How to Add a Religious Touch to Your Wedding Ceremony (Without Going Full Church!)

You know, the world’s a bit different these days.
We’re all a glorious mix of backgrounds, beliefs, and family traditions - which is beautiful - but when it comes to getting married, things can feel a little… limited.

In the UK, your main options tend to be a religious ceremony or one with a registrar. One or the other. Hymns or no hymns. Church or council. But what about all the wonderful shades of in-between?

That’s where celebrants come in.

What’s the Difference Between a Humanist and an Independent Celebrant?

There are two main types of celebrants - humanist and independent.
I’m an independent celebrant, which means I can include religious elements if you want them (and leave them out if you don’t!).

Honestly, it’s one of my favourite things about this role - helping couples weave subtle nods to their heritage or faith into a ceremony that still feels authentically them.

Because, let’s face it, the world’s more complicated - and more open - than ever. You might come from a family of faith, and your partner might not. Maybe your grandparents were deeply religious, your parents less so, and you… well, perhaps you sang He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands in school once, and that’s about it.

So rather than ignoring those roots, why not give them a gentle nod? (If the want is there!)

Ways to Include Religious or Cultural Touches in Your Ceremony

The Ring Warming

Georgia and Joe’s mum’s exchanging rings at Agreco Farm in Crete. Photo by Me and Georgia.

A beautiful and inclusive ritual where your wedding rings are passed around your guests before you exchange them. Everyone adds a little love, blessing, or prayer. For those of faith, it’s a meaningful way to feel part of your moment; for everyone else, it’s a quiet reflection of love, good vibes and support.

A Classic Reading

F&J’s ceremony at Wild Sauna 2 Swim Photo by Ivy & Pine Photography

A reading like Corinthians 1:13 — “Love is patient, love is kind…” - still hits the heart every single time. It’s timeless, inclusive, and guaranteed to make Grandma smile (and maybe dab a tear).

The “Assembly Hymn” Moment

Here me out on this one... There’s something hilariously nostalgic about everyone bursting into He’s got the Whole World in His Hands. It’s light-hearted, fun (in the 90’s sense), and a little wink to your past - because who didn’t love a singalong in primary school? Bonus points if you can remember the actions!

Jewish Heritage

H&R’s ceremony - Breaking of the Glass! At The Barn at Upcote. Photo by David Grange Photography

If you’ve got Jewish roots - maybe your family cooks all the right foods but isn’t particularly religious - you can still include symbolic moments like the breaking of the glass, or even a big group sing of Hava Nagila! Guaranteed energy, and celebration.

Hindu or Muslim Elements

For couples with Hindu or Muslim backgrounds, simple touches like lighting a diya or candle together, or a short spoken blessing, can add beautiful symbolism - a way to bring light, love, and connection into your ceremony without it feeling formal or traditional.

A Ceremony That Feels Like You

That’s the joy of working with an independent celebrant - your ceremony can reflect all of who you are. It’s not about ticking boxes or following a rulebook. It’s about celebrating your story - the mix of faith, family, laughter, and love that makes you, you.

So whether you want a heartfelt reading, a prayer for Grandma, or a full-blown Cauliflowers Fluffy singalong, we can make it happen - and make it meaningful.

Because your ceremony should feel like you - faith, family, and cauliflower’s fuffy hymns included.