Are you ready to create a ceremony that reflects your unique love story and celebrates the essence of who you are? In this blog, I’ll dive into the world of humanist wedding rituals, where tradition meets individuality in the most beautiful ways.

Humanist wedding celebrant ceremonies are all about embracing love, life, and each other without the constraints of tradition. You get to craft a celebration that's as special and authentic as your love.

So, what makes humanist wedding celebrant rituals so special? Let me share some of the most heartfelt and quirky rituals that'll make your day unforgettable:

Handfasting

Handfasting is a tradition with deep roots in history – it’s where the phrase “tying the knot” came from. It involves tying cords, colourful ribbon or material around your joined hands to symbolise your commitment to one another. You can involve different friends and family, so that each strand symbolises something unique and personal. It adds a joyful touch to your day and is a lovely way for guests to participate in your ceremony.

I've done handfasting’s with couples in all kinds of ways — from 3 ropes to more than 12 ribbons. The ritual dates to ancient Celtic and Pagan customs. In those days, the couple's hands were tied together to symbolise two lives joining. Over time, the tradition evolved into the handfasting ceremony we see today.

Love Letters & Wine Box

Picture this: you both write heartfelt love letters to each other, expressing your feelings and promises. The letters are then sealed in a box with a bottle of your favourite wine. During the ceremony, you lock it up, and the plan is to open it on a significant anniversary or when you experience challenging times.

This ritual adds a layer of emotion to your wedding day, as it signifies your commitment not just the present but for your future. It's a reminder that in the years to come, you can open that box, read those love letters, and rekindle the passion and promises that brought you together.

Ring Warming

Before exchanging rings, your wedding bands are passed around among loved ones, family, and friends. Each person holds the rings and sends blessings, love, and well wishes. Once the rings reach your fingers, they are filled with positive energy from all your loved ones.

This ritual is a special moment and a way for all your guests to be part of your special day. This tradition is a unique way to include everyone in your celebration and can be an emotional moment. It is a reminder that your union is blessed and supported by all the people who care about you.

Unity Ceremony with a Twist

Forget about the same old unity candle or sand pouring ceremonies; humanist wedding celebrants know how to be creative! How about planting a tree together as a symbol of your growing love and commitment? Imagine nurturing that tree over the years, just like you'll nurture your relationship. Now that's some green, evergreen love right there!

The unity tree ceremony creates a memorable moment at your wedding. It also leaves you with a living symbol of your love that will continue to grow and flourish alongside your lives together. It's a tangible reminder of the roots you've planted and your bright future ahead.

"Jumping the Broom"

Step into old-school charm with this African American tradition. As you take that first step into married life, you jump over a broomstick together. It's a symbol of sweeping away the old and starting fresh as a couple. Plus, it's a fun and playful moment that'll have everyone cheering for your happiness!

The broom-jumping ritual has historical significance, dating back to slavery when African Americans were not allowed to legally marry. Instead, they created their own ceremonies, and the broom-jumping ritual became a way of expressing commitment and unity.

Love, Laughter, and the Quirky Vows

Humanist weddings are all about personalising your vows. You can ditch traditional scripts and embrace your inner poet, comedian, or adventurer. Your vows could be as poetic as a Shakespearean sonnet, as funny as a stand-up comedy routine, or as daring as a bucket list for your married life. Let your personality shine through.

This is your chance to get creative and express your love and promises in a way that is authentically "you." Whether you want to crack a few jokes, share a secret handshake, or recite a heartfelt poem you wrote yourself, the vows are a testament to the uniqueness of your love story.

Circle of Love:

Picture yourself in the centre, surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones as they support and cheer you on. This symbolises the love and unity of your community.

As you exchange vows and promises, you'll feel the support of those who have been there for you throughout your journey. This circle represents the unending love that surrounds you, and it's a beautiful reminder that you're not alone.

Image of Roxy Celebrates Love at Trinity Buoy Wharf — *Photo by Jessica Grace*

Celebrating Different Cultures:

One of the most beautiful aspects of humanist wedding ceremony is the inclusivity and celebration of individuality. Your love story is unique, and humanist celebrants understand the importance of embracing diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural heritage.

Whether you come from different religious backgrounds, cultural traditions, or are simply looking for a non-religious ceremony, humanist wedding celebrants will craft a ceremony that honours and respects your identities. Your celebration will reflect who you are as a couple.

I’ve done many multicultural weddings with rituals including a Chinese Bowing ceremony, stamping the glass from the Jewish wedding tradition, to creating a new take on the Seven Blessings.

Humanist wedding rituals involving children:

Humanist weddings are all about celebrating love, and what better way to do that than by including your children? Here are some lovely humanist wedding rituals that will integrate children beautifully in your ceremony, and make the children feel like an important part of the day.

Family Vows

Of course, it's not just about the two of you – it's about solidifying your family, too. So, as well as exchanging vows with each other, take a moment to make some special promises to your children. Let them know how much love, support, and laughter they bring into your lives. This is often a beautiful, tear-jerking part of the ceremony.

Family Unity Ceremony

Using colourful sands, let each family member pour their unique sand into a single vase. The different sands represent the individuality of each family member, all coming together to form a unique family bond.

Ring Exchange Involving Children

The ring exchange is a big part of your ceremony, and your children can share in that, too. Whether it’s by bearing a ring bearer and giving them the important job of bringing the rings up to the front. Or you could give the children something special to wear too to include them in the moment, like a bracelet or necklace. It's a symbol of the unbreakable bond you're forming with them.

Family Tree Ritual

It’s lovely to include a big tree drawing or a wooden try where you can add leaves or handprints from each family member. This ritual celebrates your growth as a family.

Reading or Poem by Children

Let them pick out a favourite poem or reading and have them share it during the ceremony. It's sure to add a sprinkle of cuteness and laughter to the proceedings.

While these are some of my favourite Humanist wedding symbolic rituals, there are other alternatives and twists we can explore to create a ceremony that feels completely authentic. I’m always open to ideas and love stepping out of the box.

How many rituals should a humanist wedding include?

There really is no right or wrong answer here. You can include as many or as few as you like. Some couples are all about rituals and want to include several; others are less concerned about symbolic acts and just want a deeply personalised ceremony that tells their love story. The most important aspect is that whatever you include feels authentic to you.

Want to find out more? Get in touch ….

The Magic of Humanist Wedding Rituals