27/04/2026
The Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill passed its Second Stage in Stormont this week – landmark news that will enshrine humanist marriage permanently into law in Northern Ireland. Humanist marriages have been legally recognised since 2018, following the landmark court victory won by our patrons Laura Lacole and Eunan O'Kane, but this Bill will replace that temporary arrangement with a permanent statutory footing – putting humanist marriages on equal legal standing with religious ceremonies for good.
And the demand is clearly there: in 2024, 15% of all marriages in Northern Ireland were humanist, and last year we celebrated our 5,000th legally recognised humanist wedding. It's easy to see why so many couples are choosing them. A humanist wedding is entirely bespoke – no set scripts, held wherever is most meaningful to you, and conducted by a trained celebrant who shares your values and takes the time to tell your unique love story. With over 70 accredited celebrants across Northern Ireland, we are ready to help you create a ceremony as individual as you are.
Follow Humanist Ceremonies Northern Ireland on Instagram for beautiful wedding photography and ‘inspo’, real couple’s stories, as well as key information about humanist weddings, namings, and funerals – and how you can find your local celebrant.
