HUMANIST CEREMONIES NI

Can I legally say ‘I do’ in a humanist marriage?

Humanist weddings are non-religious ceremonies which are totally centred on the couple, their values and their unique story. They can take place anywhere indoors or outside, in the woods or on the beach, in the garden or on a mountain, and are officiated by a humanist celebrant. They can be traditional or unconventional, formal or relaxed – however the couple wants it to be.

In Northern Ireland, humanist marriage is legally recognised, which means that non-religious same-sex couples can marry wherever they choose, and in the way which best reflects the two of them as individuals. There is no need to have a ceremony in a church or at the register office.

The 2021 census showed that 63% of those who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual do not have religious beliefs, so humanist weddings are an important option for same-sex couples who want to commit to one another with a meaningful and memorable ceremony, true to their beliefs, in a safe and welcoming environment in front of their family and friends.

Five years ago the Court of Appeal in Belfast ruled that couples must be able to have legal humanist marriages, following a campaign by Laura Lacole and Eunan O’Kane which was supported by Northern Ireland Humanists. Since then, its celebrants have led marriage ceremonies for hundreds of same sex couples. Highly trained and re-accredited yearly, they ensure delivery of a gold standard service on this most important of days and, as trusted partners, they work to create custom-made, deeply personal and heartfelt ceremonies which truly capture the essence of the couple.

You can find out more about humanist marriages, and meet our network of Humanist Ceremonies Northern Ireland celebrants, at humanists.uk/ni-ceremonies Any of them will be happy to have a no-obligation initial conversation to talk though ideas and how they can work.

A Humanist Ceremonies wedding gives you the chance to celebrate your marriage with a memorable and meaningful ceremony, totally and authentically personal to the two of you. Warm and welcoming to all, it allows you to mark your special day wherever and whenever you want - the choice is entirely yours.

Our trusted network of Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are experienced in working with couples to create special and significant non-religious marriage ceremonies, capturing your unique and individual stories. Trained to a gold standard by an organisation with more than 125 years’ history, they are all annually accredited, insured and DBS checked so that you can be sure of a professional and reliable service on this most important of occasions.

We have campaigned for marriage equality for decades, and were instrumental in making humanist marriages in Northern Ireland legally recognised. To find out more, and to meet our Humanist Ceremonies Northern Ireland celebrants, visit humanists.uk/northern-ireland/ceremonies/