Humanist Celebrants – Tips on Finding the Right One!

I often get asked “why choose a celebrant? What’s the difference between a Humanist celebrant and an independent celebrant, a registrar and a vicar/priest. Does it matter who you choose?” 

The truth is that it does matter, if it matters to you. 

A Humanist celebrant is trained by and registered with Humanists UK. If you feel strongly about having no faith, no God, no deity present, then a Humanist celebrant is a great option because – as a registered Humanist celebrant you can be sure that you’re on the same page! 

An independent celebrant is just that – a celebrant without affiliation to Humanists UK. 

Unless you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Guernsey or Jersey your Humanist ceremony is not a legal marriage ceremony. Wherever you live, if you use an independent celebrant that ceremony is not a legal marriage ceremony. 

The legal ceremonies taken by vicars, priests etc and registrars are legal marriages. 

Weddings bringing together individuals and families from different cultures and beliefs can create a lot of pressure to comply with convention. However, choosing a Humanist who shares your values and approach can be a non-secular way of blending traditions and creating a neutral space for your ceremony. And most importantly it’s all about the couple rather than a religious protocol! 

There are lots of fantastic celebrants in the UK but if you particularly want a Humanist celebrant it’s important to find one that you connect with and trust to deliver the ceremony you want. But where do you start?

Tip 1 – Free consultation 

If you’re reading this blog, then you’re already on the right path to finding the right Humanist celebrant. I offer a free consultation (in person, phone or Zoom) where you get to ask lots of questions and tell me what type of ceremony you’re looking for. However, more importantly you can get a feel for who I am and see if there’s that important connection.

 Tip 2 – Shared beliefs 

Relationship and ‘feel’ is all-important between couple and celebrant. If you are not looking for God or a deity at your celebration then it’s important to find a Humanist celebrant who declares that to be an integral part of their life.

Tip 3 – Accreditation

Make sure you do your due diligence and check that the celebrant you choose has been trained and is accredited by Humanists UK.

Tip 4 – Location 

You don’t need to be limited by geography. Many Humanist celebrants like me are happy to travel in the name of love. I have conducted ceremonies all over the UK and further afield. If you find someone you like, simply see what their travel expenses are and if they fit your budget.

Once you’ve found a celebrant you click with, there’s one big thing to remember before you rush forth.

Tip 5 – The Legal Bit 

As I explained above, unless you are fortunate to live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Guernsey and Jersey your celebrant-led ceremony will not be a legal marriage. We hope the law will change, but in the meantime – alongside your Humanist wedding ceremony you will also need a legal ceremony at a Register Office. Think of this as admin but make sure you book this as soon as possible. To keep it low key and low cost, ask for a ‘you-plus-two ceremony’ – this is a quick ceremony with only the bride, groom and two witnesses. you only have to make a legal declaration, you don’t need to exchange rings or vows. You only have to make a legal declaration, you don’t need to exchange rings or vows.

Tip 6 – Get Creative 

Then the real fun begins for what many couples call ‘my real wedding’. This is where with the help of your like minded celebrant, you can let your hair down and charge at your ceremony with delight and imagination.

In conclusion;

Choosing the right Humanist celebrant helps you discover the match between who you are, what you are looking for and the celebrant who can pull the whole shebang together in a magnificent way!

To see if we might be a match, visit my About Me page and please get in touch for a free consultation.