Non-religious celebrant in Gauteng
Meaningful ceremonies for every stage of life
I’m Vanessa Bower, a trained funeral and family officiant and a designated marriage officer (registration CU/399), specialising in non-religious ceremonies. I’m based in Atlasville, Boksburg and create personalised funerals, weddings and baby naming ceremonies for people throughout Gauteng.
Many people today have moved away from organised religion, but still feel the need for ceremony and ritual to mark life’s most important moments. As a life event celebrant, I help you mark those moments in a way that reflects who you are and what you value.
Non-religious ceremonies for life’s milestones
From welcoming a new baby to saying goodbye to someone you love, I offer ceremonies for every stage of life.
Funerals and memorial services
I create non-religious funerals, memorial services and cremation ceremonies that honour your loved one’s life with dignity, warmth and respect. Find out more about my funeral ceremonies.
Weddings, handfastings and vow renewals
From a simple legal signing at my home in Atlasville to a fully personalised ceremony at your chosen venue, I create weddings that reflect your relationship. Find out more about my wedding ceremonies.
Same-sex marriages
As a designated marriage officer under the Civil Union Act, I conduct legally recognised same-sex marriages and civil partnerships. All loves are welcome. Find out more about same-sex marriages.
Baby naming ceremonies
A baby naming ceremony is a joyful, non-religious way to welcome a child into your family and introduce them to the people who will support them as they grow. Find out more about baby naming ceremonies.
Other ceremonies and rites of passage
Interested in something else? I have experience planning and conducting many types of ceremonies and rites of passage. Get in touch to talk through your ideas.
How I plan your ceremony
For each ceremony, I meet with you or your family to discuss what you would like. I gather details about the people involved, talk through readings and music, and co-ordinate with anyone else taking part.
I then write the ceremony and send it to you for approval, so you know exactly what will be said on the day.
Every ceremony is different. Some are full of joy, some carry sorrow, and most hold both. All of them tell your stories. Each one is created with dignity and respect.
What is a non-religious celebrant?
A non-religious, or secular, celebrant creates and leads ceremonies without religious content. Instead of following a set religious script, the ceremony focuses on the people at its heart: their story, their relationships and what matters to them.
A non-religious ceremony can suit people who aren’t religious, families with a mix of beliefs or anyone who simply wants a ceremony that is personal and meaningful.
Why choose Wordways Ceremonies?
- I’m a trained funeral and family officiant who specialises in non-religious ceremonies.
- I’m a marriage officer designated by the Department of Home Affairs under the Civil Union Act, 2006 (registration CU/399).
- I’m registered with the South African Secular Society.
- Every ceremony is written from scratch, around the people it celebrates.
- All couples and families are welcome.
Where I conduct ceremonies
I’m based in Atlasville, Boksburg, and conduct non-religious ceremonies throughout Gauteng.
Frequently asked questions about non-religious ceremonies
Where can I find a non-religious celebrant in Gauteng?
Vanessa Bower of Wordways Ceremonies is a trained funeral and family officiant and a designated marriage officer (CU/399) who specialises in non-religious weddings, funerals and baby naming ceremonies. She is based in Atlasville, Boksburg and conducts ceremonies throughout Gauteng.
What ceremonies do you conduct?
I conduct non-religious weddings, handfastings, vow renewals, same-sex marriages, funerals, memorial services, cremation ceremonies and baby naming ceremonies. I can also create other ceremonies and rites of passage on request.
Can you legally marry us?
Yes. I’m a marriage officer designated by the Department of Home Affairs under the Civil Union Act, 2006 (registration CU/399). I can legally marry all couples and register your marriage with Home Affairs.
Can a non-religious ceremony include family members with religious beliefs?
Yes. Family members and friends are welcome to take part, and we can discuss how to create a ceremony that feels respectful and meaningful to everyone present.
How much does a non-religious ceremony cost?
The cost depends on the type of ceremony, the location and your requirements. A simple legal wedding signing starts from around R2 000, and funeral fees start from R2 700. Please contact me for a quote based on your plans.
Book your non-religious ceremony
Whether you’re planning a wedding, welcoming a new baby or saying goodbye to someone you love, I’d love to help you create a ceremony that feels right for you.
Get in touch or call me on 083 507 3886 to discuss your ceremony.
Vanessa Bower is a Marriage Officer, designated by the Department of Home Affairs in terms of the Civil Union Act, 2006. Reg. number CU/399.
Registered under the South African Secular Society.
