Bill Dawson, Wedding & Civ

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.

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.

Every ceremony is unique and personal to the couple - they can be as traditional or as unusual as suits the people marrying.

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.