How to Plan a Humanist Wedding in Northern Ireland

Getting married? Massive congratulations! If you’re looking for a ceremony that’s non-religious, meaningful, and completely inclusive, a humanist wedding could be exactly what you’re after.

In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings are completely legal and growing in popularity with couples who want their ceremony to reflect who they are and what they believe. If you're looking for a ceremony that’s personal to you, a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant can help create a day that feels authentic to who you are.

What Is a Humanist Wedding?

A humanist wedding is a non-religious ceremony that’s all about your love story, your values, and your personalities. There’s no fixed format or set script — each ceremony is custom-made to you, crafted by your celebrant to tell your special love story.

You might include music, poetry, readings, symbolic gestures like handfasting or ring-warming, and of course, your own personal vows. Whether your vibe is romantic and poetic, or relaxed and fun, your celebrant will work with you to get it just right.

And humanist weddings can take place in any location, and at any time, which means that you can choose a place that’s meaningful to you as a couple. You’re not locked in to the availability of the registrar.

Humanist weddings are legally recognised in Northern Ireland so there is no need to visit the register office to complete the legal paperwork. Your ceremony isn’t just meaningful, it’s official, too!

A Long History of Inclusion: Humanists and LGBTQ+ Rights

Humanists believe in reason, empathy, and equality — and that love is something to be celebrated. Humanist celebrants have proudly conducted same-sex weddings for decades, long before they were legally recognised.

Northern Ireland Humanists and Humanists UK, which accredits celebrants in Northern Ireland, played a vital role in the successful campaigns for same-sex marriage and the legal recognition of humanist weddings. Their efforts helped ensure that same-sex couples could celebrate their love equally and legally in Northern Ireland.

So, how can you plan your humanist wedding in Northern Ireland?

Here’s how it all works:

1. Find Your Celebrant

Visit the Humanist Ceremonies website and use the Find a Celebrant map to connect with a trained and accredited Humanist Ceremonies celebrant near you.

2. Share Your Story with a highly trained celebrant

Your celebrant will arrange a meeting at a time and in a place to suit you, for a relaxed conversation about your relationship, your hopes for the ceremony, and the elements you’d like to include. They’ll also talk to you about the kind of tone you’d like, whether that’s heartfelt, humorous, traditional, a huge party, or a mix of everything!

3. Craft the Ceremony

Your celebrant will draft a bespoke script,  tailored to the two of you, for you to review and amend as you choose. You can include your own vows, readings from friends or family, symbolic elements, and anything else that makes the day feel truly yours. You don’t have to include any traditions which don’t suit you as a couple.

4. Make It Legal

Humanist celebrants in Northern Ireland are authorised wedding officiants, so your ceremony is legally binding. Each partner must complete and sign a Marriage Notice Form. One of these forms must also be signed by your celebrant. You’ll submit these forms to the Registrar’s Office in the district where your ceremony will take place, along with the required documents and a fee. You’ll also need to collect the marriage schedule, a legal document required for your wedding to proceed.

A Humanist Celebrant will Conduct the Ceremony - On your wedding day, your humanist celebrant will conduct the ceremony. After the ceremony, the marriage schedule must be signed by both partners, the celebrant, and two witnesses aged 16 or over.

You can speak to your celebrant about any questions you have about the legal process.

5. Celebrate Your Way

On the big day, your celebrant will lead a warm, personal ceremony that’s full of meaning and joy, focusing on celebrating the life you’re building together. It’ll be the part of your wedding that everyone remembers.

Why Choose a Humanist Wedding?

✅ Legally recognised in Northern Ireland

✅ Always inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly

✅ Bespoke and personal — no generic scripts

✅ Non-religious and unique

✅ Led by professional, accredited celebrants

Whether you're celebrating in a country house, your own garden, or at a quirky pub, a humanist wedding gives you the freedom to make it as unique as you are. Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are annually accredited by the respected national charity Humanists UK. They are AccessNI checked, and fully insured, so you have the  peace of mind that your ceremony is in trusted, professional hands.

Get in touch or read about all of our services via https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/find-a-celebrant-ni/