Humanist Ceremonies
Imagine a ceremony that marks a major life event in a way that is personal, sincere, and honest…
- Perhaps welcoming a much-loved baby to the world with a bespoke naming ceremony
- Or celebrating a couple’s marriage in a way that is warm and genuine, that’s about the two of them and their relationship, and is full laughter and perhaps a few tears too
- Or a funeral or memorial ceremony that focuses on the person who had died and the life they led – not on the idea of an afterlife – and provides a dignified and sincere way of saying goodbye.
Our celebrants create, write, and conduct a range of ceremonies to mark the big moments in life, mostly (but not exclusively) naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals.
What we do isn’t new: we’re proud of our history and know that Humanists UK members were conducting humanist funerals as long ago as the 1890s. Humanist ceremonies are not unusual either – we take many thousands each year, but perhaps this isn’t surprising since half of Britain’s population say they are not religious, and indeed only a third of marriages in England are held in a church, for example.
Providing high-quality, personal, non-religious ceremonies is something we take very seriously. Our celebrants are thoroughly trained and quality-assured. They are passionate about their work and providing people with an appropriate way to mark the most important moments in their lives.
Humanist Ceremonies™ is the growing network of over 500 celebrants qualified and accredited by Humanists UK. We work across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. (In Scotland celebrants are trained by the Humanist Society Scotland.)
From here you can find out what a humanist ceremony is, or read more about our three main types of ceremony: namings, weddings and funerals. You can also find out more about celebrants – the people who write and conduct our ceremonies – and see who is available in your area.
Covid-19 legal update
In Northern Ireland weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies may take place. The number of attendees permitted is determined by the size of the venue and the risk assessment carried out by the venue owner.
In Wales, at alert level four, the number of people who may attend funerals will be set by the venue, however for weddings the maximum in a venue allowed is 15. From 1 March, all approved wedding venues in Wales will be able to reopen.
In England, from 19 July, general restrictions are removed although there may be specific requirements at your location so speak to your venue manager or funeral director for guidance.
For more information, please visit the UK Government Covid 19 Response website.
