Question 1

What happens at a Humanist Wedding Ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Every couple is different and so in turn every ceremony is different. A humanist wedding ceremony is crafted to reflect the emotional intent of the day and the personality, values and wishes of the couple being celebrated.

The structure of a wedding ceremony is not rigid , it’s contents can find its natural place within the ceremony during the planning stages. Typically a ceremony would include, music, poetry/prose readings, sharing of your love story, the exchanging of vows, ring exchange and legal document signing.

Some couples like to include ceremony enhancements like candle lighting, handfasting, or sand blending to name just a few A humanist ceremony is unique to you , it can include as much or as little as you are happy with.

Question 2

How long will the ceremony be?

Accepted Answer

The ceremony can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 45 minutes typically. The duration of the ceremony depends greatly on how much you want to include in its content.

Question 3

Is a Humanist ceremony legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am a Humanist celebrant registered with the HSE and accredited by the Humanist Association of Ireland and can legally solemnise your marriage in accordance with the Irish law.

Question 4

Do I have to do anything in the legal process of my wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes is the simple answer.

In order to have your marriage recognized and deemed legal you must first make contact with the offices of the HSE

https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/getting-married/bookappointment/

You will find all the relevant information and details of the necessary appointments to be made by following the above link. The HSE require you notify them of your intent to marry no less than 3 months before the wedding day. This process will involve sending them paperwork and attending a planning meeting.

My advice to couples is to start that process as soon as you have a date in mind to marry as there may be some back and forth with documents that can take a little time.

Question 5

What is the MRF form?

Accepted Answer

MRF is the marriage registration form this is the form that will be issued to you from the HSE on completion of the planning process.

This is the marriage certificate that along with your witness I will sign for you on the day of your wedding. It is written verification that the wedding took place as previously notified to the HSE The MRF form is the documents contained within the famous green folder.

Question 6

Can I get married anywhere?

Accepted Answer

In order to hold a legal ceremony in Ireland with your guests in attendance it is required by law that the venue is listed as being ‘Open to the public’

What this means essentially is that it should be clearly signposted as a public venue that hosts public events?

The venue must be either: 
A building that is open to the public.
A courtyard, garden, field or piece of ground that is open to the public and is near to and usually shared with the building.

The venue must also: 
Be clearly identifiable by description and location.
Allow unrestricted access, without charge.
Meet planning permission, fire safety and health and safety requirements.
Have public liability insurance cover be accessible to all.

Question 7

We are already married but don’t want our guests to know during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I’m afraid it would be unethical for me to officiate a wedding under the pretence that is a legal ceremony.

However I can create a wedding celebration ceremony in which your guests would be invited to share the celebration of your marriage but it would have to be made clear to your guests that the legalities took place at an earlier date.

Question 8

Do you offer same sex weddings?

Accepted Answer

A resounding Yes!!

Equality and inclusion is the very bedrock of my ethos as a Humanist celebrant and sits at the core of my values as a person.

Question 9

Do we have to be humanist’s to have a humanist ceremony?

Accepted Answer

You don’t have to be a humanist.

When considering a humanist wedding most couples find that while they may not necessarily identify themselves as being A humanist they do however share the same values that humanism is based on and also share the same outlook on life.

Humanism in essence looks to reason, compassion, empathy and equality as cornerstones to living an ethical and meaningful life.

Question 10

Some of my family are religious. Do you think they will be offended by a humanist wedding?

Accepted Answer

A humanist ceremony by nature is non-religious but is in no way shape or form anti-religious.

Your ceremony is a celebration of your relationship and reflects not only the love you share for each other but also the love you have for all those you have invited to witness. Everyone is on an equal footing, all religions and none.

Question 11

How much does a humanist wedding ceremony cost?

Accepted Answer

My fee is €550

This includes; Initial consultation, a meet and greet.

Planning meeting where we will discuss the ceremony structure and content in detail, creating the ceremony script and editing as necessary Delivery of the ceremony on the wedding day.

There is an additional contribution of €90 to be paid to the HAI directly and can be completed at the booking stage directly through the HAI website.

Following the link below will bring you to the booking page:

https://www.humanism.ie/product/ruth-healy-wedding-ceremonies/

Question 12

We live abroad , do we have to meet you in person to plan our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

More and more I am finding that Zoom is the preferred way of meeting and planning.

Everyone lives such busy diverse lives and it is not always possible to meet couples in person for a myriad of reasons. It could be geographical, work, childcare or dreaded covid. We are fortunate to live in an era that technology makes planning meetings a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions