Licenced under the Marriage Act of Ontario & All Seasons Church of Canada

Wedding Commissioner of Pastoral Care (Lay Chaplain)

“THE ROLE OF CEREMONY”

“Throughout history, in countries all over the world, ceremonies have been used to mark important events in people’s lives. Many, though by no means all, of us find that a formal occasion of this kind can be very helpful. At a Humanist wedding the couple have the opportunity to declare publicly their love for each other and their aspirations for their future together. They can make this commitment among their family and friends in a meaningful and significant ceremony.

The Humanist concept of a wedding ceremony is quite distinctive. It illuminates important values and beliefs while giving expression to two people’s personalities.  Moreover, there is a flexibility and openness of approach that is quite unusual. Remarriage after divorce, the marriage of couples where children from earlier relationships are included, weddings where the bride does not wish to be ‘given away’ by her father or to take her husband’s name — all kinds of different situations can be accommodated. Quite often the couple choose a very traditional ceremony, merely omitting the religious elements they would feel to be hypocritical.”

– Jane Wynne Willson. A Practical Guide to Non-Religious Wedding Ceremonies. 4th ed. British Humanist Association, 1996.