Humanist Wedding Ceremonies

What does a Wedding Celebrant Do? And What is a Humanist Ceremony?

 

If you're dreaming of a wedding ceremony that's more you...... more meaningful, fun, relaxed, personalised and interesting than a civil ceremony, the pizzazz of a story-led humanist wedding ceremony  is a great option. As a full time Celebrant, accredited with Humanists UK since 2018, I've had the joy of writing and delivering memorable wedding ceremonies for over 150 couples throughout Northumberland, Durham, The North East, and North Yorkshire. I'm a creative writer, an unflappable and engaging presenter and an enthusiastic, smiley wedding celebrant.. Living on the coast in North Shields, near Newcastle Upon Tyne, I work with couples who live all over the UK and all over the world, whose weddings are at venues from Alnwick down to Harrogate.

 

​​​​​​How Different is a Humanist Wedding Ceremony?

 

When you've worked so hard at pulling together an incredible wedding day with the ultimate individuality and attention to detail, a ceremony whose beating heart totally captures the essence of "YOU" will delight you and your guests. As a full time celebrant with professional writing, presentation and event management skills, and a background in wedding photography, you can rest assured that your ceremony will be written and delivered with exceptional attention to detail. Over 3 days of work goes into every ceremony. I will work with you every step of the way to craft your script and present it to you and your guests on your big day; with love, passion and flair. Your ceremony will create a buzz that will involve everyone in the room, and carry on way past your first dance.

 

Working around your chosen vibe, I can weave in all of the pomp and ceremony of a classic wedding ceremony but with insight, smiles, stories, poetry, music, sentimentality, romance, energy, laughs and tears of pride and loveliness! An emotional rollercoaster.​

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Are humanist ceremonies for everyone?

 

I work with all kinds of couples, from all walks of life with every imaginable story and at venues from castles and high end wedding barns and lake-side hotels to village halls, urban chic event spaces and local pubs. Some of my couples come from backgrounds with different traditions, religions, cultural and spiritual beliefs. Many live in London or overseas and are coming home for their big day. Whatever your vibe, my wedding ceremonies are all about love, marriage and you - your journey, your story. And therefore, they are interesting, relevant and inclusive for all.

 

We can keep it simple and traditional, or we can respectfully borrow and blend elements of familial / cultural reference. I've delivered some incredible multi-cultural, straight and LGBTQ+ wedding ceremonies - all full of smiles, and free of restriction, religious content or legal jargon. With a little help from me, you can be sure that "you do you", with your story, your promises, and the celebration of your marriage always front and centre of your wedding ceremony.

 

Where can a humanist wedding take place?

 

A humanist wedding ceremony can be held anywhere you like as they are not yet legally recognised. That bit you can do separately for around £50-£70, with the registrar. There are no restrictions, so you don't have to choose a wedding venue that is licensed for civil weddings (hurray for the cost reduction and the travel logistics). Whatever venue you choose - indoors or outdoors - your ceremony can be in a tithe barn, or village hall, at a hotel or castle; in a pub, a tipi, amidst abbey ruins or in your own garden; and whether your guest numbers are intimate or grand, I put the same amount of work in, to ensure it's magnificently YOU.

 

Hello..... Is It Me You're Looking For?

 

The best way of understanding how your ceremony could look and feel with me as your wedding celebrant is to read my reviews.

 

But I've also included a few videos, photos, and lots of info, to give you a head start. And then I really hope you'll give me a call or send me an email. 

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There's a LOT of info on here, which I hope will be helpful., But if it's too much, and you prefer to pick up the phone for a quick chat, or ping me an email or a text/Whatsapp message, just get in touch... any time. For a quick synopsis on what I can offer, see below!

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1. I write and deliver highly personalised wedding ceremonies with beauty, romance, a little kick,  a little humour, laughs, tears, smiles and meaning - an emotional rollercoaster that will totally captivate your guests.  My ceremonies are story-led, inclusive, intimate, engaging, vibrant, thoughtful, insightful, and the ultimate party starter - the complete opposite vibe to a registrar-led ceremony. I don't do boring....

 

2. I'm a professional, creative writer. Each of my wedding scripts and ceremonies is totally different because each and every couple is unique. There is no better story than a love story, and there is no better place to share a love story than on your wedding day. I never ask my couples to write their own story. My ability to write your story with emotion, humour, meaning and creativity is I differentiate from some celebrants who send out questionnaires. I put days of work into ensuring your wedding script is perfect for you. After I've drilled down and got all the juicy bits of info about you both at a 2-3 hour very chilled meeting, I go away and write your script.

 

I write about your reasons for getting married, your commitment to one another and your hopes and dreams. From start to finish, I weave in all kinds of interesting, fun and touching facts about you as individuals and as a couple; and about your journey to your vows.

 

Your ceremony script will include words about love; tales of first dates, milestone events, challenges you've supported each other through, brilliant experiences you've shared, hilarious character observations and tiny details featuring your family members, fur babies or friends. I also research other components of your ceremony, such as song lyrics, poetry and readings to create the best flow,

 

When it lands in your inbox a month before your big day, you'll be amazed at how detailed and how "you" your story is. By the time you say your wedding vows, your guests will feel totally involved, uplifted and ready to celebrate.

 

3. I'm a trained public speaker and event manager. Every ceremony is delivered with flair, passion, clarity, and emotions that will surprise, delight and keep your guests on the edge of their seats from start to finish. I liaise with your suppliers and contributors  to ensure that everything is perfectly aligned, I take a few photos of you after the ceremony to include on your final script, and... focusing on the aesthetics even more closely.. I even try and tie in with your colour theme!!

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4. I have no rules. No restrictions. I get to know you. You get to get to know me, and I'm very smiley, friendly, flexible, unflappable, unshockable, professional and calming, so everything is super relaxed on your wedding day. Dogs, kids, cinematic readings? Bring 'em on!

 

5. You don't need to do a thing. No stress. We have a conversation. I do everything else. Easy. I am here to bring ideas, guide you through every decision, write your story and write and perform the most magical wedding ceremony for you to enjoy.

 

6. You do you. You have total freedom with the style. 50% of my ceremonies have a classic, traditional feel, with nothing but words, music and wedding vows with a ring exchange. But if you like, we can mix it up. We can include: a groom team entrance;  you can literally tie the knot with a hand fasting, you can have a shot of whisky or tequila with all your guests, cut your wedding cake, plant a tree, light a unity candle or have a singalong! 

 

You can write your own vows or I can write them for you. We can have a blend of modern and traditional vows.  

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7. I have a professional PA (busking amp) with mics, which we can use to amplify speech if you have an outdoor ceremony or over 100 guests, and play music through if your venue doesn't have mics or a sound system (or a good enough sound system). I also have a load more props that you can borrow - candlesticks, storm lantern, hand fasting chords, oath stones and quaich - all included within my fee. 

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8. I am LGBTQ+ friendly. You don't need to ask.

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I'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch as soon as possible to secure your date.

Call: 07795 122009. Email: hello@rachaelmeyer.com

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