Couple feedback
“Warm, funny and really sensitive to what we wanted from our ceremony. He told our story beautifully.”
Ballycastle · Northern Ireland, North of Ireland
John Foley
Humanist Wedding Celebrant
Warm, personal wedding ceremonies, created around the two of you.
Legal humanist marriages in Northern Ireland, North of Ireland, and personal ceremonies and elopements farther afield.
250+weddings conducted
Featured couple feedback
“Warm, funny and really sensitive to what we wanted from our ceremony. He told our story beautifully.”
Their One Fab Day feature also describes the freedom they had to shape a ceremony that felt personal to them.
About John
Experienced, unhurried
and easy to talk to.
John is originally from Scotland and now calls Ballycastle home. After more than 250 weddings, he brings plenty of experience, a calm presence and a good sense of humour to every ceremony.
He knows a wedding ceremony can come with a fair amount of excitement — and, sometimes, a few nerves. John’s job is to make the atmosphere feel relaxed while making sure everything has shape, meaning and room for your personalities.
Warm, gentle, kind and reassuring, he is there to guide the ceremony without ever taking it over. The result should feel well held, personal and entirely at home in your day.
Have a chat with JohnYour ceremony
A ceremony that
sounds like you
There is no set script to fit yourselves into. John works with you to create a ceremony that reflects who you are and how you want the occasion to feel.
That might include your story, personal vows, readings, music, family or friends taking part, a handfasting, the quaich where it feels right, or other meaningful touches. It can be simple or more involved.
Nothing is compulsory. You choose what feels right for you; John offers calm guidance, not a fixed format or a list of traditions to work through.
Your storyPersonal vowsReadings & musicFamily & friendsHandfastingThe quaich
Legal humanist marriages
Clear guidance, without the fuss.
John can conduct legal humanist marriages in Northern Ireland, North of Ireland. He will guide you through the ceremony side of the process and help you understand what you need to arrange.
Every couple’s plans are different, so the practical details are best discussed together early on.
Elopements & intimate weddings
Big wedding or
just the two of you
The importance of a ceremony does not depend on the number of people there to see it.
John conducts intimate ceremonies, elopements and larger celebrations. Based in Ballycastle, he is well placed for thoughtful ceremonies in coastal settings around Dunluce Castle, at wedding venues, gardens and other meaningful places — as well as outdoor humanist ceremonies at places such as Lusty Beg Island — subject to any relevant legal requirements.
He has conducted intimate ceremonies along the North Coast and built strong relationships with photographers and other wedding professionals who have worked alongside him repeatedly. Wherever it happens, the focus stays on the two of you and the moment you are making together.
Ask about an elopementReal ceremonies
Ceremonies in places
that matter.
From intimate coastal moments to outdoor celebrations with family and friends, the setting can be as personal as the words you choose.
250+Weddings conducted
BallycastleHome base
Across Northern Ireland, North of IrelandTravelling to couples and venues
Professional endorsement
“One of the best celebrants in the business.”
Reviews & endorsements
What couples and wedding professionals say
After more than 250 weddings, John has worked with hundreds of couples and alongside many of Northern Ireland’s, North of Ireland’s, wedding professionals.
Professional endorsements
“One of the best celebrants in the business.”
“One of the best out there and we love to work alongside him.”
“One of the best officiants we have seen at a wedding.”
More couple feedback
Personal, relaxed and full of your story.
“John is amazing to work with; he made our wedding ceremony perfect. We had so many compliments, as he made it very ‘us’. It was a great day, and he made my husband and I feel totally at ease. Thanks again for a brilliant day John 😊”
“We just wanted to say a huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our day one to remember. You really captured both of our journeys and told our story better than we could have ever imagined. We had so many comments from our friends and family about the ceremony and about you! Thank you again, love from Claire and Gavin.”
“Thank you so much for everything at our wedding. Everyone has spoken about how great the ceremony was. Best wishes, Fiona and Karen.”
“Dear John, Thanks you so much for your wonderful ceremony at our special day. The script perfectly captured our relationship and was delivered in a relaxed, often humorous manner. We loved it! Thank you for your kindness and understanding; we could not have had a more lovely celebrant. Love from Louis and Jools.”
“John kept us calm and in touch with everything… he brought our service together so tastefully, and just exactly what we wanted!”
How it works
A straightforward way
to get started.
- 01
Get in touch
Tell John your wedding date, venue and a little about what you are planning.
- 02
Have a chat
John gets to know you and finds out what you would like your ceremony to feel like.
- 03
Create your ceremony
Develop the ceremony together, with guidance on vows, readings, music and any personal or symbolic elements you want.
- 04
Get married
John conducts your ceremony and, where applicable, your legal humanist marriage.
FAQs
A few useful
things to know.
Still wondering about something? The easiest thing is to get in touch and ask.
Ask John a questionCan John legally marry us?
John can conduct legal humanist marriages in Northern Ireland, North of Ireland. He can talk you through the ceremony side and what you need to arrange for your plans.
Where does John conduct weddings?
John is based in Ballycastle and conducts ceremonies across Northern Ireland, North of Ireland, at venues and meaningful locations.
Does John travel?
Yes. John travels to couples and wedding venues. Share your location when you enquire and he can talk through the plans with you.
Can we have an outdoor ceremony?
Outdoor ceremonies can be a lovely choice where appropriate. Tell John what you have in mind so you can discuss the setting and any relevant requirements.
Can we include a handfasting?
Yes. A handfasting can be included if it feels right for you, alongside any other elements you would like to make part of the ceremony.
Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely. Personal vows are one of the optional ways a ceremony can sound more like the two of you.
Can family and friends take part?
Yes. Readings, music and contributions from family or friends can be included if you would like them to be.
Do we have to include symbolic elements?
No. Nothing is compulsory. You can keep the ceremony simple or add meaningful elements; the choice is yours.
Does John conduct elopements?
Yes. John conducts elopements and intimate weddings as well as larger celebrations.
How far in advance should we enquire?
It is worth getting in touch as soon as you have a date in mind. John can then let you know whether he is available.
How do we find out John’s fee?
Please contact John with your date, venue and a little about your plans. He will come back to you with the relevant information.
Contact
Tell me what
you’re planning
If you have a date in mind, tell me a little about the two of you and what you are planning. I will come back to you and let you know whether I am available.
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