Music for a Humanist Wedding Ceremony

Jean Barrett Quinn
Jan 20
3 min read

written by guest blogger - Emily-Rose Weddings

Emily-Rose is a talented musician and singer from Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has been performing at weddings for over 15 years. This has awarded her the opportunity of working with hundreds of couples and visiting some of the most wonderful venues across this island and indeed, the world. She is an authority on wedding ceremony music and has shared some of her insights below.

Where Music Weaves Through a Humanist Ceremony

So, you’re having a Humanist wedding ceremony? Fantastic! I too chose a Humanist ceremony myself back in December 2020, so what follows is a blend of both personal and professional insight when it comes to planning your ceremony music.

Humanist ceremonies are wonderfully personal and, by their very nature, non-religious. There are no rigid rules to follow - only heartfelt moments thoughtfully shaped around your unique story. When choosing your music, every lyric, note and melody has the potential to reflect and express meaning that words alone sometimes cannot.

Music can naturally flow throughout several key moments of a Humanist wedding ceremony:

Guest arrival - setting the atmosphere as loved ones gather
Entrance of the wedding party - marking the transition into the ceremony
Signing of the register - creating space for reflection
Exit as newlyweds - a joyful, celebratory close

Each musical choice plays a role in shaping the emotional journey of the ceremony.

Symbolic Elements and Musical Pairings

Many couples also choose to include symbolic elements within their Humanist ceremony, such as hand-fasting, sand-pouring, or planting a tree. These moments can be beautifully paired with a meaningful song or with gentle instrumental guitar, allowing the symbolism to unfold naturally while music quietly supports the emotion of the ceremony.

Why Music Matters in a Humanist Wedding

During a Humanist wedding, music is never merely transactional and it certainly doesn’t need to be predictable or traditional. Instead, it has the power to evoke memories, elicit deeper emotion between you both, and create meaningful connections with the loved ones gathered in the room.

Real Humanist Ceremony Music Examples

As one couple stood for their hand-fasting ritual, and family members placed their personalised ribbons around their hands, I sang Caledonia, a subtle yet deeply meaningful nod to the groom’s Scottish heritage and to the family gathered there to witness it.

Another couple chose to include a standalone song within their ceremony, taking a moment to sit together and simply listen alongside their guests as I sang Stand by Me. The song was chosen for its connection to their shared love of 1960s music — something they discovered together on their very first date.

Finally, during an intimate vow renewal, the couple shared with me the song they considered their song. In collaboration with the wonderful Jean Barrett Quinn (who was also my own Humanist celebrant) we quietly planned something a little special.

With lyrics discreetly placed among the guests, the ceremony unfolded into a collective sing-along of Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven Is a Place on Earth. It was, quite simply, epic.

Image by Kat Mervyn Photography

Final Thoughts on Humanist Ceremony Music

A Humanist ceremony is all about you; your story, your love, your way.

From the moment you walk in, to that joyful first walk out as newlyweds, the right music can make every moment unforgettable.

If you’re currently planning your Humanist wedding ceremony music and would love a singer who approaches it with care, intention, and a deeply personal touch, I would be delighted to be part of your wedding day team.