couples. So, they are an option for everyone. Humanist celebrants undergo gold standard training by Humanists UK, and the service includes public liability insurance. Most independent celebrants are trained by the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants.
With a celebrant-led ceremony, the event is all about the two of you. Just like your partnership, your wedding should be unique to you as a couple. There are no restrictions on where the ceremony can take place. So, it gives you the flexibility to create a personal ceremony that is unique.
How Do I Choose a Celebrant?
Thinking about having a celebrant? The best thing is to get to know them, to see if they're a match for you! We asked some of our favourite celebrants what they think a celebrant brings to a wedding. Here, in their own words, they describe why a celebrant might be right for you.
Jennifer Patrice
A Celebrant conducts a Wedding Celebration Ceremony, which has all the elements of a wedding, apart from the legal formalities (which are carried out at a couple's local Register Office within a year of their giving notice of intention to marry). Having a Celebrant means that the couple (having met them anything from two years to three months prior to their wedding day and getting to know them) have a ceremony that is unique to them and very personalised. It can be the way they want it to be: after all, it is their day so it should reflect them in every way. I've been told that my ceremonies are loving, full of emotion, sincere, and fun; it actually brings me personal joy to work with a couple and be able to create their perfect ceremony with them.
In past 12 months
Jennifer Patrice - Celebrant
Jennifer Patrice is a qualified celebrant creating meaningful, personalised wedding ceremonies in England and abroad for discerning couples.Julia Hawkes Independent Celebrant
Electing to have a celebrant led wedding ensures that you can involve everyone that matters to you in your ceremony. Imagine if all of your friends and family could be active contributors to your ceremony rather than just passive observers. The options are many: family unity candle ceremonies, friends and family promises, call and response moments, wishing trees, promise stones, or something uniquely created by your celebrant linked to your ideas, personalities, and passions. All things are possible with a celebrant!
Julia Hawkes Cotswold Celebrant
Gloucestershire Wedding Celebrant- creating fabulous Cotswold WeddingsWhite Rose Ceremonies®
Having a celebrant at your wedding gives you the reigns to have a completely bespoke ceremony. There isn't anything that needs to be included in this service, it is entirely up to you and what you want. White Rose Ceremonies® deliver wedding ceremonies wherever you want them. The ceremonies can be simply traditional, delightfully quirky or calm and spiritual and they can be at any location, with no restrictions. We fully support all faiths and beliefs but believe that the most important thing is that our couples have a ceremony that reflects who they really are. We work closely with our couples to prepare the script for their wedding ceremony and combine three magic ingredients - the promises, fun and love.
In past 12 months
White Rose Ceremonies®
For a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony, entrust your special day to the award-winning White Rose Ceremonies®.Perfect Words Ceremonies
Because every ceremony is unique, couple-focused and story-led, there really is no standard ceremony style, it can be romantic, light-hearted, serious, fun, traditional or quirky, but my organised, easy-going nature will ensure that everything runs smoothly and you enjoy every moment. I have conducted weddings in many different styles in a variety of places; woodlands with marquees, fields with tipis, beaches, family gardens as well as the more traditional hotels, wedding venues and barns and I have loved every single one, I really do love the job that I do!
In past 12 months
Perfect Words Ceremonies
Guides For Brides Winner 2024, the leading Wedding Celebrant in Surrey and Kent. Creating perfect, unique and memorable ceremonies.Erica Harley, The Ridgeway Celebrant
That moment has arrived! You and your partner have decided to make your relationship legal. However, you want your ceremony to be unique and reflect your relationship in all its aspects. I have the skill to create an atmosphere between the couple and the guests, a warm and intimate occasion and I have the experience to help you choose the most appropriate vows and readings that reflect your love for each other and that reflect the quality of your relationship. Each ceremony is totally different and that is why they have to be bespoke to you!
In past 12 months
Erica Harley, The Ridgeway Celebrant
Find your perfect wedding celebrant in Oxfordshire with Erica Harley, The Ridgeway Celebrant.Ruth Mackman Celebrant
Have the day of your dreams with a wedding ceremony written just for you. Ruth offers a friendly and professional service for celebrations in Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire. It's Ruth's pleasure to help you make your special day just perfect. Turning ideas into a wonderful occasion that you'll remember for all the right reasons. Ruth will listen to what you want, offer advice and guidance, and will work with you to create a special, very personal ceremony. Ruth is friendly, professional and enthusiastic, and will do everything to ensure you enjoy the preparations leading up to your day, and the day itself.
In past 12 months
Ruth Mackman Celebrant
Make your special day unforgettable with Ruth Mackman Celebrant – personal, heartfelt ceremonies in and around Northamptonshire.Pure Silk Ceremonies
If your dream is to have your ceremony in a place that is meaningful to you, maybe on a beach, a castle, a historical building or your favourite venue, with no restrictions on licensing or timings, then a Celebrant-led ceremony is for you. Your ceremony can be modern, traditional or a beautiful blend of both.
In past 12 months
Pure Silk Ceremonies
Wedding Celebrant- Unique Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremonies created just for you!Simply Ceremonies
Simply Ceremonies think a Celebrant brings a sense of comfort to the ceremony. Because they work hard to get to know our couples and build a relationship with them, they are no longer strangers when they arrive on the day.
In past 12 months
Emily Rawlinson Celebrant
Emily is an award-winning celebrant, who wants to put you first. Emily Rawlinson will listen to you and what you want from your wedding ceremony and then will help you design your ideal moment.
In past 12 months
Emily Rawlinson Celebrant
Creating Bespoke Ceremonies to mark the milestones in your livesLiz Bagley Celebrant
Whether you want a formal ceremony or an unusual, quirky ceremony, Liz Bagley will ensure it is perfect for you. She will meet with you before your special day to ensure you're comfortable with everything!
In past 12 months
Liz Bagley Celebrant
Northamptonshire couples: Craft your perfect ceremony with Liz Bagley Celebrant.Celebrant in Cornwall
Lisa, Sam and Caroline believe that ceremonies should be all about what YOU want rather than what the legal or religious process dictates. These are celebrants with the enthusiasm and experience to create a ceremony full of heart and personality, and they are completely in love with what they do! And this comes across in thei super-smiley, genuinely supportive and deeply friendly personalities - plus they are highly organised, creative writers and experienced presenters - and they feel supremely lucky to be there for you, guiding you through the most important celebration of your life.
In past 12 months
Celebrant in Cornwall
Fun-loving, professional and experienced independent wedding celebrants in Cornwall delivering incredibly bespoke wedding ceremoniesCeremonies by Sally
Sally will help you to create a ceremony which reflects you as a couple, your stories, your hopes, your dreams and is completely how you want it to be. Choosing a celebrant means there are no restrictions on venue, times, length of ceremony, numbers of guests, your music choices, participants in your ceremony (including pets), you can include cultural and symbolic rituals, hand fasting, sand ceremonies, really just let your imagination run riot.
In past 12 months
Ceremonies By Sally
Bespoke Celebrant Wedding Ceremonies and Marriage Celebrations in Sussex Hampshire West SussexSallieann Weddings
Sallieann is an independent wedding celebrant who possesses a unique talent for crafting unforgettable and bespoke wedding ceremonies.With a deep passion for weddings and a keen eye for detail, she goes above and beyond to create personalised and meaningful experiences for couples on their special day. With 29 years experience in the wedding industry, Sallieann's commitment to understanding each couple's story, values, and desires allows her to craft ceremonies that are as unique and beautiful as the love they celebrate.
In past 12 months
Sallieann Weddings - Wedding Celebrant
Wedding Celebrant & Wedding Planner based in Buckinghamshire & UKYOLO Ceremonies
Ace is a qualified celebrant accredited with Humanists UK who is dedicated to crafting unique and deeply personal ceremonies that celebrate your love story. She offers ceremonies that are inclusive for all, no matter your beliefs, allowing you to create a meaningful and authentic ceremony that reflects your love. Her approach is tailored to your individual needs and wishes so she works closely with you to understand your vision, ensuring that your wedding is a true reflection of you as a couple.
In past 12 months
YOLO Ceremonies, Wedding Celebrant in West Midlands
YOLO Ceremonies based in the Midlands : Heartfelt wedding ceremonies tailored to you in England and Wales. Also available for destination weddings.Trevor English
Trevor offers a unique combination of services – Celebrant and Toastmaster – to ensure your special day is both meaningful and stress-free. As your Celebrant, he'll craft a bespoke ceremony that reflects your personalities and wishes. This includes writing personalised vows, incorporating special touches, and creating a ceremony that celebrates your love story uniquely.
In past 12 months
Trevor English Celebrant
Hampshire weddings made easy! Trevor English - Celebrant & Toastmaster: Unique ceremonies, seamless coordination, lasting memories.Celebrations by Suzi
If you're looking for a traditional ceremony or something a little more inventive, with Suzi's experience and your ideas, together you will create a celebration that is unique and tailored around you and your wishes.No matter who you are, who you love, your beliefs or needs, Suzi will provide equality of service to all with openness and conscientiousness at the core in everything she does.
In past 12 months
Celebrations by Suzi
Tailormade wedding ceremonies that stand out from any other - AWARD WINNING WEDDING CELEBRANT #TWIA - Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Bucks - Let's talk!Yvonne Beck
She believes that your Ceremony is truly the heart of your Wedding Day, and her support, advice, and experience accompanies you on this total journey to the day itself. With over 500 unique ceremonies, and 13 years as a Celebrant, this is not simply her job; it is her passion and commitment to all couples that they can express themselves exactly how they wish on one of the most important and emotional days of their lives.
In past 12 months