Humanist Ceremonies

What are the options for us if we are not Religious?

HUMANIST CONCEPT OF LIFE


Nothing is more natural than to want to celebrate the most important events in life with a special ceremony, usually involving speech, poetry, music, song, feasting and dancing.
There are no special rules or observances that non-religious people have
to keep: they are not obliged to attend any kind of service, or have any
ceremony beyond basic legal requirements, but there are humanist
ceremonies for those who would like to mark special occasions. They are
always created for and with the people involved, so each one is unique and
personal. Sometimes families of mixed religious backgrounds choose a
humanist ceremony because they can all share the non-religious, personal
content.


Weddings
In the UK, non-religious people are very likely to get married in a Register
Office, where they can carry out the formal, legal part of getting married.
(Indeed, by law no religious language is allowed in this kind of civil
wedding). But many people want something a bit more: they may want to
choose their own words of commitment to each other, or read appropriate
prose or poetry, or hear music which means something to them, in a place
they have chosen. They can ask friends or family to officiate at the
wedding, but some people like to have an experienced "celebrant" to help
them plan and conduct the ceremony. Humanist weddings can be as
formal or informal as the couple would like, and can take place
anywhere. The couple chooses the ceremony and their promises
themselves, making it a serious as well as a happy occasion. Some
religions will not conduct weddings for divorced couples or for couples of
different faiths, or ceremonies for gay couples, but humanist ceremonies
are available to everyone.




Baby Namings or Welcomings
A new baby in the family is a joyful and serious occasion, a time to
celebrate the arrival of a new human being and for commitment to its
welfare. Choosing a name and introducing this new person to the circle of
family and friends are important, but christenings and other religious
rituals are unsuitable and hypocritical for parents who do not believe in
any god. It is possible to organise your own welcoming ceremony or to
plan one with a humanist celebrant. Humanist parents sometimes choose
guardians or mentors to act as supporting adults who will take a special
interest in the child. The ceremony can take place anywhere, and is often
held in the family home. In it, parents and others can express their hopes
and promises in words they have chosen.
Older brothers and sisters can also be involved in the ceremony.



Funerals
Humanists accept death as natural and inevitable, and often plan their
own funerals before they die. At a humanist funeral there is no suggestion
that the person has gone on to another life - it is the life that was lived
that is celebrated and the person people knew who is talked about and
said goodbye to. Family and friends can help to write the life story or read
personal tributes, and can choose other readings and music. Humanists do
not pray, though humanist funerals will often include a period for silent
reflection. There are many profound and comforting readings that can be
used at humanist funerals.

What is the difference with a Humanist Ceremony?

No two ceremonies are the same and yours will be prepared just for you. It can be as traditional or as unusual as you like. The ceremony will focus on the two of you and your committment to each other. It will usually begin with the celebrant welcoming everyone on your behalf and perhaps explaining why you have chosen this type of ceremony. You may also want to say something about how you came together, your views on marriage and the things you especailly value on your relationship.

You are completely free to make all the important choices about words, reading and music. You might like to involve certain friends or family members more closely by asking them to read some prose or poetry. Music can help to create the right atmosphere and you can choose pieces that have real meaning for you. Your ceremony can be in a location of your choice. You can take advantage of the climte here and marry outdoors, on hilltops or on beaches and even in more unusual locations

Humanist weddings/affirmations can be as formal or informal as the couple would like, and can take place anywhere, but because the couple have chosen the ceremony and their promises themselves, they take it all seriously even though it is a happy occasion.

DIsclaimer

Although we support fully and endorse the aims & philosophy of the British Humanist Association. & provide links to their website we are not at present part of the BHA’s accredited network of celebrants.

We fully acknowledge that we quote material sourced from the BHA website and from a number of other sources. We thank them all for that use.

British Humanist Association