Guest Blog – 5 Reasons you need a Humanist Celebrant at your Wedding
I’m Zoë Murray, a Humanists UK accredited wedding celebrant based in the Southend-on-Sea area in Essex. Perhaps I’m biased, but I’m pretty sure I have the best job in the world. I’m just as excited about your big day as you both are!
Perhaps you’ve heard of humanist wedding ceremonies before, or maybe this is all new to you. Either way, I’ve jotted down five reasons choosing a celebrant-led ceremony could be the best decision you make for your big day.
1. You can hold your ceremony anywhere you like
Unlike registrar led ceremonies which must be held in certain places because of licensing rules, you can hold your humanist wedding ceremony absolutely anywhere. I’ve led ceremonies in grand venues as well as humble, back-garden affairs.
2. They are a HOOT!
I’m on a mission to change the idea that the ceremony is the part you need to get out of the way before the party can begin. A humanist ceremony is where the party starts. You’ve paid for your venue, you’ve spent time making it your own now let’s make every second count. A humanist ceremony is bright, full of love, laughter and joy. I promise, it won’t be boring.
3. It’s all about YOUR love story
As a Humanist celebrant, I will spend the time leading up to your wedding getting to know you both building genuine trust and friendship. This means that your ceremony will be jam-packed full of personal stories as well as readings handpicked by you. Your vows can be anything you want them to be – you’re not restricted by all the standard things you might be familiar with.
4. They are totally judgement free
The clue is in the name; humanism celebrates humans. Humanist ceremonies don’t have conditions. They don’t ask you to disclose your relationship history. They don’t assume your marriage means you want to start a family. If you’re two humans who love each other, I am there for it - however you identify.
5. Your celebrant is handpicked by you
At a registrar-led ceremony, the person marrying you will be allocated by the local council. Your Humanist wedding celebrant is carefully chosen by you. As well as being a familiar and friendly face on the day to settle any pre-wedding jitters, I work closely with couples to ensure your ceremony matches your unique relationship, personalities and your vision for your wedding day providing as little or as much guidance as you require.
If this sounds like a great option for you, please get in touch for an informal chat:
Tel – 07947365316
Email – zoe.murray@humanistceremonies.org.uk
Instagram – instagram.com/zoethecelebrant
Website – humanist.org.uk/zoemurray
Written by Eleth Mageehan, (c) 2023, all rights reserved.
If a traditional wedding doesn’t suit you, perhaps a humanist wedding ceremony does? Here are 5 reasons why humanist weddings are a great option.