Is it OK to admit that even though I’m a Humanist celebrant – a purveyor of non-religious celebrations – I love a chapel ceremony?! Can I say that?! I’m going to risk it, because Charlotte and Josh’s Humanist wedding at Sudeley Castle, in it’s stunning 15th century chapel, was a real highlight of my summer season.

They came to me with a brief that was refreshingly specific. Number one; they wanted their ceremony to be romantic, full of laughter but with absolutely no cheese. And number two; they wanted to honour the chapel setting with appropriate gravitas, without tipping into being stuffy or overly formal. So (as always!) I chose every word of the ceremony with care. Each joke I wrote was countered with equal parts sincerity so that it felt beautifully balanced.

Why a chapel can be perfect for a Humanist wedding ceremony

Arriving on their wedding day, I knew I had something special to share. But what I hadn’t anticipated was just how their ceremony would come to life in that space.

One hundred and three guests packed the chapel to the brim, filling not only the pews in front but the choir stalls behind us too. That snug, wrap-around arrangement, all enveloped by thick stone walls that had played witness to hundreds of years of ceremonies, created such a feeling of intimacy. I ummed and ahhed about using the pulpit for Charlotte and Josh’s story. Would it feel too vicar-y? But there’s something about that elevated position – not only does it lend itself to the gravitas they wanted, it’s also the perfect spot to look out and watch how each and every moment lands. And I actually enjoyed the juxtaposition of telling this very real, very human love story from a vantage point usually reserved for sermon and prayer.

A snippet of their love story

“On their first date, Charlotte, fed up with wasting her time on men who didn’t fit her values, presented Josh with a 10 question quiz to assess his suitability. But funny as it sounds, she really wasn’t testing him superficially. Those 10 questions covered the absolute essentials of compatibility – everything from socio-political leanings and trans rights to wine drinking! Even Josh admitted that while he was amused by her methods, he admired the efficiency of it all. And her assertiveness was actually quite hot! Right from the off, they established that they were on the same page – they were coming at life from the same angle and with a really similar set of values.”

Readings, Vows and Personal Touches

There were two beautiful readings, The Invitation which felt like the perfect counterpart to Charlotte’s first date quiz! And and extract from The Amber Spyglass, a Philip Pullman book they both loved.

Charlotte and Josh shared what they loved about each other and wrote their own vows. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Before the ceremony, guests wrote down why they thought Charlotte and Josh were a perfect match, so we shared some of their words and insights.

And Nero String Quartet provided a beautiful musical thread, opening and closing the ceremony in style.

“Our ceremony changed from being the element of the wedding we were most unsure about to perhaps our favourite part. The amount of guests who said it was the best they’d ever attended was amazing!

Laura was an incredible listener during our interview with her – an informal chat over a glass of wine – and delivered the perfect script in version 1. We are still blown away by how much she heard us and saw us in such a short space of time.”

After the ceremony, guests spilled out into the castle’s walled garden for a champagne reception, soundtracked by a live jazz band.

Excellent fellow wedding suppliers

The whole wedding was planned to perfection by Georgie: https://www.luxweddingplanner.co.uk/

Photography by lovely https://www.jessicawilliams.photography/

If you’re planning a Humanist wedding at Sudeley Castle, come say hi!