Choose Your Perfect
Humanist Wedding Celebrant
Hello, my name is Ealish Whillock, I am a humanist wedding celebrant based in Kerry and accredited by the Humanist Association of Ireland. In addition, I am a HSE Registered Solemniser of Marriage. As a result, I can conduct the all-important legalities and join you in matrimony on your Big Day.
Most importantly, with your ceremony being at the very heart of your wedding day, I will put you at the centre of yours. Also, whatever your vision. Be that, a traditional ceremony with a more sentimental feel, or you envisage embracing your own personal style and rhythm. Either way, I will help bring it to life.
Similarly, throughout your ceremonial planning process, I will be available to you. Moreover, on your wedding day, I’ll be there an hour before your ceremony starts. So, I can liaise with you, your wedding planner, venue co-ordinator, and other wedding suppliers. This way, your humanist wedding ceremony will be everything you had hoped for and more. Making yours a truly memorable occasion!
Ealish Whillock
Legal Celebrant
How do we Book You as our Humanist Wedding Celebrant?
Step 1. Pick your preferred wedding date and provisionally book your venue.
Step 2. Check my availability and get a quote by either filling out the contact form below or email me, Ealish Whillock, at ealish@humanistcelebration.com or just give me a quick call on +353 851764489 to have a no-obligation chemistry check!
Step 3. Provide me with your personal details, then I will email you a booking form to complete.
Step 4. Once you're booked, I will email you lots of ceremony enhancement information, inspiration on how to create personal vows, and a reading list along with secular reflection ideas.
Step 5. Now it’s time to get creative and arrange our first ceremony consultation.
How much are Your Wedding Celebrancy Services?
I live in Killarney Co. Kerry which means counties Cork and Limerick are just on my doorstep. But I’m also happy to travel to Tipperary, Laois, Offaly, Clare, Kilkenny, South Galway and South Kildare.
My humanist wedding celebrant fees range from €500 and above, depending on which county you’re looking to hold your ceremony in. And my quote will always include any expenses such as possible accommodation costs or travel. Also, the Humanist Association of Ireland charge a contribution fee of €90, which is payable via their website.
Get in touch
with me
Please feel free to contact me to check my availability, get a quote or simply find out more information.
Humanist Weddings
Tips & Advice
What Happens at a Humanist Wedding Ceremony?
Humanist wedding ceremonies can be personalised to suit you, but the basic format is as follows:
- Wedding processional
- Introduction and welcoming of guests
- Memorial for significant others and/or the lighting of a memorial candle
- Your “love story”
- Words on love and marriage
- Legal declaration of no impediment
- Legal vows – i.e., the "I do's"
- Exchange of couple’s personal vows or promises to each other
- Exchange of rings
- Couples are pronounced married and maybe share a cheeky kiss!
- Signing of the HSE Marriage Registration Form
- Some closing words
- Wedding recessional
Interspersed with these elements, is music, which can be live or recorded, along with readings delivered by family or friends. And of course, you can add a couple of ceremony enhancements or rituals.
Can we Personalise our Humanist Wedding Ceremony?
Yes, you can personalise your ceremony and there are many ways, in which we can do this. For instance, as a humanist wedding celebrant I love the art of storytelling. So together, we will create your “love story”. This story will showcase and celebrate your unique relationship to date. For many, this element is one of the most important parts of their ceremony. Because it captures the endearing, heartfelt moments of magic, which you have shared. Be they, your first impressions of each other, your first date, your journey so far or your proposal. As a result, your story will evoke a truly lovely mixture of chuckles and happy tears. In other words, you and your guests will leave, feeling “the love” and feeling uplifted.
In addition, any enhancement or ritual that resonates with you can be personalised, including your vows, which should also reflect who you are as a couple.
What Wedding Ceremony Rituals can we Include?
There are lots of different wedding ceremony rituals or enhancements which can be sprinkled throughout your ceremony. Normally 2 to 3. Above all, you should choose rituals that resonate with you both.
For instance, some couples like to give thanks to their parents by presenting them with a gift or a rose. Perhaps you’d prefer to celebrate your two families coming together by having family members light your outer unity candles. Alternatively, have your guests warm your rings with their good wishes, before you exchange them.
Maybe, you have children, and you’d like to pour sand during a sand blending ceremony. This way, you celebrate your coming together as a family. Others, opt for the sand ceremony because they come from coastal towns. It could be, they had their first date on a beach or even proposed there.
In addition, you could just “tie the knot” by incorporating a hand-fasting ritual. Perhaps, you'd like to set your marriage in stone by “oathing the stone”. On the other hand, exchanging a coin or doing a tree planting ceremony, might take your fancy.
After that, you could always celebrate your unconditional love, by simply including a love lock ceremony. Otherwise, just give each other a rose. Better still, seal private love letters to each other inside your very own anniversary box. Then again, if you’re wine enthusiasts, you may wish to toast your new life together by sharing a glass of wine or a Quaich.
In conclusion, there are many rituals to choose from. In fact, some couples have cultural or family traditions of their own. So, as your humanist wedding celebrant, we can also look at developing those.
Who can Take Part in our Wedding Ceremony?
Anyone you wish to include in your ceremony can take part. Be they your children, family members, friends or even your pets. I will guide you through the numerous meaningful ways in which they can be involved.
Can we Remember Family or Friends with a Memorial?
Yes, it is quite common to acknowledge, earlier on in the ceremony, that there are loved ones who are no longer with us. But are dearly missed. Some couples remember them by lighting a remembrance candle. And we can certainly discuss the various approaches you could take during our consultation.
Are Humanist Weddings Legally Binding in Ireland?
Yes, celebrants accredited by the Humanist Association of Ireland are all HSE registered solemnisers of marriage. Therefore, we can legally solemnise your marriage by signing your Marriage Registration Form (MRF) during your wedding ceremony. Along with you and your two witnesses.
To have a legally binding wedding, you must give notice to a HSE Registrar’s Office of your intention to marry and obtain your MRF. The notice period is 3 months unless exceptional circumstances apply. Please refer to: Click Here.
What is the Difference Between a Civil Marriage Service Conducted by a HSE Registrar and a Humanist Ceremony?
These approaches are similar, in that, they are both legal and non-religious services. However, humanist wedding ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular. Because they offer couples a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. In a very personal and meaningful way.
For example, I will compose and create your ceremony in close consultation with you - the happy couple. Moreover, one of the tenets of humanism being an acceptance for others who hold different belief systems. Therefore, everyone feels welcome during a humanist ceremony.
Additionally, the HSE only offer their services from Monday to Friday. While humanist wedding ceremonies can be conducted at any time or day of the week.
Another important aspect to consider, is that your venue does not have to be on the list of venues, approved by the Registrar General. Consequently, for humanist ceremonies to legally take place, your venue just needs to meet 3 criteria. Firstly, be open to the public. Secondly, hold public liability insurance and thirdly, have a registered address. Above all, this means that the type of venue options and outdoor locations increase considerably, when choosing a humanist celebrant!
Are Same-Sex Marriages Legally Binding in Ireland?
Yes, same-sex marriages have been legally binding in Ireland since November 16th, 2015. Likewise, humanists believe in equality for all. So naturally, I would be delighted to legally marry you both and I look forward to discussing wedding ceremony ideas with you.
Can I Hold my Humanist Wedding Ceremony Outside?
Yes, but if you’d like to have a legally binding humanist ceremony then your venue must meet 3 criteria. Firstly, the location must be open to the public. Secondly, it must have public liability insurance in place. And thirdly, it needs to have a clearly identifiable address. Moreover, your venue does not have to be approved by the Registrar General. This means that the type of venue options and outdoor locations increase considerably! I will be happy to advise you as to the suitability of your proposed venue or location.
According to the Amendment of section 59D of Principal Act “(1A) In subsection (1) a ‘place that is open to the public’ means—
(a) a building that is open to the public, or
(b) a courtyard, garden, yard, field or piece of ground that is open to the public and lying near to and usually enjoyed with the building referred to in paragraph (a).”
Can I get Married in my own Home?
If you want your humanist ceremony to include the act of legal solemnisation, it cannot take place in a private location. Therefore, if your proposed venue or house is a private residence, which is not usually open to the public, then a legal wedding ceremony may not take place there. However, you can opt to have a symbolic ceremony in any location, and I can advise you about the options available.
What Days of the Week can Humanist Wedding Ceremonies be Conducted?
On any day - Humanist wedding celebrants are not restricted with regards to the time of day or day of the week they can conduct a ceremony.
How Long does a Humanist Wedding Ceremony last?
The duration of your humanist ceremony will depend on how many readings, music, and other elements you choose to include, so it can last anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes.
How do I Organise my Wedding in Ireland When Living Abroad?
You can obtain a form from a registry office which allows you to give notice of your intent to marry by post – Click Here
Disclaimer: Please note that these topics are for general information purposes only. The answers are correct to the best of our belief and knowledge at present but are not definitive. Different HAI accredited celebrants take slightly different approaches, so please speak to a celebrant directly if you have a query or concern.
