What is a Humanist wedding?

A Humanist wedding ceremony is about celebrating your love for each other and making a commitment to one another in the company of those who are closest to you. It allows your family and friends to gather as a community with you on your wedding day.

It is a non-religious ceremony designed to be a positive option for those who share the same philosophical belief system and general outlook as Humanists- that is living a good life, an ethical life - based on values found in people, in humans themselves. It’s about compassion and reason - it’s about taking responsibility and treating others with respect. Each ceremony is unique and is crafted with input from you, ensuring you have a wedding ceremony that is personal to you, reflective of your love and provides a joyous and memorable occasion for all present.

It is typically made up of an introduction, words on love and marriage, music, readings, a symbolic ritual or two, vows, marriage declaration, exchange of rings, signing of the Marriage Registration Form and closing words – all created or chosen by you. You will be guided by me and can have as much (or little) input as you wish. Not everyone will want full bells and whistles, the main thing is, you can choose.

Can you marry us legally?

Yes, I can. I am accredited by the Humanist Association of Ireland and as such am on the list of registered marriage solemnisers in Ireland – this means I am authorised to legally marry you on the day once you have given a minimum of 3 months’ notice of your intention to marry to a HSE (Health Service Executive) registrar and have all paperwork in order with them first.

How do I contact the HSE registrar?

There are HSE registrars in every county and you can contact them by phone or make an appointment through their online system. More information here on their website: How to get married in Ireland

What is the Marriage Registration Form?

This is a document that you will be given by the HSE registrar you are dealing with once you have provided them with all the information and paperwork they need. It must come with you to the venue on your wedding day as it is a document that we sign on the day. It is signed by you (both parties to the marriage), your two witnesses and me as solemniser.

Can anyone act as a witness?

Yes, once they are over 18. When you have your appointment with the HSE you must give them the names and dates of birth of your witnesses.

How far ahead do we need to book you?

As early as possible. You must book me before your appointment with the HSE as you will need to give them the name of your solemniser.

Where can we have our wedding ceremony?

For me to marry you legally, the ceremony must take place at a recognisable address and that venue must be open to the public.

Can we get married outdoors?

Yes, once it is in a garden or an area that is part of the venue as described above.

On which days of the week can we get married?

Humanist celebrants can marry you at any time of day, any day of the week, month or year.

Do you marry same sex couples?

Yes.

Do we meet with you?

Yes. I like to meet with couples about 3-4 months before the wedding day. If it’s not possible to meet in person, we can do a video meeting by Zoom. If you have any questions before then I’d be happy to chat with you. You can contact me any time by email. We can also meet again in the few weeks before the big day if you’d like to talk through the final draft of your script.

Will you write our ceremony script?

Yes, with input from you. When we meet, I will talk you through a checklist outlining the various options available to you. This will include readings and symbolic rituals. If you wish, we can include your story - how you arrived at the point of saying ‘I do’ or you might like to include a bit about what you love most about each other.

We will then work together over the following months to finalise the script, so that you have exactly the ceremony you want.

Do we have to have a traditional entrance procession?

That is a personal choice entirely. Most weddings do start with a traditional bridal entrance, but couples do all sorts of different things, such as coming in together, a bride coming in with both parents, not making an entrance at all – it’s entirely up to you.

What about music during the ceremony?

Music really enhances a ceremony and allows you to personalise the occasion by choosing music that is special to you as a couple. Live music is wonderful if that’s possible, but recorded music works fine too.

What about readings and rituals?

By carefully selecting readings and rituals you can really personalise your ceremony. It’s also a lovely way of including special people, family members, friends, in the ceremony. When we meet, I’ll explain the various rituals to you and I’ll also make suggestions for readings, but you are also very welcome to make your own suggestions.

Can we include a remembrance for loved ones who have died?

Yes, just let me know when we meet, and I’ll give you some suggested wording. It can be generic, or you can name particular people. Sometimes people have a memorial candle and a photograph of loved ones on a table during the ceremony.

Can we have prayers or religious readings?

Prayers and readings that reference God, a spirit world or afterlife are not suitable for a Humanist wedding ceremony.

What about religious music?

If there is some religious music you’d like to include, you can do this in instrumental form as religious words are not appropriate.

Do we need to bring props for the rituals?

Yes. If you decide to go with the unity candle ceremony for example, you’ll need 3 x candles either in a floral arrangement or in stands. Or if you are doing the sand ceremony, you’ll need to bring the sand and containers. We can discuss in more detail when we meet.

How long does a humanist wedding ceremony last?

The duration of the ceremony will depend on the amount of content you choose to include. The more readings, music, and other elements you include the longer the ceremony will be, but it typically lasts about 25-35 minutes. We will discuss this when we meet.

How do we book you?

The best thing to do is to email me: margaret@margaretgammell.com. Please include your date and venue in the email. I always try to respond to emails within 24 hours.

Do you travel to all parts of the country?

I live in Shannon, Co. Clare and I am happy to travel to venues up to 50km away at no extra cost to you. For other areas we can discuss arrangements.

What happens next?

If I am available, I will respond with more details of how the process works. I’ll ask you for any further information I need. I will hold the date for you for one week.

Assuming you want to go ahead with the booking, let me know within one week. I will then confirm the date in my diary and send you an email with details of the next steps to fully confirm your booking.