Non-Religious Ceremonies
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Humanist Celebrant for Non-Religious Ceremonies
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Weddings and civil partnerships

Wedding ceremony
Wedding ceremony
Hand fasting
Hand fasting
Couple just married
Why have a Humanist wedding or civil partnership ceremony? The most important thing for any ceremony is that you really enjoy it, and it is meaningful to you both.

This can be a formal wedding/civil partnership celebration or something less conventional. Some people find that the traditional church ceremony, with ritual and religious words does not fit their outlook on life or hopes for the future.

The laws governing Register Office ceremonies strictly control what can be said or done. These ceremonies are designed around a standard framework. It is not currently possible to be legally married or have a civil partnership ceremony out of doors and there are limitations on time, place and content of ceremonies.

More and more couples are deciding to have this type of non-religious or Humanist ceremony, they are being seen less and less as an 'alternative ceremony' and more the norm.

Humanist ceremonies can take place anywhere. I have travelled all over the country, abroad to France, several times, Italy and as far as Egypt to conduct ceremonies. Wherever that special place is I will go.


Wedding ceremony
Couple just married
Couple just married

your ceremony designed by you

The great thing about a humanist ceremony is that it can take place anywhere, and be designed to suit the individuals. People worry that it may not be as dignified and serious as a church wedding, this isn't the case, and because the religious element is replaced by words and music that have real meaning for you, the ceremony carries true meaning and significance for you and your families.

You can be as romantic and creative in designing your ceremony as you wish. Family or guests and children can take part or have roles in the ceremony that aren't necessarily the traditional roles. Humanist ceremonies have been held in gardens, marquees, on boats, in castles, on beaches and in the couple's own home.
Wedding ceremony
Every ceremony is unique and personal to the couple - they can be as traditional or as unusual as suits the people marrying.

How to plan your wedding?

Once you have made contact with me we'll arrange a mutually convenient time to meet up. We may meet more than once before the wedding/civil partnership celebration, firstly to discuss ideas and answer questions, then to thoroughly plan the ceremony so you both feel relaxed and confident of all going well.

Cost
The amount may vary depending on the time needed and the distances to be traveled. I'm happy to discuss my fee at our first meeting.

You will also receive a Certificate together with a copy of the ceremony at the end of the occasion.
Wedding in the Lake District
Wedding in the Lake District
'Thank you for a fabulous ceremony. For us, it was exactly what we wanted, and all of our friends and family were blown away. Thank you for helping to make it such a special day.'

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Legalities

As the Humanist ceremony does not form a marriage/civil partnership contract in the legal sense at the moment, most couples will attend a Register Office, but many couples regard the humanist civil partnership celebration as that which binds them together.

This can take place anytime you want, some attend a day or two before the humanist ceremony, to deal with the legal formalities and obtain a civil marriage certificate. It is not necessary to exchange rings at the Register Office.
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid

Bill Dawson, Humanist Celebrant based in Liverpool 
e.mail:  billhumanist@gmail.com  |   mobile: 07814 910 286  |   Telephone: 0151 228 6552  |   Skype: billhumanist

Non-religious ceremonies: weddings/civil partnerships, baby namings, funerals and other ceremonies in Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, North West of England and abroad.
  Alternative ceremonies
Copyright: Bill Dawson 2014
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