Your questions, answered
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My ceremonies cost £700 in 2026 and 2027.
When you enquire with the details of where your ceremony will be taking place and other requirements, I’ll tot up a comprehensive total that takes everything from travel and accommodation (if needed) into account.
The payment is broken into 3 chunks. If you enquire and we have that special spark, I ask for £150 to secure the date, half the remaining amount when we begin the planning stage (usually 4-5 months out) and the balance 2 weeks before your wedding day.
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The works!
All planning meetings, calls and communication. I'll guide you through the process from start to finish, shaping a ceremony that feels completely authentic to you
Script creation with as many edits as you need
Guidance on writing your vows
A copy of Wedding Readings for the Lactose Intolerant, my collection of non-cheesy and unusual wedding readings
My attendance at your rehearsal (if you are having one)
Delivery of the ceremony
Keepsake presentation copy of your wedding script delivered shortly after your wedding
Travel within 30 miles of Petworth, West Sussex is included
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I’m based in West Sussex on the borders with Surrey and Hampshire, but I’m very portable and will marry you wherever you like - Amalfi Coast for preference.
For UK weddings, I have a generous 30 mile radius (I’m not 100% sure ‘radius’ is the right word as I’m quite close to the coast and don’t mean I’ll trek across the Channel. Demi-radius? I mean within mainland UK) where I don’t charge for travel. Over that, I charge the government approved milage rate (as of 2026) of 55p per mile based on a return trip, and if overnight stays are necessary due to distance or rehearsal, I charge at cost. Everything will be agreed well in advance. No surprises!
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All love welcome here! 🏳️🌈
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Well, it’s not illegal.
But in terms of if this is a legally binding marriage - frustratingly, no. However, the wheels are in motion for humanist ceremonies to carry the same clout as religious and civil ceremonies. The government is in the process of conducting a (long-overdue!) consultation about allowing non-belief organisations such as Humanists UK to have the same power to legally marry as churches and registrars. You can find out more, and get your voice heard here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/tying-the-knot-reforming-weddings-law-in-england-and-wales (opens in new tab)
For the time being, you will need to complete the legal paperwork at a register office and then have your big ‘do’ later on. Hey, if it’s good enough for Dua Lipa!
Your legal ceremony can be as straightforward and no-frills or boujee and fabulous as you would like. You could opt to rock up with just 2 witnesses for a basic ceremony in the register office (prices from £72 (including certificate) at time of writing), or take the opportunity to make it into another miniature celebration, (who needs an excuse for more bubbles and cake?!) perhaps with loved ones who won’t be able to make it to the main event.
Another option is to have the registrar along to your wedding day and conduct a short service with them first. There are lots of options and I can chat you through them when we meet.
On the plus side, the fact that it isn’t a legally binding ceremony means that there is far less red tape (as in, none) and pretty much no restrictions on where you hold your ceremony or the wording that you use. We have free rein to celebrate your love story exactly how and where you want!
As a side note, humanist ceremonies ARE legally binding in Scotland and have been since 2005. Interestingly, the stats from these are overwhelmingly positive. More Humanist weddings are now conducted in Scotland than all the other formats available (civil, religious etc). Even more positively, The statistics from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) reveal that since Humanist ceremonies began in Scotland, couples married in them are:
Three times less likely to divorce than Roman Catholic marriages over the same period.
More than two times less likely to divorce than Church of Scotland marriages.
Almost four times less likely to divorce than civil marriages.
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-47495110 (opens in new tab)
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YES PLEASE.
My one proviso is that I wouldn’t feel comfortable with anything that might cause animals harm - releasing doves or butterflies, for example.
And please don’t make me go near a snake. Two provisos then.
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Absolutely! It’s such a brilliant way to make little ones feel included and connected. A key part of the humanist philosophy around marriage is that it’s not only about the couple (soz), but the village of family and friends surrounding them. Involving your younger loved ones adds meaning and depth to your ceremony - and no doubt a few ‘ahhs’ and maybe some extra laughs and photo ops. Biggest plus is that it will mean SO MUCH to them.
I am always very ready to hop in and help if there are any wobbles or nerves on the day. The important thing is that everyone has fun.
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No you don’t! If you’re into the idea of celebrating love in a meaningful and heartfelt way without religion, these are the ceremonies for you!
While ceremonies in Register Offices are rather strict about mentioning the G word in any way, I’m all about creating a ceremony that is meaningful for your family. So while I wouldn’t feel comfortable reading out a prayer myself or leading any sort of act of worship, we can definitely discuss ways in which we can sensitively weave in certain cultural or faith references that honour your family’s beliefs while staying true to the values that made you book a humanist ceremony in the first place.
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I trained through and am accredited by Humanists UK, generally regarded as the ‘gold standard’ as far as celebrant training and delivery goes.
I need to undertake ongoing CPD and training to maintain my accredited status, so you can rest safe in the knowledge I know what I’m doing!
The other great thing about this is that I’m part of the Humanists UK network. So I’m fully insured and should something befall me last minute, there will be someone on call to step in and fill my shoes.
It’s worth bearing in mind that not all celebrants are trained or accredited, so always best to check!
Is yours more of an infrequently asked question?
Drop me a line and I’ll try and find the answer!