Humanist Wedding Guide
Stand hand-in-hand beneath a flower-draped pergola, the sun casting a glow across the garden, and your favourite song playing gently in the background. You lock eyes with your partner, surrounded by friends and family, as a celebrant tells the heartfelt story of your love. It’s your ceremony, your way. This is the magic of a humanist wedding.
Humanist weddings have seen a significant rise in popularity in the UK, with a 266% increase over the past decade and a half. Notably, in Scotland, humanist marriages have surpassed Christian ones, accounting for 23% of all marriages compared to 22% for Christian ceremonies. It’s no wonder, these ceremonies are as unique as the couples they celebrate.
For non-religious couples seeking something personal and meaningful, a humanist wedding ceremony at a fairytale venue like South Farm might just be the dream you didn’t know you were searching for.
Key Takeaways
- A humanist wedding is a non-religious, inclusive ceremony that celebrates a couple’s unique love story in a fully personalised way.
- Humanist weddings are growing in popularity across the UK, particularly in Scotland, where they now outnumber Christian weddings.
- These ceremonies are led by trained celebrants and can include symbolic rituals like handfasting, ring warming, or tree planting.
- In England and Wales, humanist weddings aren’t yet legally binding, so couples must also complete a separate civil ceremony.
- South Farm offers a truly captivating, eco-friendly setting in Hertfordshire for couples dreaming of a meaningful humanist wedding.
Credit to Two D Photography
What is a Humanist Wedding?
A humanist wedding is a non-religious, inclusive celebration of love and commitment. Unlike traditional religious or civil ceremonies, a humanist wedding ceremony is created entirely around the couple’s beliefs, story, and values. There’s no set script. No obligatory words. Just a beautifully bespoke ceremony created to reflect who you are as a couple.
Whether you’re dreaming of vows exchanged beneath the trees, a confetti-strewn procession across wildflower meadows, or a symbolic ritual shared in a candlelit barn, humanist weddings give you the freedom to shape your special day around what matters most to you.
South Farm, our award-winning wedding venue in Hertfordshire, offers an exquisite setting to bring this vision to life. Located in 20 acres of countryside and brimming with rustic appeal, our exclusive-use venue is a picture-perfect canvas for a humanist wedding ceremony.
Humanist Wedding Traditions
The beauty of a humanist wedding lies in its complete customisation. There are no rigid traditions – unless, of course, you want them. You can choose to reimagine conventional elements, combine cultural rituals, or invent something entirely new. It’s all about what reflects your love story.
Examples of Rituals and Traditions
From classic to whimsical, here are some meaningful rituals you might include in your humanist wedding:
- Handfasting – The ancient Celtic ritual of “tying the knot,” where your hands are bound with ribbon or cord as a symbol of unity.
- Ring warming – Guests pass your wedding rings around, imbuing them with their hopes and well wishes.
- Unity candles – A candle-lighting ritual to signify the merging of your lives.
- Wine ceremonies – A symbolic sharing of wine, often using two glasses poured into one.
- Quaich – A Scottish tradition of drinking from a shared loving cup.
- Sand ceremony – You and your partner pour coloured sand into a single vessel, representing your coming together.
- Tree planting – A lovely eco-conscious ritual, especially fitting at our environmentally friendly venue. Did you know we plant a tree for every couple who get married here!
- Jumping the broom – A fun and symbolic leap into your new life together.
- Oathing stones – Holding a stone while exchanging vows, grounding your promises in something lasting and tangible.
You’re not limited by a script or a format – this is your story told your way, with rituals that reflect your shared values and personalities.
Humanist Wedding Vows
One of the most memorable moments in any wedding is the exchange of vows, and in a humanist ceremony, these vows are deeply personal. Unlike religious ceremonies with pre-written vows, a humanist wedding invites you to write your own promises, sharing them in your own words.
Some couples choose poetic verses, others share anecdotes, inside jokes, or lyrics from their favourite songs. The choice is yours. There’s no pressure to perform, only the freedom to speak from the heart. Your celebrant will help guide you, ensuring your vows feel authentic and meaningful.
You might even include personal humanist wedding readings chosen by loved ones, or incorporate music that moves you. Every element can be as unique as your relationship.
Who Officiates a Humanist Wedding?
At the heart of a humanist ceremony is your celebrant. Trained by Humanists UK or similar organisations, these professionals are not just officiants – they’re storytellers.
They’ll spend time getting to know you both, understanding your journey and what makes your relationship special.
Once they’ve captured your vibe, your celebrant will craft a script that celebrates your story with warmth, humour, and sincerity. From the first meeting to the moment you say “I do,” they’ll support you in creating a celebration that’s truly your own. You can explore our list of trusted wedding celebrants to find the perfect match for your big day.
Are Humanist Weddings Legally Binding in the UK?
You may be wondering, “are humanist weddings legal in England?” Currently, in England and Wales, humanist weddings are not legally binding. This means couples need to complete a separate legal ceremony, usually at a register office but can be at your venue on the same day, before or after their humanist celebration. However, since 2005 in Scotland and 2012 in Northern Ireland, humanist weddings have been fully recognised by law.
Many couples choose to treat their humanist ceremony as their “real” wedding day, with the legalities taken care of beforehand. After all, it’s the celebration of your love and commitment that really counts. However some couples at South Farm chose to have the civil element on the same day and then the celebrant ceremony happens straight afterwards, once the registrars leave – it can be quite seamless!
What is the Difference Between a Humanist Wedding and a Civil Ceremony?
While both humanist and civil ceremonies are non-religious, the main difference lies in flexibility and personalisation.
Civil ceremonies are conducted by registrars and follow a strict legal structure, often using a standard script with limited room for creativity. They must be held in licensed venues and cannot include religious content.
In contrast, a humanist wedding is entirely personal. You can hold your ceremony wherever you like – under the stars, in a garden, or inside a beautiful wedding venue in Hertfordshire like South Farm. You write your own humanist wedding vows, choose meaningful readings, and celebrate your relationship your way.
Book South Farm for Your Humanist Wedding Today!
If you’re looking for a wedding that feels like a fairytale but reflects the real you, South Farm is the perfect place to begin your happily ever after. Our enchanting Tudor Barn, whimsical gardens, and romantic ceremony spaces offer a lovely backdrop for your humanist wedding.
As an environmentally friendly venue rooted in love, nature, and community, we’re proud to offer a setting where you can celebrate freely and authentically. With homegrown food, sustainable values, and exclusive use of our venue, your day will be just as you imagined – only better.
We’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Call us or enquire online today to book your humanist wedding at South Farm.
Humanist Wedding FAQs
How much does a humanist wedding cost?
The cost of a humanist wedding varies depending on your location, venue, and celebrant. Typically, celebrants charge between £400 and £1,500, depending on their experience and what’s included in their service.
Where can I find humanist wedding venues?
Humanist weddings can take place anywhere meaningful to the couple, from gardens and woodlands to barns and beaches. Many traditional wedding venues in Hertfordshire, like South Farm, are delighted to host humanist ceremonies.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed wedding or a bright countryside celebration, South Farm is ready to welcome you with open arms. Let’s create something truly magical together.
