Hi and congratulations may be in order for you both! As a London based wedding celebrant, I’ve had the privilege of meeting couples, families, and individuals from all walks of life, all with their own unique stories to tell. One of the first questions that often comes up is: “What’s the difference between a humanist and an independent celebrant, and which one is right for us?”
It’s a fantastic question, and the answer is crucial to ensuring your ceremony is everything you’ve dreamed of. While we both share a passion for creating personalised, heartfelt ceremonies, there are some key differences to be aware of.
The differing belief systems – Humanist celebrant versus Independent celebrant
The most significant distinction between a humanist celebrant and an independent celebrant is the differing belief systems which defines each.
Humanist Celebrants – Have a belief system
A humanist celebrant is accredited by an organisation like Humanists UK. Their ceremonies are a celebration of life, love, and humanity, all from a non-religious perspective. They believe in the power of reason, empathy, and compassion, and their ceremonies are firmly rooted in these principles. As a result, you won’t find any religious prayers, hymns, or references to a deity in a humanist-led ceremony. The focus is entirely on the people and their connection to one another and the world.
Independent Celebrants – Do not have a belief system
I, and my fellow independent celebrants, are not tied to any specific belief system. This gives us complete flexibility. While many of my ceremonies are entirely non-religious, I also have the freedom to include religious or spiritual elements if they are important to you. This is perfect for interfaith couples, for example, who want to honour both of their backgrounds, or for someone who is spiritual but not religious. If you want a prayer, a hymn, or a particular religious blessing included in your ceremony, an independent celebrant can facilitate that.
If you want to find out more as to the type of bespoke and personal ceremony you could have with an independent celebrant, you can find out more via my website:
The Legalities – Humanist celebrant versus Independent celebrant (A Quick Note on UK Law)
This is a vital point for all couples getting married in England and Wales. Currently, neither a humanist celebrant nor an independent celebrant can legally marry you. The legal part must be completed separately in a brief, non-ceremonial appointment at a register office. This is sometimes called “the legal bit” and is a short, simple process involving signing the register.
The beauty of this system is that it frees your main ceremony to be whatever you want it to be. You can have it anywhere you choose—a grand London hotel, a quiet park, a trendy warehouse, or even your own back garden! You also get to choose the time and day, without the restrictions of a registrar’s diary.
The Nitty-Gritty: What it means for you when deciding which type of commitment or wedding ceremony you want
So, how do you decide? Here’s a simple breakdown:
Choose a Humanist Celebrant if:
- You are firmly non-religious or an atheist.
- You want a ceremony that is entirely focused on celebrating human values and your relationship.
- You align with the principles of Humanism.
Choose an Independent Celebrant if:
- You are an interfaith couple.
- You have some spiritual or religious beliefs you’d like to include.
- You want a ceremony that is completely free from any pre-defined rules or philosophical frameworks.
- You’re a couple of no-faith but want to acknowledge family traditions that have some religious roots (e.g., a specific reading or song).
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what feels right for you. Both humanist and independent celebrants are dedicated professionals who will work closely with you to create a beautiful, meaningful, and personal ceremony. We are all storytellers at heart, and our main goal is to tell your story in a way that feels authentic and joyful.
The most important thing is to find a celebrant whose style and approach resonate with you. Don’t be afraid to chat with a few of us and see who you click with. After all, your ceremony is one of the most significant moments of your life, and you deserve a celebrant who understands and celebrates your unique journey.