Why have a Humanist ceremony?

A Humanist ceremony is a non-religious ceremony with no restrictions. It’s all about you expressing your love and commitment to each other in front of the people you care about and who care about you, wherever you choose. 

There are no rules. Mr and Mrs, Mrs and Mrs, Mr and Mr, Mx and Mx – Starlord and Drag Queen, You and You - love is love. Share it with those you love in whatever way feels authentic to you. A Humanist ceremony will do exactly that.

1. You contact me and we have a no obligation chat in person or online to discuss your ideas so far, ask me any initial questions and to see if I’m a good fit with you and the kind of ceremony that you want.
2. You decide that we are perfect for each other (hooray) so the date is saved and we set up a What’s / Weds App group (sorry I love a pun!) to share ideas, send queries, reassure and generally ramp up excitement before your big day. 
3. A few months before your ceremony date, I send out some (fun) homework for you to complete together and separately (over a bottle of wine, cup of tea or whatever makes your date night) to gather more information about you and your relationship and start to get into the real details and essence of why you are together.
4. We meet to talk through your answers and start to shape your ceremony elements and style as we get to know each other better. Here, we will delve deeper into some aspects of your relationship, you as a couple and what marriage means to you. I can guide and support you with tips and suggestions including help with vows, readings and unique and alternative ceremony elements.
5. I draft your original and bespoke ceremony script and send it to you with plenty of time for tweaks and amendments until it is exactly what you want - a real collaboration between us and including logistics such as timing, other participants, ceremony elements such as symbolic acts, music etc.
6. Before the day, we run through all elements to ensure that the logistics are clear including who goes where, who is bringing what etc. This can be a catch up call or rehearsal at the venue or elsewhere if helpful.
7. On the day I will arrive with plenty of time and check that everything is ready for your ceremony and that those involved are clear and confident in their roles, including liaising with venue staff as required.
8. I will deliver your unique, personal ceremony and try not to well up as you ride the wave of emotion into the next stage of your life together. 
9. I will stay for a short while afterwards to ensure any ceremony keepsakes are safe, leave a copy of your presentation script and possibly even share in a toast to you - the happy couple!