HUMANIST CELEBRANT
Background
I have been working as a humanist celebrant, performing weddings and baby namings since 2003. I think most non-religious people are humanists even if they don't identify as such. Some people assume that because a ceremony is non-religious it will be negative, about being ‘not something’. This could not be further from the truth. Humanist ceremonies are life-affirming and spiritual, yes spiritual, occasions. Each one is unique and individual to those taking part and reflects their lives, beliefs and relationships. I enjoy all aspects of being a humanist celebrant – meeting people, writing the ceremony, and conducting the ceremony itself. It is an immense honour and privilege to play such an important role on someone’s special day and to be allowed into their lives at these life-changing moments. I work hard to make sure that each ceremony is right for the couple or family concerned.
Weddings
A wedding day is one of the most important days in a person’s life so, as a humanist celebrant, I create a ceremony that expresses the depth of a couple’s feelings for one another and the seriousness of their commitment. That doesn’t mean these ceremonies aren’t joyous and fun occasions too.
I’ve conducted wedding ceremonies on a boat, in a French field, at a disused monastery in Spain, in Cambridge colleges, in gardens and orchards. Because humanist weddings don’t require a licence you can marry wherever you want, within reason, and have whatever you want in the ceremony. You may consider, for example, handfasting as part of your ceremony or inviting a musical friend or relative to perform.
For more information go to
Namings
Naming ceremonies are warm and happy occasions, welcoming children to the world and celebrating their uniqueness. They can be conducted for children of all ages – babies to teenagers – and for more than one child. Like wedding ceremonies they can be held anywhere – family gardens, hotels, village halls, rooms in pubs etc. They are usually family occasions and because they are child-centred they tend to be quite relaxed though there is still an air of formality and seriousness as the ‘godparents’ and parents make vows to the child/children.
For more information go to:https://humanist.org.uk/leighchambers/
Funerals
A funeral ought to be something that heals and helps the grieving process. A humanist funeral acknowledges the sadness while celebrating the life of the person who has died. Friends and family can make contributions - tributes and readings as they say a formal goodbye. https://humanist.org.uk/leighchambers/