Humanist Weddings and Gay Affirmations

For many reasons there are those who are planning to get married who feel that a church wedding is not right for them, and if you are amongst them you may like to consider a Humanist ceremony. Whether you want it to be formal or rather more unconventional, you will certainly be hoping for an occasion which is dignified and sincere and thoroughly enjoyable, and this is what we can provide.

The Ceremony itself

No two ceremonies are the same. Together with the celebrant you will plan and choose the promises you want to make and there will be readings and poetry to illustrate your love and your aspirations for the future. Other members of the family can of course be included in the ceremony as well and live or recorded music is often an important element.

In Humanist ceremonies, the couple often choose to face their guests as they are married, instead of facing away as is traditional. The choices are yours.

Locations, Legality and Cost

Your wedding can be held anywhere you like - in a hotel, a garden, a marquee, on top of a cliff! It's up to you, though practical considerations do have to be considered.

If you decide on a humanist wedding, you will still need to go to a register office before your ceremony. Most couples choose to do this a day or two before their main celebration, although it can also be done on the same day. It's not necessary to exchange rings at this time.

Celebrants will charge a fee, which varies according to circumstances. £250 to £400 is typical.

Humanists and Celebrants

Humanism is a view of life with which most people can agree. We believe strongly in the good within human beings, in their equality and in the individual's right to freedom of choice in the main decisions of life. Each of us is responsible not only for our own actions, but also for the well-being of others and the world around us.

The British Humanist Association is a registered charity widely respected for its work. In recent years there has been a rapidly growing need for personal, non-religious ceremonies to mark the significant milestones in people's lives: birth, affirmation, naming, marriage and death. Meeting that need has become one of our principal activities.

It's quite possible to be in sympathy with humanist ideas without `joining', but wedding celebrants are all members of the British Humanist Association and have been on an accredited training course. If the sincerity and freedom of a humanist wedding appeals to you, you may like to buy a small book from the BHA called `Sharing the Future' which explores ways of putting together a ceremony; you can order it by phone at the number below, or ask for it by e-mail at info@humanism.org.uk.

If you are interested in a humanist ceremony and would like to talk things over with your local celebrant, you can find him or her by going to the web-site at www.humanism.org.uk or telephoning 020 7079 3580.

Local Celebrants

Lichfield: Valerie Wood (01543 264479)

Newcastle-under-Lyme: Sue Willson (O1782 662693)
e-mail: Sue Willson - suewillson@care4free.net

Nantwich: Jan Ferguson, 01270 626868

Stafford: June Williams, 01785 212591

Tamworth: Geraldine Jones (01827 67050)

Telford: Sue Falder (01952 604189) e-mail: falder@hotmail.com

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