Can a same-sex couple have a humanist wedding ceremony in the UK?

Short answer

It depends on where in the UK you marry. Humanist ceremonies are legally binding in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not in England and Wales.

The short answer depends on which part of the UK you plan to marry in, so check the rules for your location before you book anything.

In Scotland, humanist celebrants can conduct legal weddings. You can marry almost anywhere agreed with the registrar or celebrant, indoors or outdoors, and humanist ceremonies count as fully legal. In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings are also legally binding. This means you can have one ceremony that is both meaningful and legal.

In England and Wales, humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own. Most couples who want a humanist ceremony also arrange a short civil ceremony at a register office or approved venue. You can hold the humanist part first or second. The legal part needs two witnesses, and you must give notice at your local register office at least 28 full days before the ceremony.

Each religious organisation also decides for itself whether it holds same-sex weddings, so if you want a faith ceremony, ask the place of worship directly. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK, the register office or your place of worship for the current position.