There’s been a lot of fuss lately about the humanist wedding ceremony of model Laura Lacole and international footballer Eunan O’Kane, which happened in Northern Ireland on Thursday. This is because their wedding is the first legally recognised humanist ceremony in the country, following a successful court case in which they won the right for state recognition.
There may be some traditional elements
But why have so many people got so excited about this? Simple: Humanist Weddings are an increasingly popular choice for people who want a personal, non-religious ceremony; they are written and conducted by a humanist celebrant, who has been selected, trained, and accredited by Humanists UK. Here are ten reasons they’re taking off all across the UK.
They’re personalised. A Humanists UK celebrant will meet with the couple and listen to their wishes, and get to know their personalities, as well as their ideas and plans for their wedding. Each ceremony is bespoke and hand-crafted for the couple, so no two ceremonies are the same. There are almost no limitations to what a humanist ceremony can be; the couple can choose what to include, for example the style, the promises, the rituals, readings, or poetry.
They’re respectful. Humanists respect people of all religions and beliefs; Humanists UK celebrants are all genuine humanists, many of whom also have an interest in learning about different cultures and religions.
They’re creative. It can be traditional or contemporary, but it is always original. From remote locations to fancy dress, from the epitome of luxury to the wildly rustic style of weddings, from subtle differences to the traditional ceremony to the outright extraordinary, the ideas are endless.
They’re inclusive. Unlike other ceremonies, there is the opportunity to mention significant people (present or absent) at the beginning of the ceremony. This is often very much appreciated, especially when friends or family have travelled from afar, or there are people whom the couple wish to particularly thank.
They will be memorable. With traditional or civil ceremonies, it all sounds a bit the same. However, humanist ceremonies are artfully crafted to ensure that they will be remembered and there is always something new for someone in each one, whether that is a different ritual, the love story, or a piece of poetry.
They won’t be in a church. It can be absolutely anywhere that you want it to be. From beaches, to restaurants, to castles, to people’s back gardens, there is almost no limit to where you can have your humanist wedding ceremony.
They will probably contain some traditional elements. Most brides choose to walk up the aisle to entrance music, and couples almost always choose to have the ring exchange, and make vows or promises together.
A humanist wedding ceremony by a Humanists UK celebrant is quality assured. All the Humanists UK celebrants have been selected and trained to the highest standards.
They reflect shared humanist values and beliefs. There is always at least one person who is attending a humanist ceremony for the first time.
They often evoke emotion; bringing tears (of joy) and smiles and laughter. Each ceremony is created to resonate with the couple and the couple’s friends and family.
Written by Natasha Gray
Humanist/non-religious wedding celebrant, with Humanists UK
Ceremonies Marketing Consultant at Humanists UK
Creative, Unique, Personalised Humanist Wedding Ceremonies,
Partnerships, Namings and Civil Ceremonies
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