Humanist weddings in Northern Ireland have likely outnumbered those conducted by the three main Protestant denominations for the first time, according to figures shared by Northern Ireland Humanists. 
 
Preliminary data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) suggests that 1,113 humanist weddings took place in 2024, around 15 per cent of the total 7,251 ceremonies.  

In comparison, the combined number of Presbyterian, Church of Ireland and Methodist weddings was 1,080. 
 
The rise marks a significant cultural shift in Northern Ireland’s traditionally religious marriage landscape. Humanist ceremonies only became legally recognised in 2018, following a landmark court case brought by model Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O’Kane. 
 
Boyd Sleator of Northern Ireland Humanists said that the figures show that “more couples want a ceremony that reflects their personal values”. 

“Gone is the era when the population could be stereotyped as entirely Protestant or Catholic,” he added. 
 
Humanists UK described Northern Ireland as a “trailblazer” in legalising non-religious marriages, with growth now outpacing even Scotland, where humanist weddings were recognised two decades ago. 
 
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, urged England and Wales to follow suit, where legal recognition is still pending.  

Official NISRA figures are expected to be published in November.