Katherine Hunter does not just officiate weddings; she builds them. Working as a humanist celebrant, she creates ceremonies that reflect the values, identities, and relationships of the couples she works with, often outside the bounds of religious tradition. In a space historically shaped by faith, Hunter’s work offers something different: ceremonies grounded not in doctrine, but in human connection.

In conversation with the American Humanist Association, Hunter spoke about how she found her way into this work, what it means to create meaningful secular ceremonies, and why humanism often resonates with couples, even when they don’t name it.

How did you become a celebrant?

I happened to be coming out of a period of not being employed, and celebrant work just neatly fit a skill set of mine. I’m comfortable with public speaking, I’m comfortable with writing, and I’m very curious about how people see the world and make sense of it. I’m also very drawn to emotional intelligence. Those things ended up being really strong assets. That’s kind of how I got my start.

What drew you specifically to secular ceremonies?

Most of my clients are non-religious, though I do sometimes work with interfaith couples who want neutral ground. I also hear from people who describe themselves as more “spiritual than religious.” What’s really important to me is that people who don’t want faith or religion to be part of their wedding still have something that feels meaningful – that has the same gravity and significance that religious ceremonies have developed over time. I don’t think non-religious couples deserve any less.

What role do rituals play in a non-religious ceremony?

There are so many rituals, even outside religion. You could view the ceremony itself as a ritual – it takes people from one state of being into another. There are also cultural rituals that don’t have religious content. I’ve incorporated traditions from different cultures, like Korean wedding customs or Celtic practices, that carry meaning without requiring faith-based language.

I’m very careful about language. I don’t use the word “God,” and I don’t present myself as clergy. But there are many ways to create something meaningful and symbolic without religion.

How do you navigate situations where religion comes up in the process?

I screen for compatibility pretty early. I make it clear that I specialize in non-religious ceremonies. Sometimes couples aren’t religious themselves, but a family member wants something included. In those cases, I might suggest inviting that person to do a reading. That allows space for that element without requiring me to present something I don’t believe in.

I think one of the most important parts of being a celebrant is meeting people where they are.

What has been one of the most meaningful experiences in your work?

I worked with a couple – one Chinese-American, one Pakistani-American – who initially planned to elope because one family didn’t support the relationship. They ended up deciding to have a ceremony, and I worked with them to create something really special.

On the day of the wedding, the disapproving family showed up uninvited, not as a supportive presence. Moments like that stay with me. When a couple is facing resistance from the world around them, I feel very protective. I want to make sure they feel celebrated and honored.

Being trusted with that kind of moment—it’s a privilege.

What is the most important part of your role during a ceremony?

It’s the moment itself—standing there with a couple, holding space for them. They’re nervous, they’re excited. You can hear their breath catch, see the tears forming. It’s incredibly

intimate. It never gets old. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, emails, drafts, logistics, but that moment is why I do it.

How does humanism shape your work?

Very few people actually come to me because I’m a humanist celebrant. Most of them haven’t even heard of humanism. But they are looking for something that aligns with humanist values. They want something personal. They don’t want faith at the center of their ceremony. They don’t want a script written hundreds of years ago, they want something that reflects who they are.

So even if they don’t use the word, they’re often drawn to what humanism offers. I’m happy to identify myself as a humanist, but I don’t want to impose it. One of the reasons I don’t like religion is the proselytization, I don’t want to replicate that in my own work.

What makes someone a good celebrant?

You need to be comfortable speaking publicly, or at least willing to learn. You need to be detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage a lot of moving parts. But more than anything, you need strong interpersonal skills. You have to be open-minded and willing to accept that people define their relationships in different ways.

Not everyone wants the same kind of ceremony. My ideal couple – someone who wants to be fully vulnerable – is actually pretty rare. Most people want something different, and it’s my job to meet them where they are and make them feel comfortable.

Katherine Hunter’s work reflects a quiet but significant shift in how people approach ceremony, commitment, and meaning. In place of tradition for tradition’s sake, she offers something more adaptable – something built around the people at the center of it. And in doing so, she demonstrates what humanism often looks like in practice: not a label, but a way of meeting others with care, flexibility, and respect.

You can connect with Katherine and learn more about her work at katherinehuntercelebrant.com.