Wedding Celebrant: Pat Clarke Browne on Secular Weddings
What is the difference between a Humanist-Civil-Religious-Celebrant Led ceremony Pat?
“I get a lot of people asking what the difference is between a civil ceremony, a humanist ceremony or a religious ceremony. Some couples say “we are having a civil ceremony” then you ask, so a HSE registrar then? And they say “No” So let’s start by explaining what’s what when it comes to who can legally marry you!”
Legal Ceremony
“Let’s start with a legal civil ceremony, this is one performed by a HSE registrar and can only be held on Monday to Friday as they are civil servants and don’t work weekends. It is secular and does not allow any religious content. Normally they will allow you to play some music at the registry office, but this can vary so check to be sure. There may be some more requirements for your venue if a HSE Registrar is performing your ceremony outside the registry office. Public liability insurance and accessibility are just some of those, the venue must be on their list of allowed venues and can let you know. Your ceremony is arranged through your local registry office.”
Legal Humanist Ceremony
“A legal Humanist ceremony is one performed by a Humanist Association of Ireland celebrant. It is also a secular ceremony, but we work any day of the week and do not require the same additional requirements for a venue. The venue must meet the minimum requirements of being open to the public and has to have a permanent address.”
Other Legal Ceremonies
“All other legal wedding ceremonies fall under the religious category regardless of the actual ceremony content delivered on the day. So, a “non-religious ceremony” delivered by, for example, an interfaith minister or spiritualist or entheos celebrant is still a religious ceremony and is registered with the HSE as such. It may not be a big deal to some people but when a couple goes to the trouble of planning a secular ceremony only to find out they will be registered as religious it can be very upsetting.”
What about the content? What’s allowed at ceremonies?
“For a humanist ceremony your celebrant will work with you to design it to suit your needs based off some template ideas. The only restrictions would be on readings from the bible or having Hymns other than that there are lots of elements that can be incorporated like memorial and family candles, handfasting, even a chocolate ceremony or the option to “take a shot before you tie the knot” or the more traditional Scottish ceremony of the quaich; it’s really down to the couple as to what they wish to include. For a non-legal ceremony, you can have it in any location, and it can be delivered by any celebrant or even family friend! To summaries, if you want a secular ceremony book a secular celebrant!”
Pat Clarke Browne Humanist Wedding Celebrant
T: 087 184 5735
E: pat@humanistcelebrant.ie
