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Services
Doug Van Curen (aka "Van") of Boise is an ordained and practicing Humanist Celebrant. Van will perform Humanist weddings, commitment ceremonies, rites of passage celebrations, and funerals, customized to the needs and desires of the participants.
For more information on services and options, contact Van at: van@idaho.humanists.net, or visit
Moments & Milestones Family Celebrations
Humanist Weddings: As opposed to many religious services which are inherently sexist, Humanist ceremonies are built upon equality, love and respect between the bride and groom. A successful Humanist marriage thrives on the efforts of the couple, not on the intervention of a supernatural being or power.
Commitment Ceremonies: Humanists and Humanist Celebrants adhere to ethics and principles which assert that all adults, whatever their religious preference or sexual orientation, have the right to form committed loving relationships, and to acknowledge the significance of those relationships with ceremony and celebration.
Rites of Passage: Rites of passage ceremonies acknowledge and celebrate crucial transitions in life, such as: birth, child-naming, graduation, marriage, and re-birth through the cycle of new life.
Funeral Ceremonies: Humanists use the word "ceremony" rather than "service," as we see it as an occasion to celebrate a human life and to provide mutual support and comfort for the living, rather than as a "service" to a deity.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Humanist ceremony?
A Humanist ceremony is one that shows respect for both the bride and groom. The vows are personal, often specially written just for the couple. The ceremony reflects the equality of the couple, compassion, mutual trust, and respect. The basis of the Humanist marriage rests on the efforts and relationship of the couple, not on a supernatural being or power.
What is a Humanist Celebrant?
The function of a Humanist Celebrant is identical to that of a minister, clergyperson, pastor, priest, or rabbi. Counseling of a pastoral kind is necessary for preparing a wedding or memorial. This is common to the practice of all clergy, and a Humanist Celebrant is expected to help clients sort out questions about ethics and morals as they apply to Humanism. In no case, however, unless a Humanist Celebrant is otherwise certified or licensed in a helping profession, i.e. psychology, clinical social work, family or marriage counseling, etc, should he or she cross the line into those fields requiring state licensure.
Who ordains a Humanist Celebrant?
We are aware of two organizations that ordain humanist celebrants:
Does the State of Idaho recognize marriages performed by Humanist Celebrants?
Yes. The State of Idaho recognizes Humanist wedding ceremonies and weddings performed by Humanist Celebrants certified by either of the above organizations.
