Humanist Wedding Ceremonies in North Wales and Cheshire

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.

Can we include a handfasting or symbolic ritual?

Yes – absolutely.
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Humanist ceremonies are flexible and creative, and symbolic gestures can add real depth and personality to your day.
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.

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,  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 £56 – and then have the ceremony that actually feels like your wedding with your Humanist celebrant.

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.
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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 gardenYour 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.

• A mountain view in Snowdonia
• A secluded sandy beach wedding in Anglesey
• A stylish Cheshire barn
• Your favourite woodland, beach, or even your back

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.

Can religious people attend a Humanist wedding?

Of course.
Humanist weddings are inclusive by nature. They welcome everyone, regardless of faith, belief, or background.
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.