The Difference Between a Civil Celebrant and a Humanist Celebrant

The Difference Between a Civil Celebrant and a Humanist Celebrant – Which One is Right for You?

When planning your wedding, vow renewal, or commitment ceremony, one of the most important decisions is choosing who will officiate. Many couples search for the differences between a civil celebrant vs humanist celebrant to determine which is the best fit for their special day. In this guide, we’ll explain both roles in detail, highlight key differences, and help you decide which type of celebrant is right for you.

What is a Civil Celebrant?

A civil celebrant is a professional officiant who designs and delivers bespoke, personalised ceremonies. Unlike a registrar-led wedding, which follows a set script, a civil celebrant allows for complete flexibility in the wording, format, and style of your ceremony. Civil celebrants are becoming increasingly popular for couples who want a unique wedding ceremony that truly reflects their personalities and love story.

Key Features of a Civil Celebrant Ceremony:

• Fully Customised and Personalised – A civil celebrant works closely with couples to craft a ceremony that tells their love story in a way that is meaningful and memorable.

• Religious, Non-Religious, or Spiritual Elements – Unlike a humanist celebrant, a civil celebrant can incorporate religious readings, prayers, or spiritual traditions if the couple desires.

• Any Location, Any Time – Civil celebrant-led ceremonies can take place anywhere, from a countryside barn to a beach, a forest, or even your own garden.

• Not Legally Binding – In the UK, a civil celebrant wedding is a symbolic ceremony rather than a legal marriage, meaning couples need to complete the legal registration separately at a registry office.

What is a Humanist Celebrant?

A humanist celebrant is similar to a civil celebrant in that they provide personalised, non-legal ceremonies. However, they conduct ceremonies from a strictly non-religious and humanist perspective. Humanism is a philosophy that values reason, ethics, and compassion while rejecting religious beliefs.

Key Features of a Humanist Celebrant Ceremony:

• Entirely Non-Religious – Humanist ceremonies do not include religious prayers, hymns, or references to any deity. They focus purely on love, life, and human connection.

• Personalised and Bespoke – Like civil celebrants, humanist celebrants create unique ceremonies that celebrate each couple’s individual love story.

• Can Be Held Anywhere – Humanist ceremonies are location-flexible, meaning you can have your ceremony at a venue of your choice.

• Not a Legal Marriage – A humanist ceremony is not legally recognised in England and Wales, meaning couples need to complete the legal formalities separately.

Civil Celebrant vs Humanist Celebrant – What’s the Difference?

For those searching "difference between a civil celebrant and a humanist celebrant," the key distinctions are: