Amy Lee Bristol and Somerset Celebrant
What is a humanist wedding?
A humanist wedding is a non-religious wedding ceremony that is free from the traditional rules around weddings. Humanist weddings can take place in any location, at any time of day, and couples have the freedom to be as creative as they want. They are brilliant!
For those who don’t know, Humanism is very simple- it’s the philosophical stance that we only have one life and as such we want to live it ethically and respectfully. Humanists believe that there is no supernatural intervention and we trust in science and reason to reach logical conclusions about why we’re here and how we got here. It also means that we can lead our best lives knowing it’s the only one we, and everyone we know, has got.
How does this translate into a wedding? Well, humanists love weddings! We love weddings because they’re one of those events that makes us distinctly human. After all weddings are all about bringing people together to mark and celebrate your relationship, love and commitment.
By choosing a humanist wedding you are choosing to make your wedding entirely inclusive. Everyone is welcome regardless of spiritual and religious beliefs. And your wedding is about you: your story, how you got to this point, your outlook, where you’re going, how, and why. It is entirely individual and it is designed and written to reflect your relationship and your personalities.
Without the constraints of civil ceremonies, humanist ceremonies can take place wherever you like- inside or out, at home, abroad, in a field, on a mountain or beach- nowhere is off limits.
This doesn’t mean that it has to be free of tradition. In fact, many couples who are having a humanist wedding decide that they want the familiar rituals of a wedding, or decide to have a mixture. It can be as informal or formal as you like. Anything goes.
As your celebrant, I will guide you through the whole process of creating your ceremony and support you in making decisions about the best way to create your perfect wedding
Your wedding is incredibly exciting and I am here to help you to celebrate your marriage in a way that reflects you, is loved by everyone and is everything you dreamed it would be.
Your Ceremony
Initial Planning
We’ll meet in person, or on Zoom, to get to know each other. I will ask you lots of questions about your relationship, your lives and how you met to get a picture of you as a couple and as individuals. We will discuss readings, music and symbolic act such as a ring exchange, ring warming, handfasting, sand blending or quaich/loving cup ritual. You may also like to include something from your own culture or something you have made up. Anything goes.
Writing the Script
Once we have met and I have got to know you and your story, I will go away and put it into a script, carefully including readings, music and any symbolic acts. I will be guided by your vision of the day to come up with something heartfelt and sincere, rip roaringly funny-probably a combination!
On the day
I always make sure I arrive well in advance of the ceremony and ensure everything is set up and ready to go. I will bring everything we need and check on things like music, rings and that everyone involved knows what they are doing. You will be able to leave the logistics in my capable hands, and I will ensure everything is ready and perfect. Problem solving is one of my skills if there are any last minute glitches!
If you think that a humanist ceremony might be for you
I offer a free consultation session in person or online for you and I to get to know each other and make sure we’re a great match