Humanist weddings are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of non-religious ceremonies in the United States. Unlike traditional Christian or Jewish ceremonies, a humanist wedding does not involve any sort of deity or spiritual element. Instead, it focuses on celebrating love and commitment between two people, as well as their personal ideals and morals. If you’re considering a humanist wedding, there are many things to keep in mind before you proceed with your plans. Keep reading to learn more about how they differ from other non-religious marriage ceremonies, what makes them different from a secular wedding, and if they’re right for you.
What is a Humanist Wedding?
A humanist wedding is a secular, non-religious ceremony that focuses on the values and ideals of the couple getting married, rather than any religious connotations. Humanist weddings are not affiliated with any one religion, and they do not involve any sort of god or deity. Instead, these ceremonies typically highlight the couple’s shared morals, ethics, and ideals, as well as the love they feel for one another. A wedding officiant will guide the couple through their ceremony, asking them to share their feelings about one another, and their hopes for the future. The officiant will also ask them to make promises to each other, whether it be to love, honor, and cherish, or to help each other grow as people.
How Are Humanist Weddings Different from Secular Weddings?
A secular wedding is a non-religious ceremony that does not involve any sort of religious element. A secular wedding might involve readings or other symbols that are not affiliated with any one religion. A secular ceremony could include many of the same elements as a humanist wedding, such as vows, readings, and an exchange of rings. A secular wedding may be right for you if you’re not interested in a religious ceremony, but still want to include rituals and symbols that are meaningful to you and your partner. A secular wedding might involve fewer gestures that are specific to a humanist wedding. Although secular ceremonies can involve promises, readings, and rituals that are as meaningful as those in a humanist ceremony, they will not be tailored towards the ideals of the couple getting married.
Why Go for a Humanist Ceremony?
Some people choose a humanist ceremony because they don’t want to get married in a church or temple. Others are turned off by the conservative politics of certain religious institutions, while others are just not interested in a religion-based ceremony. A humanist ceremony will reflect your values and ideals, and it will be customized towards your relationship. If you have specific moral or ethical beliefs that you would like to incorporate into your ceremony, you can do so easily. For example, you can use your ceremony to promote your commitment to equality and social justice. You can also use your ceremony to promote causes that are important to you and your partner. If you want to celebrate your individualities and quirks, a humanist wedding can help you do that.
Is a Humanist Wedding Right for You?
If you’re not interested in a religious ceremony, a humanist celebration is a great choice. Humanist weddings are not only non-religious but they can also be personalized to fit your relationship. You can use your ceremony to promote causes that are important to you and your partner, and you can even incorporate your own ideals into your vows. A humanist wedding can let you celebrate your love in a way that fits your relationship. If you’re not interested in a religious ceremony, but you’re committed to including rituals and symbols that are meaningful to you and your partner, a humanist wedding can help you do that.
What’s Involved in Organizing a Humanist Ceremony?
There are many elements that you can include in a humanist ceremony. Some of the more common rituals include:
- Vows: During the ceremony, you’ll present your promises to each other. These can reflect your ideals and morals, and they can be as serious or as silly as you want them to be.
- Readings and Symbols: You can incorporate meaningful passages, poems, and symbols into your ceremony, such as the rings you exchange, the flowers you bring, or the pictures that you include in your display.
- Exchange of Rings: You can exchange rings as a symbol of your commitment to one another. However, you don’t have to use wedding rings if you don’t want to.
- A Humanist Prayer: You can use a humanist prayer as a way to kick off your ceremony.
- A Humanist Benediction: You can use a benediction to close your ceremony.
3 Tips for Hiring a Celebrant
- A Good Fit: When you start looking for a celebrant, make sure that they’re a good fit for you and your partner. You should feel comfortable with them, and they should understand your needs and desires.
- Experience: Make sure that your celebrant has the experience and expertise to help you host a successful ceremony.
- References: References can help you find a celebrant who will be a good fit for you and your partner. References can also help you determine if a celebrant is a good fit for you.
- Budget: When you’re hiring a celebrant, make sure that you have a budget in mind. You don’t want to spend too much, but you also want to find someone who is worth the money.
- Practical Details: Find out what practical details your celebrant expects from you, such as the number of guests you can have at your ceremony, or the type of venue you should go with.
Conclusion
A humanist wedding is a secular, non-religious ceremony that celebrates love and ideals between two people. Unlike traditional Christian or Jewish ceremonies, a humanist wedding does not involve any sort of deity or spiritual element. If you’re not interested in a religious ceremony, a humanist wedding can help you host a ceremony that reflects your values and ideals. A humanist ceremony will allow you to exchange vows, exchange rings, and incorporate meaningful passages, poems, and symbols into your ceremony.