Humanist Wedding Ceremonies
Fun, Relaxed, Meaningful
Rachael Meyer - Humanist Wedding Celebrant, Newcastle, North East and North Yorkshire
Fabulous non-religious wedding ceremonies from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Harrogate and across Northumberland, Durham and North Yorkshire
Humanist wedding ceremony at Hooton Hall with celebrant Rachael Meyer, North Yorkshire and North East. Photo by Ben Pollard
All smiles. Rudding Park Chapel, Harrogate. Photography: Z-Ten Media Wedding Photography and Video
Humanist wedding ceremony at Hazlewood Castle, Leeds. Celebrant: Rachael Meyer. Photographer: Sirastudio
Humanist wedding ceremony at Hooton Hall with celebrant Rachael Meyer, North Yorkshire and North East. Photo by Ben Pollard
Planning a Wedding in the North East or North Yorkshire?
A highly personalised, humanist wedding ceremony, written and presented by a professional celebrant could be the perfect way for you to begin your wedding day! Accredited by Humanists UK/Humanist Ceremonies, I'm a recommended wedding celebrant at venues across Newcastle Upon Tyne, York, Thirsk, Harrogate, the North East and North Yorkshire.
A lovingly crafted, story-led, relaxed and engaging wedding ceremony is meaningful to you, entertaining for your guests, and the ultimate, alternative party starter for your celebrations. It's the beating heart of a wedding day - packed with story, detail, symbolic acts, words of love and commitment, promises, smiles, happy tears, laughter, guest investment and a whole lot of personality.
What's different about a Humanist Ceremony?
Each and every wedding ceremony script is crafted with years of professional writing experience. It will be written for you, and only you - with your personalities and love story running through it, from start to finish. We meet. I come up with ideas. With warmth, guidance, smiles and inspiration, I work with you to create a ceremony that is totally you - just like the rest of your wedding day.
I get to know you. You get to know me - and a month before your wedding day, I will send you your wedding ceremony script to read and approve together. On the day itself, you have the confidence that your ceremony will be delivered with feeling and flair. I'm smiley, relaxed, confident and professional. I have no rules and I'm easy to work with. We have synergy as we're going through the ceremony. I put heart and soul into every script and every single ceremony, and as a result, I'm proud to have written and delivered over 160 humanist wedding ceremonies in the past 7 years.
"We are completely bowled over - you have crafted an absolutely gorgeous script that had us laughing and crying in equal measure!!! (Memo for waterproof mascara on the day!!). Thank you so much for putting your time into this!" - Lauren and Ashley 2025
Who Should Have a Humanist Wedding Ceremony?
Everyone and anyone! I work with all kinds of couples, from all walks of life with every imaginable story and at venues from castles and high end wedding barns and lake-side hotels to village halls, urban chic event spaces, private gardens, beaches and local pubs.
You might be getting married for the 1st, 2nd or 3rd time. Some of my couples come from backgrounds with different traditions, religions, cultural and spiritual beliefs. I've delivered some amazing multi-cultural wedding and LGBTQ ceremonies. Whatever your story, my wedding ceremonies are all about love, marriage and you - your journey. And therefore, they are interesting, relevant and inclusive for all.
Hello - Is It Me You're Looking For?
Finding the right celebrant for you should be an enjoyable process. To make it easy, I've loaded my website with as much content as I can. Hopefully, it'll help you get to know me a little, so you can make an informed decision about who you choose to share your story with your guests, and guide you (smiling), through one of the most important moments of your life!!
Before you deep dive into my website, the first thing I would suggest is to read the reviews of people who've worked with me, watch a couple of videos, and look at the photos dotted around. This should give you a feel for how it is to work with me, and how your ceremony could look. Read as much of the content as you can soak in! Then do ping me an email - I'd love to hear from you and can answer any questions in a "getting to know you" call on the phone or on Zoom.
What's Included in a Humanist Wedding Ceremony?
Following a two-to-three hour meeting (or Zoom call if you live far away), an entirely bespoke script will be written for you, and about you. It'll have your DNA running right the way through it. There are no "fill in the gaps" here.
Over 3 days of work goes into every single one of my wedding ceremonies. Generally, my ceremonies last about 30-40 minutes and can be as simple and classic as you like. They can also be totally immersive, with cinematic music experiences, your story, your own vows, a reading, perhaps a song, and symbolic acts. Whatever your vibe, each ceremony incorporates beautifully crafted words that include your thoughts, your feelings, your personalities, and ultimately your voices.
In terms of style, I lean towards the traditional, sentimental and romantic side in terms of the big moments. I work seamlessly with your suppliers so that you have the best experience on the day. I have plenty of ideas, a professional, warm and clear delivery style, and I certainly have no rules! I bring ideas. You do you.
What I Can Offer
I'm a stickler for detail, I connect well with people, and I'm very chilled. I can tell a good story, I can hold a crowd. Having grown up in Harrogate and having lived in London, I don't have any noticeable accent - so I'm easy for everyone to understand, especially if their mother tongue isn't English. I'm a trained poetry reader. I've been told I have a relaxing speaking voice, and a confident, warm and engaging manner. I can raise a laugh and through thoughtful expression, wording, timing and tone, and reduce even the hardest souls to a tear (in all the right places!) I have plenty of cross-industry experience, gleaned through years of PR, public speaking, corporate event management, and commercial and wedding photography and video production.
To give you the best experience possible, I bring interview skills (to eek out your story), detail, live event insight and know-how, a calming influence, a friendly face for your venue manager and your suppliers, cue sheets, a PA with a mic if we need it, and (as an ex-wedding photographer) the knowledge of where you should be standing - always - so your photographer can get the best shots, All of this means that you can rest assured that your ceremony will be written and delivered with exceptional attention to detail.
What's My Style?
Working with me is easy. Just ask the photographers and videographers who've been kind enough to let me share their footage. You want slick delivery and complete professionalism? I can do that. You want laughs and smiles? Happy tears? An emotional rollercoaster? No problem. I take care of everything in preparation and on the day, so you don't have to worry about a thing. I even always try to colour coordinate with your scheme.
Where Do I Work?
I work at all wedding venues in and around Newcastle-Upon Tyne and surrounding areas of Northumberland (Alnwick, Morpeth, Corbridge etc) down through Durham, Teesside, and Thirsk, Northallerton, Masham to Harrogate, York, North Yorkshire and all wedding venues in The Yorkshire Dales.
Working with Humanists UK, I'm also a mentor of trainee celebrants, and I have also now taken on the role of coordinating the network of Humanist celebrants in the North East.
In and out of wedding season, I also conduct story-led funeral ceremonies and celebrations of life. And when required, I still help out my husband with commercial photography and video.
"We had so many compliments on the ceremony - it was definitely the favourite part of the day for everyone we spoke to afterwards"
- Georgia and Richard, Rudding Park, Harrogate
"Reading the draft ceremony, which was a pitch perfect mix of emotion and laugh out loud, instantly put us at ease. Rache's advantage here is her writing background, she is a gifted story writer and teller, this is the most important part of a humanist ceremony. Of course, on our big day, she also delivered it all with aplomb. 5 stars doesn't cover it, don't hesitate in speaking with Rachael. - worth every penny"
Kevin and Vicki - Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds wedding
I am an accredited Humanist Celebrant and proud to be part of the national network of
"It was so wonderful - All anyone could talk about was our beautiful ceremony"
- Polly and Nick, The Cruck Barn, Appletreewick
"Our ceremony with Rachael was the highlight of our wedding weekend, and we cannot thank her enough!" - Issy and Miles, Thicket Priory, York (Charlotte Nelson Photography)
REVIEW: "Rachael sent us the script around a month before the wedding and we were blown away. She had produced a script which was personal and matched the tone of the wedding perfectly. We really enjoyed reading it.
Ahead of the wedding she was in communication with the venue, other suppliers etc. We didn’t have to lift a finger and it was great to know that on the day Rachael would have everything in hand and it would just “happen” (which it did).
On the day…. Rachael was fantastic, she brought the script to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We loved it and throughout the day we had so many of the guests saying the same. - Jonathan and Rachel, The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle Gateshead
SOUND ON for this highlights video below, of Olivia and Alex's wedding at Thirsk Lodge Barn, North Yorkshire on New Years Eve, which was created by the lovely James Turner Videography. It was the first time he'd ever used the narrative from a celebrant in such a way. I was very proud that he did. Words written and spoken by Rachael Meyer, Celebrant, North Yorkshire.
Here's what my lovely bride, Olivia said, after the ceremony I delivered for her and Alex:
“We can’t thank you enough for making our wedding ceremony so wonderful. You made everything about the process so seamless and enjoyable, from our planning meeting, to sharing the script, to the perfect delivery on the day. Everyone commented on the ceremony – and said it was the perfect reflection of us both – exactly as we wanted!
You made our day extra special and we’re so glad that you were part of our love story and our singalong! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”"
The Detail
The best way of understanding how your ceremony could look and feel with me as your wedding celebrant is to read my reviews.
But I've also included a few videos, photos, and lots of info, to give you a head start. And then I really hope you'll give me a call or send me an email.
So to recap......
1. I write highly personalised wedding ceremonies. I write about your reasons for getting married, your commitment to one another and your hopes and dreams. From start to finish, I weave in all kinds of interesting, fun and touching facts about you as individuals and as a couple; and about your journey to your vows.
Your ceremony script will include words about love; tales of first dates, milestone events, challenges you've supported each other through, brilliant experiences you've shared, hilarious character observations and tiny details featuring your family members, fur babies or friends. I also research other components of your ceremony, such as song lyrics, poetry and readings to create the best flow,
2. I'm a professional, creative writer. There is no better story than a love story, and there is no better place to share a love story than on your wedding day. I never ask my couples to write their own story. My ability to write your story with emotion, humour, meaning and creativity is how I differentiate from some celebrants who send out questionnaires. I put days of work into ensuring your wedding script is perfect for you.
When it lands in your inbox a month before your big day, you'll be amazed at how detailed and how "you" your story is. By the time you say your wedding vows, your guests will feel totally involved, uplifted and ready to celebrate.
3. I'm a trained public speaker and event manager. I don't do boring but I am unflappable. Watching and listening to your ceremony, you and your guests will on the edge of your seats from start to finish. I liaise with your suppliers and contributors to ensure that everything is perfectly aligned, I take a few photos of you after the ceremony to include on your final script, and... focusing on the aesthetics even more closely.. I even try and tie in with your colour theme!!
4. I have no rules. No restrictions. I am flexible, communicative, responsive, unshockable, professional, super friendly, and calming, Dogs, kids, singalongs, readings? Bring 'em on!
5. You don't need to do a thing. No stress. We have a conversation. I do everything else. Easy. I am here to bring ideas, guide you through every decision, and write and perform the most magical wedding ceremony for you to enjoy.
6. Classic or full to brimming. Not everyone wants a larger than life ceremony. You have total freedom with the style. 50% of my ceremonies have a classic, traditional feel, with nothing but words, music and wedding vows with a ring exchange. But if you like, we can mix it up. We can include: a groom team entrance; you can literally tie the knot with a hand fasting, you can have a shot of whisky or tequila with all your guests, cut your wedding cake, plant a tree, light a unity candle or have a singalong!
You can write your own vows or I can write them for you. We can have a blend of modern and traditional vows.
7. I have a professional PA (busking amp) with mics, which we can use to amplify speech if you have an outdoor ceremony or over 100 guests, and play music through if your venue doesn't have mics or a sound system (or a good enough sound system). I also have a load more props that you can borrow - candlesticks, storm lantern, hand fasting chords, oath stones and quaich - all included within my fee.
8. I am LGBTQ+ friendly. You don't need to ask.
I'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch as soon as possible to secure your date.
Call: 07795 122009. Email: hello@rachaelmeyer.com
"The way you delivered the ceremony was brilliant - I could watch you and listen to you for hours. The whole thing was both moving, insightful and funny, but the way you told their story, with all the little facial expressions and smiles, connection and pauses showcased you as a real pro. I'm a presenter and a voice coach, and I couldn't have wished to have seen or heard anything better." - wedding guest, Wood Hall wedding
"We couldn't have chosen a better celebrant. Your words were magic"
Josh and Beth (elopement) - Swinton Park, Masham
"Thank you once again for performing such a beautiful ceremony for us. When Paul and I reflect on the day, it is the part we love and talk about the most. You are like the Fairy Godmother of Ceremonies! We shared with you our story, and with a little magic and 'Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo' you made all our dreams come true! " -
Hayley and Paul, Skipbridge Country Weddings, York
I was very excited to be asked by BBC Look North to talk on telly about the national rise in demand for humanist weddings! C
Below is another gorgeous video highlights reel from one of my wedding ceremonies. Sound on! Thank you to Sabah, Neal and Midgely Wedding Films.
“Thank you for putting together and delivering our ceremony – it was perfect for us and we absolutely loved it. It was the best way to kick off the day and was everything we wanted it to be.”
Laura and Karl – Ripley Castle wedding