Humanist WEDDINGS

Yes I can. I am an accredited legal celebrant with the Humanist Association of Ireland and as such am on the list of registered marriage solemnisers in Ireland – this means I am authorised to legally marry you once you have given a minimum of 3 months’ notice of your intention to marry to the HSE Civil Registration Service and have all your paperwork in order with them first.

There is a great deal of flexibility about the content, structure and style of a Humanist wedding ceremony.  No two are the same so your wedding ceremony will be uniquely yours. You have loads of choices about how formal or informal you want the ceremony to be, how to express your vows to each other, whether to invite friends and family to participate etc.  I can set out options for you and help you to plan every aspect of the ceremony. 

Broadly speaking, most Humanist wedding ceremonies include an introduction (you might like to walk down the aisle or begin your ceremony in another way), words on love and marriage, music, readings, a symbolic ritual or two, vows, the legal marriage declaration, exchange of rings, couple and witnesses signing the legal marriage register and closing words – I have loads of material from you to choose from and you can personalise your ceremony to suit you.

Here are some links you may find useful:

Humanism.ie

Youtube – Humanist Weddings

Youtube – Humanist Weddings Explained

When I meet with you, I will listen to your ideas about what kind of ceremony you want.  You may have no idea where to begin and that’s fine too! I will give you a range of ideas and resources you might like to include.  You will then have an opportunity to have a think about what elements you want in your ceremony.  Once you let me know what you have chosen, I will draw up the first version of your wedding ceremony and send it to you.  This is for you to get an idea of how your wedding ceremony may look like when the different components are knitted together.  You may add or subtract anything you’d like.  I always advise couples to trust your intuition – what you want to end up with is a ceremony that fits best for what you two want to say on the day in the company of your significant people.  

You send your first version back to me with your adjustments and we will bat it over and back until you’re happy with it.  Once we agree on a final version, we put it away safely until the day so that you can concentrate on your other preparations!

It’s a good idea to book me as early as possible.  Also, you will need to have your date confirmed with me before you meet the Civil Registration Service as they will need the name of your legal celebrant.

In order for me to marry you legally, the ceremony must take place at a recognisable address (ie with a postcode) and that venue must be open to the public.

Yes, once it is in a garden or an area that is part of a venue that has a recognisable address (ie with a postcode) and that is open to the public.

Humanist celebrants can marry you at any time of day, any day of the week, month or year.

Yes. Generally speaking, I meet with couples a few months before the wedding day, either in person or by zoom. If you have any questions before then I’d be happy to chat with you on the phone. We can also meet again in the few weeks before the big day if you’d like to talk through the final draft of your wedding ceremony script.

Humanist ceremonies do not include prayers and readings that make reference to God, a spirit world or afterlife. 

If there is some religious music you’d like to include just let me know, but in instrumental form please as Humanist ceremonies do not include prayers and readings that make reference to God, a spirit world or afterlife.

The timing of your ceremony will depend on how much content you choose to include. The more readings, music, and other elements you include the longer the ceremony will be, but typically a Humanist wedding ceremony lasts about 25-35 minutes. 

My fee for planning, preparation, meetings and of course delivering your ceremony on the day is €550 in line with Humanist Association of Ireland (HAI) guidance.  In addition to this you will be asked to make a contribution of €90 to HAI to fund its work (this includes running costs, education, advocacy and events). 

The €90 contribution also includes one year’s free membership for a couple to the Humanist Association of Ireland. Once you have completed your booking online, the HAI will send you details on how to avail of your free membership.

I live in South Dublin City and I am happy to travel to venues within the greater Dublin area, North Wicklow and East Kildare.

Fill out your details on the Contact Form below. If I am free on your date the next stage is for me to chat with you both.  This will give you the opportunity to ask me anything you’d like.  I too will get a better understanding of what you are looking for in your wedding and talk to you about the many ways we can deliver this. If, after we meet, you would like me to be your authorised legal marriage celebrant you may confirm the booking through the Humanist Association of Ireland (HAI) website at this link: https://www.humanism.ie/product/barbara-cullinan-wedding-ceremonies/.