INDEPENDENT CEREMONIES

WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT CEREMONY?

Firstly, an Independent ceremony or wedding is a celebrant-led ceremony that is very personalised. Typically, an independent celebrant conducts it. You can throw any rule book away, as it is entirely hand-crafted. This way, it reflects your personal beliefs and values. Whats more, the celebrant who conducts the ceremony shares your beliefs and values.

 

ENGLISH LAW FOR CEREMONIES

Generally, in England the church conducts religious ceremonies. Alternatively, a registrar conducts civil ceremonies. Each are conducted with specific rules. Furthermore, both are recognised as legally binding. However, in England independent ceremonies are currently not recognised as legally binding. As a result, they have no rules. So, independent ceremonies and weddings have no rules about how they are conducted. As a result you have complete flexibility to craft your unique independent ceremony. Specifically, it reflect your beliefs, values and personalities.

 

INDEPENDENT OR HUMANIST CELEBRANT

Country house grandeur

To begin with, you set your own rules. Most importantly, your format and your style. Generally, in any room at Huntsham Court. For example, in the grandeur of the Great Hall. What about the book lined Library. Or even the main oak stairwell. This way, you make the rule book about how, when and where your ceremony happens.

INDEPENDENT OR HUMANIST CELBEBRANT

  In the gardens and grounds

Here, our gardens have panoramic sweeping countryside views of Devon. So, you can create your ceremony anywhere. How about, you nestle under the canopy of a 300 year old Spanish Chestnut. Or even, inside our garden dovecote. Or, you are on our wide lawns with the sweeping view as the backdrop.

OTHER OPTIONS

WHAT IS A HUMANIST CEREMONY?

So, Humanism is a school of thought and philosophy within independent ceremonies. But, in itself, it is non-religious. Importantly though, the independent celebrants we have experience of at Huntsham, Court are often happy to merge both religious and secular content. It’s their USP.  Typically, neither the church nor registrars can really do this. So, an independent celebrant can deliver a humanist ceremony. But really they emphasise the independent, personalised ceremony factor.

CEREMONY LEAD BY FAMILY OR FRIENDS

 

Ordinarily,you write your own rule book with an independent ceremony. This way, you can engage a celebrant to lead the proceedings. You can even ask one of your close family or friends to lead the celebrations.  Plus, if you are renewing your vows or have children of any age – they can even be the celebrant! In summary – it’s your day, your way – no compromise.

CANDLE LIT OR AFTER DARK CEREMONY

To begin with, an independent ceremony, unlike church or civil ceremonies,  can be done anytime, anywhere. So, why not after dark by candle light or even outdoors under the stars. Firstly, your rules. Secondly, your style. Lastly, your day or night!

BOLT ON

STAND ALONE CELEBRATION

OR TO COMPLIMENT ANOTHER CEREMONY

Ordinarily, an independent ceremony can be a stand alone celebration of marriage without a church or registrar service. However, some couples who have had a wedding elsewhere (or a smaller marriage celebration during Covid restrictions) have an independent ceremony. They mark their marriage in their own way. So, why not renew your vows, in your own style surrounded by your friends and family.

YOUR INDEPENDENT CELEBRATION ACCOMPANIES A CHURCH WEDDING

For some couples having a legally binding church marriage is important. Sometimes though, they also want to have a more informal ceremony element that embraces their wider beliefs and values. This way, they add a humanist or independent ceremony during their stay. As a result, it is a personal way to mark that celebration. Generally, this can be lead by a recognised independent celebrant or even by close family, friends or children.

YOUR INDEPENDENT CELEBRATION ACCOMPANIES A CIVIL CEREMONY

Usually, civil ceremonies have various rules about where, when and how a marriage is marked. But, some couples like to compliment the legal formality of a civil ceremony with a second more personalised humanist celebration whilst staying. This way, even close family, friends or children  can be lead your ceremony. Or, if you prefer, a recognised independent Celebrant can.

CONTACTS

CONTACTS FOR INDEPENDENT CELEBRANTS

So, if you are thinking of  humanist or independent ceremony, here’s a list of some humanist and independent celebrants that have conducted ceremonies at Huntsham Court:

Frances
Independent Celebrant
 
Kate Ness-Pomroy
Independent Celebrant
 
Kevin Murphy
Independent Celebrant
 
Samantha Kelsie
Celebrant | MC | Event Host
 

ACCOMMODATION

42 BEDROOMS

We can sleep up to 100 guests. Each of our luxury bedrooms is uniquely decorated and include some huge rooms with vaulted ceilings, four poster beds and oodles of space.
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DJs, MUSIC & BANDS

WHEREVER YOU WANT

Our house is licensed for live entertainment, bands, DJs or even just bringing some decks in - so book your fave band or use one of our tried and tested suppliers to rock the house.
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CATERING

FLEXIBILITY

Bring your own caterers or use our catering partners. Total flexibility and no hidden charges.
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