Gorgeous Humanist weddings in Yorkshire and beyond!

A wedding celebrant stands on front of fabric drapes  and roses. She is wearing a pink jacket and skirt, and reading from a folder.

You’ve nailed the proposal and now the fun part begins: planning your wedding ceremony.

That’s where I come in.

I’m Rachael, a Yorkshire celebrant with a penchant for making your big day extra special. You’ll no doubt have hundreds of questions and a fair few worries. My job is to take the stress away and create a unique love story that celebrates you as a couple. But first things first...

Drenched in golden sunlight, a seated bride and groom face each other holding hands. Their wedding celebrant stands behind them wearing a green jumpsuit and reading their wedding vows.

What is a wedding celebrant?

A wedding celebrant will lead your celebration, guiding you both on what to say, introducing readings and, above all, honouring your union. Many people choose a celebrant because they want a bespoke ceremony that reflects their story and their values. This inspired my own journey into the wedding industry!

A humanist wedding celebrant (not to be confused with an independent celebrant) performs a non-religious service that puts you two front and centre. That could be your own stories, readings, soundtracks, or whatever makes your relationship special.

Why work with me?

If you’ve ever planned, attended, or even heard of a wedding, you might be feeling overwhelmed. My job is to create a personalised, beautiful ceremony that’s designed for you two and nobody else. 

When I was getting married, I didn’t want the formulaic, impersonal nature of civil ceremonies. Instead, I chose a humanist wedding celebrant who could take all the magic and rituals of religious weddings, and turn them into something unique. Today, it’s what I’m proud to do for couples all over Yorkshire, using carefully chosen words that are all about you.

A bride and groom hold hands, facing each other as they say their wedding vows. Their female wedding celebrant stands behind them, surrounded by colourful flowers and foliage.

What can you expect from your Humanist wedding ceremony?

Whether it’s your first time walking down the aisle or even a renewal of vows, you can guarantee it will be tailored to you. The process starts long before the wedding day. I love to hear all about your proposals, how your friends set you up, and how you supported each other through the hardship and cheered on each other’s success. 

This translates into a lovingly crafted script that’s light-hearted and moving, covering all the milestones on your journey together. We’ll leave no stone unturned and I’ll accept all your tales, no matter how weird and wonderful.

I can also help you find readings for humanist weddings, or even guide you on traditions you might like, such as loving cup ceremonies or handfasting. (You can find a little inspiration here.)

Two men hold hands as they make their wedding vows. They are standing with their female wedding celebrant in front of a grand fireplace, surrounded by romantic flowers.

What areas do your humanist ceremonies cover?

I’m very lucky to have performed hundreds of York weddings, as well as West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire, including:

  • Leeds

  • Halifax

  • Huddersfield

  • Ilkley

  • Bradford

  • Harrogate

  • Thirsk

  • Sheffield.

Many of the couples I have married came to Yorkshire for a destination wedding - I’m experienced at working with couples from overseas to create a perfect Yorkshire wedding ceremony.

Psst…I’ll go further afield, too.

Having worked in wedding venues throughout Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Cumbria, you could say I’ve got the North covered. Plus, years of storytelling in museums helps me create that emotional connection you’re looking for.

My travels have taken me to incredible wedding venues across Cumbria, County Durham and of course, God’s Own Country. All I ask is travel expenses for weddings outside of a 20-mile York radius – even if it means hopping on a plane. (You can see my latest pricing here.)

A celebrant in an orange dress stands between two women making their wedding vows. One bride wears a white suit and the other wears a long white wedding dress.
A wedding ceremony. A bride and groom sit, relaxed and holding hands as their wedding celebrant tells their love story.

Start planning your humanist celebrant wedding today!

Those jitters aren’t nerves. They’re excitement! You deserve to find a celebrant that will answer your questions and make your special day unique. Since 2020, I’m proud to have covered LGBTQ+ weddings, vow renewals and cultural celebrations throughout Yorkshire and beyond.

Don’t just take it from me. You can see my couples’ special ceremonies on the wedding blog, or check out their kind words below. For a no-obligation Zoom, phone chat or even a cup of tea in person (mine’s Earl Gray), get in touch here.

Love letters from my couples…

See what I’m up to over on Instagram…

Find me on…

Humanist UK Wedding Ceremonies Accredited