meaningful moments, beautifully told

Humanist Wedding Ceremonies in North Wales and Cheshire

I’m a Humanist Celebrant working across North Wales and Chester, creating modern, inclusive wedding ceremonies that celebrate love, connection, and individuality. But what does that actually mean?
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If you’ve started looking for a celebrant, you’ve probably come across a few terms – Humanist Celebrant, Independent Celebrant, Registrar, maybe even Civil Celebrant – and wondered what the difference is.

You also need to know:
The law is changing. The Government has confirmed humanist weddings will become legally recognised in England and Wales — a change I've been following closely as a Humanists UK-accredited celebrant. Exactly who it covers, and when, is still being worked out.

Kate x

Celebrant-led wedding at a rustic barn in North Wales, with two grooms in pastel blue suits laughing alongside celebrant Kate Rostance.

"Outdoor humanist wedding ceremony in North Wales with bride and groom holding hands under a wooden arch while celebrant Kate Rostance leads with a ‘We Do’ sign."

"Beach wedding ceremony in North Wales with barefoot couple in relaxed wedding attire smiling with celebrant Kate Rostance on the sand."

What is humanism?

At its heart, Humanism is a non-religious philosophy that focuses on people, not faith. It’s based on science, reason, and empathy – the belief that we can lead meaningful lives guided by kindness, connection, and responsibility to each other.
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Humanists believe that this life is the one we know we have, so it’s worth making it a good one – filled with purpose, laughter, love, and compassion.
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It’s not a religion or belief system you have to “sign up to.” It’s more a way of seeing the world: valuing humanity, equality, and the choices we make.
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If you’d like to explore how your values align, you can try the Humanists UK Quiz. It’s a fun, thought-provoking way to see whether you might have more in common with Humanism than you realise.

Kate x

Do you have to be a Humanist to have a humanist celebrant wedding?

Some of the couples I marry are members of Humanists UK, but most aren’t.
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What they all share is a desire for a personal, meaningful, and non-religious ceremony – one that reflects their values, celebrates their story, and feels authentically “them.”
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You don’t have to label yourself a Humanist to appreciate what Humanist ceremonies stand for. Many people find Humanist weddings resonate deeply with their outlook on life.
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If you care about equality, kindness, creativity, and connection, you’re already on Humanist ground.

Ready to find out more about my wedding celebrant packages and what I charge for weddings?

PRICES & PACKAGES what is a humanist wedding?

Saying vows filled with love on your wedding day

How are Humanist weddings different from registrar weddings?

A registrar wedding is the legal part of marriage. It must take place in a licensed venue and follow a set legal structure. While some personalisation is possible, the words are largely fixed.
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Registrars are employed by local authorities, so they often conduct multiple ceremonies in a single day. The focus is on legality – ensuring the paperwork is correct – rather than crafting a unique experience.
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A Humanist wedding, on the other hand, is the ceremony where your personalities, your humour, and your values take centre stage. Every word is written for you. You can include readings, music, symbolic gestures, or even a glass of bubbly mid-ceremony if that’s your style. The only limit is your imagination.

MORE ABOUT ME

Rod and Dan hold hands laughing in the gardens at Brinsop Court wedding venue.

Close-up of a couple during a Humanist wedding handfasting ceremony in North Wales, with red and grey braided cords wrapped around their hands to symbolise unity and love.

Can we include a handfasting or symbolic ritual?

Yes – absolutely. Humanist ceremonies are flexible and creative, and symbolic gestures can add real depth and personality to your day.
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A handfasting (tying of the hands) is a beautiful, ancient ritual that represents your connection and shared life ahead. But you can also include:

Ring warmings, where your rings are passed among loved ones for their wishes
Tree planting or stone ceremonies to mark new beginnings

If something feels meaningful, we can weave it in. The key is to make it personal – not just for show. Everything in your ceremony should reflect your values and your relationship, not tradition for tradition’s sake.

NON-TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS

Are Humanist Weddings legal?

At the time of writing, Humanist weddings in England and Wales aren’t yet legally binding.However, on 2 October 2025, the UK Government announced that Humanist Weddings will become legal, along with Sikh, Hindu and Muslim weddings – as part of upcoming wedding law reforms.
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In Scotland and Northern Ireland, Humanist weddings have been legal for years and are among the most popular types of ceremony.
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Until the law changes in England and Wales, most couples choose to do the legal bit separately. You can sign your marriage schedule at the local registry office – a quick 10-minute appointment costing around £62 + certificates – and then have the ceremony that actually feels like your wedding with your Humanist celebrant.

Bride holding a colourful bouquet of spring flowers while standing beside her partner during a Humanist wedding ceremony in Cheshire

How are Humanist Weddings different from Independent Celebrant Weddings?

This is where it can get a little confusing, because Independent Celebrants also offer personalised, non-religious ceremonies, as well as ceremonies with religious, spiritual or faith-based content.
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The key difference is Humanism itself. Humanist celebrants are trained, accredited, and part of a long-established movement focused on equality, reason, and compassion. We share a philosophical foundation that shapes how we approach life and love.
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Independent celebrants, meanwhile, can draw inspiration from anywhere – religious, spiritual, symbolic, or a mix of all three. They might include blessings, prayers, or rituals from different faiths. Their ceremonies are guided by personal preference rather than a shared worldview.

Where can we have a Humanist ceremony?

Anywhere you like. Really.
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Because Humanist ceremonies aren’t tied to legal restrictions, you’re free to hold them wherever feels right for you. That might be:
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A stylish Cheshire barn or garden. Your favourite woodland, beach, or even your back garden
You don’t need a licensed venue. You just need somewhere that reflects your story and feels special.
That freedom opens up endless possibilities – from barefoot ceremonies on the sand to candlelit vows in a family garden, or even a ceremony halfway up a hill if that’s your thing.

You don’t need a licensed venue. You just need somewhere that reflects your story and feels special.
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That freedom opens up endless possibilities – from barefoot ceremonies on the sand to candlelit vows in a family garden, or even a ceremony halfway up a hill if that’s your thing.

MORE ABOUT ME

Can religious people attend a Humanist wedding?

Of course.
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Humanist weddings are inclusive by nature. They welcome everyone, regardless of faith, belief, or background.
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Many couples have parents or grandparents with strong religious traditions, and they often find the ceremony deeply moving. The focus isn’t on rejecting religion – it’s on celebrating love, commitment, and humanity in a way that everyone can relate to.

What about Humanism and the LGBTQ+ community?

Humanism has always championed equality.
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Humanists UK were among the first organisations to campaign for equal marriage, and Humanist celebrants have been marrying LGBTQ+ couples for decades – long before the law caught up.
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Humanist ceremonies are built on values of acceptance, inclusion, and respect. There’s no one “right” way to love or build a family. Whoever you are, and whoever you love, your ceremony is crafted with warmth, respect, and joy.

INCLUSIVE CELEBRANCY

What actually happens in a Humanist ceremony?

Every ceremony is written from scratch. There are no templates or tick-box forms.
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We’ll start with a relaxed chat so I can get to know you both – your story, your humour, your quirks, the way you met, and what really matters to you. Then, I’ll write your ceremony from the ground up.
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You’ll get to read and approve everything before the big day, but I’ll also help you craft your vows, suggest readings or symbolic gestures, and structure the ceremony so it flows naturally.

Most ceremonies include:

A warm welcome and introduction
Your story as a couple
Words from family or friends about you as individuals and a couple
Readings or music that you love
Optional symbolic gestures like handfasting
Personal vows
Ring exchange, if that's what you choose
A joyful closing and celebration

The result is a ceremony that feels authentic, emotional, and completely unique.

reviews from happy couples

let's make this happen

Why choose a Humanist celebrant?

Humanists believe in democracy, human rights and social justice. They have a deep seated belief in the natural world, and try to live a happy and meaningful life supporting the wellbeing of other humans and animals.

A Humanist wedding is personal, heartfelt, and inclusive. It’s also professionally written, beautifully delivered, and designed to make your guests feel part of the story – not just spectators.
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When we work together, I’ll make sure the process is easy and enjoyable from start to finish. You’ll never be left wondering what happens next. I’ll guide you through the planning, help with ideas and readings, and create something that feels effortless and memorable.

I create Humanist weddings across North Wales, Snowdonia, Anglesey, the Llyn Peninsula, Cheshire, and beyond. I work with couples who want to celebrate love in a way that feels honest, inclusive, and completely personal.
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If you’re planning a wedding that reflects your values and your relationship – not tradition or religion – I’d love to help you create it.

Get in touch