When choosing a non-religious ceremony isn't always about religion!

So you've decided on a non-religious ceremony......but what does that actually mean and how do others view that choice.

The immediate and simple perspective is that you must be an atheist - a ceremony without religion means atheism or humanism!  But would it surprise you if I told you that about 50% of people who use my services, do in fact follow an element of faith or religion?  And if I go a little further, many choose to put in some form of spiritual hymn, prayer or reading into the ceremony. 

So why would someone who lives with religion in their lives, choose a Civil Celebrant to design and deliver a major ceremony, as opposed to an ordained minister or member of their particular faith.  The answer is short and sweet - and it's nothing to do with religion!  People tell me that they don't want preaching to on one of the most important days of their lives!.......And that they want something personalised which isn't what religious bodies are about.  My take on this, is that it's about performance on the day rather than the religious divide.....and that for important events in our lives like weddings and funerals, we should be able to flit around to see who can do it best!



Many of my ceremonies are delivered for people who do have a belief.  It's just that they choose for that particular day and ceremony, to have someone who is professionally trained and certified to deliver an unforgettable experience.  They want control over the process.  They want control over the outcome.

Choosing a non-religious ceremony doesn't have to mean that we are one or the other - religious or non-religious.  The world isn't that black and white anymore.  Let's be prepared to live in the grey a little more and 'pick n mix' from what's on offer!


I use the NHS for my health care......at some points I may choose to dip into private care to get a better outcome.....but I know I can go back to the NHS for my longer term health.  Ceremonies and religion are no different for me - it's about the outcome people want and how they can best get that from what's available in the market.