Intimate Springtime Humanist Wedding Ceremony & Vows

We are joined today by Humanist Ceremonies who are sharing a beautiful humanist wedding ceremony with an insight into the couple’s vows. So romantic!

May is a wonderful time for a wedding: the trees are laden with blossom, bluebells are abundant in watercolour blue, and nature is just bursting with new life – and isn’t that how the marriage of two people, looking forward to their lives together, should also be – blossoming and full of potential?

Hannah and Ben chose to have an intimate and relaxed outside humanist ceremony, with their closest family and friends present to witness their commitment to one another.

The ceremony area was a tree-lined lawn set up with a beautiful floral arch at the front. Ben insisted on having pink flowers: one of his favourite colours. The day arrived – along with a band of showers. But, as soon as the guests were gathered, there was a break in the clouds and the sun began to shine – and continued for the whole ceremony.

Hannah walked up the aisle to Detectorists by Johnny Flynn. What perfect lyrics for an outdoorsy couple:

‘Will you search through the lonely earth for me? Climb through the briar and bramble? I will be your treasure.’

With a rural landscape as a backdrop, the ceremony told the story of their love and commitment to one another. In similar fashion to many great love stories, their relationship began properly when one of them (Hannah) got drunk and told the other (Ben) that she liked him!

Humanist Wedding Vows

Humanist weddings are unique and tailor-made to each couple, so they often want to make promises to one another which are totally authentic and personal to the two of them. Often, personal vows are warm and affectionate, and often have a touch of humour.

The celebrant had printed Ben and Hannah’s vows on cards, as wedding dresses don’t tend to have pockets! On the back of the cards she’d added a vintage-style print of wildflowers to match the theme of their decorations.

Hannah and Ben had written their own vows, which they’d kept secret from one another. It was a really special moment – the moment they hear those previously unspoken promises is very moving. In this case, they each managed to read them beautifully, with a smile on their lips and a tear in their eye.

Handfastings are very popular at humanist weddings. It’s a very visual way of expressing a desire to be ‘bound’ to one another for life and is a fantastic opportunity to involve loved ones. The ribbons for their handfasting were placed by their mums and two of their friends.

Readings were The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear, and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 16, which were performed confidently by friends under the arch. Paper Rings by Taylor Swift played as they made their way back up the aisle for drinks and photos.

Why A Humanist Wedding Ceremony?

What makes weddings led by a humanist celebrant the first choice for so many couples? What makes them different from other celebrant-led occasions?

All weddings are times of great joy, but a humanist wedding particularly so. But what makes them special is not simply the ceremony itself, which is always custom-made and personal to the two people getting married.

It’s the consideration and thought beforehand that your humanist celebrant will explore with you in the weeks and months before the big day, to craft the script which truly reflects your values and beliefs.

At the very heart is the question – why are you choosing to get married? Your humanist celebrant will act as a guide to help to get you thinking about the important questions, which puts your commitment at the centre of your wedding ceremony.

Featured Photographer

Debs Alexander, Devon and Cornwall Wedding Photographer

Maria Thorne, Humanist wedding celebrant, accredited by Humanists UK

Humanist Wedding Ceremonies

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Humanism

We’ve teamed up with our patron Stephen Fry to explore humanist ideas about some of life’s big questions. Over four videos, Stephen Fry examines life’s biggest questions and brings to light how a humanist perspective grounded in rational thinking and kindness can be empowering, motivating, humbling, or even liberating.

How do you know if you’re a humanist? Take our quiz to find out.

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