Life Events
Humanism places people and values at the heart of life’s milestones. We offer help and support for life’s most important moments, from planning ahead to celebrating milestones and remembering those we love.
Why it Matters
Life’s milestones remind us that our time is precious. Marking these stages with care and meaning helps us to live fully, support one another, and make choices that reflect our values.
The Humanist Society has partnered with Willed to offer an affordable will-writing service. Professionally drafted by lawyers, your will is legally valid once it has been signed in the presence of two witnesses.
This button should automatically open an email – you can also email us directly at info@humanistsociety.org.au
We have partnered with a number of empathetic, skilled and value aligned funeral directors who are ready to help you navigate every step of the way as you and your loved ones plan your preferred funeral, ceremony and end of life needs.
Mark life’s milestones your way
Living your values in every milestone
Humanist ceremonies place people, not tradition, at the centre — from love and family to loss and remembrance.
Moments that tell the truth of who we are
We honour the passage of life with authenticity, free from religious ritual, grounded in honesty and compassion.
Saying goodbye with dignity and respect
At the end of life, humanist ceremonies focus on truth, memory, and kindness — a farewell that respects the life we have lived.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a ceremony humanist?
A humanist ceremony centres on people, not religion. It focuses on meaning, values, and human connection, without reference to gods, scriptures, or religious tradition.
Humanist ceremonies are thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of our very human lives. They mark important moments by reflecting who you are, what matters to you, and the relationships you value.
Above all, a humanist ceremony is about intention. All humanist ceremonies are carefully crafted to honour life’s milestones in a way that feels authentic, ethical, and genuinely yours.
Do I need to be a humanist to have a humanist ceremony?
No. You do not need to identify as a humanist to have a humanist ceremony.
Many people live thoughtful, ethical, values-driven lives without ever using the word “humanist” to describe themselves. They care about other people, the world we share, and the impact their choices have.
If you are non-religious and are looking for a ceremony that feels meaningful, sincere, and grounded in real values rather than belief, a humanist ceremony is likely to be a good fit. It is about how you live and what matters to you, not the label you choose to wear.
Can you help me to plan a funeral in advance or organise a memorial ceremony?
Yes, we can. Humanists Victoria can help you plan a funeral in advance or organise a memorial ceremony at the time it is needed.
If you submit a general expression of interest, we can guide you through the process and help identify a suitable humanist celebrant based on your preferences, location, and the type of ceremony you are looking for.
We maintain a celebrant directory covering weddings, naming ceremonies, coming of age ceremonies, and other life milestones, as well as a separate listing specifically for funerals and memorial services, including ceremonies to honour beloved pets.
How do I choose the right celebrant?
The right celebrant is someone who listens carefully, understands your values, and can shape a ceremony that feels genuine and respectful. It is less about a particular style and more about finding someone you feel comfortable talking with, especially when discussing personal or emotional moments.
Humanists Victoria can help by suggesting suitable celebrants based on the type of ceremony you are planning, your location, and any specific needs or preferences you have. You can also explore our celebrant directories to read about individual celebrants and the kinds of ceremonies they offer.
A good celebrant will guide you through the process, ask thoughtful questions, and work with you to create a ceremony that truly reflects the people and moments being honoured.
What types of ceremonies does The Humanist Society offer?
Humanists Victoria celebrants offer a wide range of non-religious ceremonies to mark important moments in life. These include weddings, naming ceremonies, coming of age ceremonies, funerals, and memorial services.
You will also find celebrants who can create ceremonies for other meaningful occasions, such as commitment ceremonies, renewals of vows, celebrations of life, and memorials for pets.
All ceremonies are designed to be thoughtful, inclusive, and personal, shaped around your values, relationships, and the meaning you want the occasion to hold.
How do humanist ceremonies differ from religious or more standard civil ceremonies?
Humanist ceremonies are non-religious, but they are more than just a legal or procedural event. They are designed to be meaningful, reflective, and deeply personal, rather than formal or formula-driven.
Unlike religious ceremonies, humanist ceremonies do not rely on scripture, prayer, or belief. Instead, they focus on human values, shared experiences, and the real relationships being honoured.
Compared with standard civil ceremonies, humanist ceremonies allow much greater flexibility. There is often space for personal stories, carefully chosen readings or music, and language that reflects who you are and what matters to you. The result is a ceremony that feels intentional, authentic, and genuinely memorable, not generic or rushed.
I have a question that isn’t covered here – can I speak with someone directly?
Yes. If you have a question or want to talk through your options, you are very welcome to get in touch.
The best way to get in touch is to submit a general enquiry and a member of the Humanists Victoria team will respond as soon as they can. They will also be able to connect you with an appropriate celebrant if that is more useful. We are happy to talk things through and help you find the right next step, without obligation. As we don’t keep regular office hours initial contact via email (info@vichumanist.org.au) or through the contact form is preferred.
As a donor-led, not-for-profit organisation, we exist to support people to make informed, values-based choices, not to push a particular outcome.