The tailored nature of humanist weddings is a big factor behind their surge in popularity, a leading radio presenter has said.

New figures from the CSO today show there were 1,711 humanist weddings in Ireland last year, 8.1% of all ceremonies.

Religious ceremonies accounted for 60% of all ceremonies and 32% were civil marriages.

On The Hard Shoulder today, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio host, Ruth Scott said she was “really surprised” by some of the CSO figures.

“I had a look back at CSO statistics and noticed in 1973, 96% of marriages in Ireland were Catholic and that has more than halved in 50 years," she said.

“I’m not surprised to see that, I’m nearly surprised to see they still conduct as many as they do.”

Options

Ms Scott, who is also a humanist wedding celebrant, said there are three categories of wedding ceremonies in Ireland.

“There’s a civil ceremony that is conducted by someone from the HSE - a civil servant,” she said.

“Then you have a religious ceremony; everything from Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist – they are all religious categories.

“The third is humanist which is the only secular wedding option in Ireland outside the HSE.”

Happy bride and groom smiling after a wedding.

Ms Scott said a humanist ceremony can have something for everyone.

“Even though humanist weddings aren’t religious, there is a real tolerance and inclusiveness for those of faith and those with none,” she said.

“Everyone is made feel welcome and that’s important for couples as well as they want it to be personal to them – tailored to them.

“There’s also no religion in it so we don’t refer to any Gods or religions, it’s all about the couples.”
The humanist celebrant said their weddings can be held in any location.

Location freedoms

Ms Scott said the freedom of location with humanist ceremonies attracts couples.

“On a technicality, it has to be in a building typically open to the public,” she said.

“For instance, you could technically be married in the aisle of Tesco or SuperValu, a library, or a coffee shop.

“Location is a really strong point in why people want a humanist, non-religious wedding, as there are gorgeous options.

“There are so many beautiful venues like old country houses that have been adapted to become all-in wedding destinations and it’s all there for you.”

Some 21,159 couples tied the knot in Ireland last year.

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Main image: An outdoor wedding. Image: Kay Roxby / Alamy Stock Photo