Application - Celebrant

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Humanist Celebrant with The Humanist Society!

Our celebrants serve as representatives of humanism in their communities – officiating weddings, memorials, invocations, and milestone ceremonies that are authentic, meaningful and uniquely designed to reflect the people and moments they celebrate.

We look forward to learning more about you and your motivation to serve in this role.

You can review Requirements for this endorsement here:
Humanist Celebrant Endorsement Requirements

About the Process:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and typically take 2-4 weeks to complete. To ensure timely processing, please:

Submit all required information and references
Pay Your Application Fee of $60 Here
Maintain an active American Humanist Association (AHA) membership Here

Application fee and AHA membership must be paid before your application will be considered. To pay by check, make checks payable to “The Humanist Society” and mail it to:

The Humanist Society
1821 Jefferson Place NW
Washington, DC 20036

Process Overview:

Staff review your application, references, and fees

Once you submit your application look for a confirmation of reciept email. This email will include a link to schedule your interview.

Your application and interview summary are reviewed by The Humanist Society Board of Directors

You’ll be notified of the Board’s decision and next steps via email.

The final decision on endorsement is made at the discretion of The Humanist Society Board of Directors, and endorsement may be denied for any reason.

Endorsement Details:

Approved endorsements are renewable in 2 years, then valid for a 5 year period upon additional board review and approval.

Celebrants must have performed at least 2 ceremonies (of any type). Similarly, by the time of your 5 year renewal, Celebrants must have performed at least 5 ceremonies (of any type).

Legal Name

First NameLast Name

Name (If different from Legal Name)

Pronouns

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Email

example@example.com

How did you hear about The Humanist Society?

Group Name

Name of person that referred you

How did you find us?

Are you a member of the American Humanist Association?

How long have you been an AHA Member?

NOTE: AHA membership is a requirement for endorsement, and you will be expected to maintain your membership for as long as you are endorsed with The Humanist Society.

If you are not already an AHA member, please join Here.

Are you a member of an AHA Chapter or Affiliate?

What is the name of your group?

Please describe in detail your involvement with the chapter/affiliate.

Would you be interested in joining one (if available in your area)?

Please describe your current professional, volunteer, or community role(s). (We’re looking for clarity about your background, not just a title)

What is your understanding of humanism (talk about how your values and beliefs align with humanist principles—as expressed in the Humanist Manifesto III and/or The Ten Commitments?

In your own words, how do you define the role of a Humanist Celebrant?

What draws you to this work and why did you choose this endorsement?

What education, work, volunteer, or life experiences have prepared you to serve as a Humanist Celebrant? (Include examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with others, communicate clearly, and represent humanist values in practice)

What aspect of celebrant work are you least comfortable with: Weddings, Memorials, Coming of Age Ceremonies, Other — (please comment)?

Is there anything else you would like us to know about your background, motivation, or readiness to serve as a Humanist Celebrant?

Please provide contact information for three individuals who can speak to your qualifications, ethics, and potential as a Humanist Celebrant.

We Will Not Reach Out To Your References. It is Your Responsibility To Make Sure They Submit A Reference Form On Your Behalf.

References may not be family members (including in-laws), spouses, or significant others. References should be able to affirm the candidate's qualifications as a humanist and potential celebrant.

Note: Ethical Culture Leaders (AEU), Humanist Rabbis (SHJ), Graduates of The Humanist Institute (THI) and members of The Clergy Project (TCP) are not required to fill out references and may proceed to the end of the application to submit. We will reach out to the respective organization to verify your certificate.

If you are a member of, or certified with, any of the below organizations, please check all that apply.

Upload Scans/Photos of your certification/membership with the organization you selected above.

If you are not a member of AEU, SHJ, THI graduate or TCP, please provide references below:

Important Note -
It is your responsibility to provide the link below to the three references that you list.

Celebrant Reference Form

Name

First NameLast Name

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Email

example@example.com

Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):

Name

First NameLast Name

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Email

example@example.com

Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):

Name

First NameLast Name

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Email

example@example.com

Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):

Social Media Disclosure

The Humanist Society’s Ethical Code of Conduct asks all endorsed Celebrants to represent authentic humanism and uphold humanist values in their public and professional presence.

As part of the endorsement process, The Humanist Society may review publicly available information, including professional websites or public social media profiles, to ensure consistency with our Ethical Code of Conduct.

Please share links to any public professional or celebrant-related accounts you would like us to review (optional). Only publicly accessible information will be considered.

You are not required to share personal or private accounts, and you will not be asked for passwords or login information.

Social Media Profile Link

Please confirm the following:

Ethical Code of Conduct

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps.
This email will include a link for you to schedule your virtual interview.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing humanist values through meaningful service.

Humanist Celebrant Endorsement Application

Personal Information

Qualifications & Purpose

REFERENCES

Reference 1

Reference 2

Reference 3

Acknowledgements