Question 1

What is your fee and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

My fee is £750. I take only a small number of weddings each year so i can give every script and every wedding day my full devotion. If you choose to book with me, I would write a bespoke ceremony just for the two of you. We’d incorporate all the things that are important in your lives to create a ceremony that tells your story and revolves around the way you think about love and marriage. It’s amazing how different people think about these things, no one’s ever the same! The script can be redrafted as many times as it needs to be to get it word perfect.

I also cover symbolic actions, readings, music, the option of writing your own vows and can provide as much (or as little!) support as you like. Nothing is ever compulsory, and nothing is ever too “weird”!

As well as writing and delivering the ceremony, I also coordinate with anyone and anything involved in it. This includes readers, musicians, the wedding party, photographers etc. I also offer a walk through rehearsal (generally the day before) so everyone can relax and just enjoy the moment.

As a  a Humanist UK Celebrant, I also have support from our incredible network. I am provided with ongoing training, peer evaluations and a number of people who could help in the case of an emergency. I am also provided with Public Liability Insurance.

Question 2

Do you travel outside Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons)?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Many of my weddings are elsewhere in South Wales or across the border in Herefordshire or Bristol. I am always happy to go further afield, just get in touch with your planned dates and location.

Question 3

Do you do more than one wedding a day?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not - I don’t do conveyor belt weddings! Your wedding day is yours alone; I won’t be rushing off to other commitments. This means that if there are any unexpected delays I am able to be flexible and work to your schedule. I take only a small number of weddings each year so that I am able to give every single one the attention they deserve.

Question 4

Is it a "real" wedding?"

Accepted Answer

It’s as real as you make it! Currently however, Humanist marriages are not recognised by law in England & Wales - we hope that legal status will be granted in the next few years, in line with the rest of the UK.
 
This does however grant an element of freedom you don’t get with a legal wedding ceremony, which has to take place in a licensed location and using very specific language. A Humanist wedding is completely bespoke and has none of the same legal restrictions.
Many couples have a Humanist ceremony and consider it their real wedding, alongside a civil ceremony in order to complete the paperwork. The legal marriage can take place before or after your wedding on the same day, or another day entirely.
 
With the recent temporary reforms to wedding licensing due to covid, it feels possible that legal status could be granted any day now. For more information on the campaign for legal recognition for Humanist marriages please go to www.humanism.org.uk/campaigns/human-rights-and- equality/marriage-laws/ and www.humanism.org.uk/2021/06/20/temporary-marriage-reform- excludes-humanist-marriages/ for information about the recent reforms.

Question 5

I dont identify as a humanist, is that ok?"

Accepted Answer

Of course! The flexibility of a Humanist ceremony is one of the most wonderful things about them and as a humanist, I encourage inclusivity and diversity. People want a Humanist wedding for all sorts of reasons - even if they don’t call themselves a Humanist. If you want a non-religious wedding that is welcoming to people of all faiths and none, then let's create your perfect ceremony.

Question 6

I have a religious partner / parent / Great Aunt / friend, will they feel comfortable?"

Accepted Answer

Weddings can be important milestones for the whole family, but it’s up to you how you mark it in your life. Only you know your family and whether a Humanist ceremony is right for you and your partner. A Humanist ceremony is respectful and welcoming to people of all world views. It is also possible to incorporate elements that may seem familiar and relatable to loved ones with religious faith, or moments of silence for reflection or private prayer.

Religious texts and songs are also often culturally significant, and beautiful even from a secular perspective. In principle, I have no problem with including these (within reason) as there are occasions when this is appropriate for a couple in the context of a non-religious ceremony.  I am more than happy to discuss options and specifics on what we could do for you if this is something that would be an important element of your ceremony.