The wedding ceremony reflects the humanistic values of the Ethical Humanist Society and the joy and significance of the occasion. The focus is on the couple—their values, commitments, and styles—and on the ideals of Ethical Humanism as they pertain to marriage. Ethical Humanism wedding ceremonies express a warm and simple dignity, with values and personalism that can be appreciated by all.
A successful way of giving the ceremony this personal dimension is by inviting the couple to collaborate with the officiant or leader in its creation and by recommending concepts to be included in the presentation. Couples often include in the ceremony some of the following: a greeting to guests; brief talks by friends/relatives; an instrumental or vocal piece; a ceremony within the ceremony such as lighting a candle, drinking wine from a common goblet, composing and speaking personal vows; etc.
Typically Jackie or Joy meets twice with the couple being married prior to the rehearsal (if there is one) and wedding day and works with them to develop a ceremony that is uniquely their own, representing their commitment to each other.
Ethical Humanist Society wedding ceremonies are humanistic ceremonies and therefore do not include prayer or theistic references. Ethnic and cultural traditions expressing the backgrounds of the couple may be factored into the ceremony.
Ethical Humanist officiants and leaders are committed to the legalization of gay and lesbian marriage. We welcome same-sex couples for “ceremonies of commitment” in the absence of legal sanctions.
Jackie Simms – Ethical Culture Officiant (licensed by the American Ethical Union) and Humanist Celebrant (licensed by the American Humanist Association) performs wedding (and other significant life event) ceremonies. For more information, contact her at (828) 687-7759 or email: EHSAsheville@gmail.com.
Honoraria for Jackie’s officiating are direct contributions to the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Joy McConnell – Ethical Culture Leader (licensed by the American Ethical Union) also performs wedding (and other significant life event) ceremonies. For more information, contact her at (828) 808-4710 or email: JoyElayne@aol.com.
Joy contributes a portion of the officiating charge to the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville.
Both Jackie and Joy offer beautiful and memorable weddings and ceremonies.
