Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Carrigaline, Co Cork
Hailing from Kilkenny, I have made Cork my home for over 15 years with my wife Louise, and two lurchers. I sing with Choral Con Fusion and play ukulele with Shandon Ukulele Ensemble. I am a vegan, love gardening and am an active member of the Cork Humanist group. Having studied Theology in college, I taught for 17 years in a secondary school in Dublin, followed by 10 years in Adult Education in Cork. Today, I celebrate life’s milestones as a Humanist Celebrant accredited by the Humanist Association.
As a Humanist celebrant, I specialize in creating non-religious, legal wedding ceremonies that center on your unique love story and shared values. Unlike traditional religious ceremonies, a Humanist wedding with me is truly personal and can take place at a time convenient for you. I craft tailored ceremonies that reflect your journey, making your celebration meaningful and inclusive.
In your ceremony, we can include readings, music, and personal vows that genuinely reflect who you are as a couple. You may choose to incorporate symbolic rituals like Celtic Hand Fasting, Drinking from a Quaich, or a Sand Ceremony to represent your new union. I also welcome including children, family members, friends, and even pets to make it a warm, joyful celebration.
If you want to celebrate your love story your way, I'm here to help make it happen. Let's create a ceremony that truly reflects your values and your love. Contact me now if you'd like a chat.
Reviews of Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
5.0
28 reviews
Quality of service
5.0
Value
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Flexibility
5.0
Professionalism
5.0
Sort by
Lyndsey Rellis
5.0
Married on 19th Jan 2025
Sarah was the celebrant at our wedding recently and I can't praise her enough. The whole ceremony was so personal,so relaxed and our guests are still talking about it. Sarah made us feel completely at ease, and we enjoyed every minute of our wedding. It was all about us, and we were able to include both our kids, both human and furry! We would 100% recommend Sarah.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much for this amazing review, Lyndsey. I really loved being part of your journey and helping you celebrate your special day. It was gorgeous! x
Added 4th Feb 2025
Kirsty & Jay
5.0
Married on 30th Aug 2024
We are so happy that we chose Sarah as the celebrant for our wedding in West Cork. She is absolutely made for this role, she was such a pleasure to deal with from the very beginning. She made the whole experience so wonderful and fun. Our ceremony was so personal to us. She put so much effort into speaking with us in the build up to our wedding to get to know us as a couple and this really showed in our final ceremony draft. She was so helpful and great at sharing advice, having done weddings previously at our venue. I couldn't recommend Sarah more to anyone looking for a wedding celebrant. Thank you so much again Sarah for being such a big part of our day x
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you, Kirsty, very much for this amazing review. I am delighted that we worked so well together. It was lovely being part of your gorgeous wedding and getting to know you both. Take care. X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Deborah & David
5.0
Married on 4th Aug 2024
Sarah is amazing! We're so glad we found her to officiate as our marriage celebrant. Sarah brings a lot to the table and tops it off with true warmth and caring. She helped us craft the most beautiful ceremony with heart, soul, and a little dash of humor. Even the octagenarian (and quite catholic) aunts and uncles were impressed. Not to mention, she's a true professional - very organized, with great communication. I highly recommend Sarah. She's a gem!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you, David, for your very kind words. I'm so happy that the ceremony was enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. I just loved being part of it all and travelling a small part of the journey with you. I wish you and Deborah all the very best for the next chapter of your lives together. x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Frank & Olivia
5.0
Married on 27th Jul 2024
Sarah brought warmth, calmness and beauty to our wedding ceremony. She is a celebrant apt for any humorous moments in your ceremony but also has an easy authority which lends gravitas to your special occasion in a relaxed way. She listened closely to our ideas, constructed a beautiful ceremony around them, and was a warm, respectful and encouraging presence throughout the ceremony itself. To have her leading us and our ceremony made a huge difference to our experience and we are grateful for the care that she showed. Don’t hesitate to have Sarah as celebrant of your wedding!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much, Frank and Olivia. This just made my day! It was really great working with you both. I loved being your celebrant. I wish you both and your amazing girls all the best. X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Yvonne & Brian
5.0
Married on 26th Jul 2024
Sarah's profile was the first I read when googling "celebrants cork" I read a few afterwards but I kept been drawn back to theirs and we were so incredibly fortune that they were free and agreed to officiant our small family wedding! We were very last minute with everything and probably at times lacked urgency but Sarah kept us on the path and moving through the checklist with ease, grace and patience. I can't put into works the positive impact they had on our day. Sarah's energy and approach was so wonderful and they provided a really detailed list of things we could include (do the knot tie, it's amazing!) Brian and I are so grateful to Sarah for officiating our wedding and making everyone feel relaxed as well as helping capture what we wanted from the day! If you can get Sarah you won't regret it!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thanks a million for the amazing feedback, Yvonne! It was really great to work with you both. I loved your intimate ceremony with your closest people beside you. It felt really special! Best of luck with the next bright chapter of your lives! Sarah -she/her ;-) x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Ken & Nicole
5.0
Married on 15th Jun 2024
Sarah is a truly unique and exceptional celebrant! Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine passion for creating personalized ceremonies made her a standout. From the moment we connected, Sarah, we knew she was the celebrant for us. She listened carefully to our story and crafted a ceremony that was uniquely ours—filled with heartfelt moments about our journey as a couple while also imbuing the ceremony with a deep sense of meaning. Her attention to detail and her ability to capture the essence of our love was simply remarkable. Sarah approached our day with sensitivity and grace, taking time to recognise those who were no longer with us. Most importantly for us however, Sarah went out of her way to respect our values and wishes so that the whole occasion felt uniquely "us". She was a large part of what made our day unforgettable and we received so many compliments afterwards about her work from our family and friends. We highly recommend her services and we will be using her again for future milestones!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Wow! Thank you, Ken, so much for this fantastic recommendation. I really appreciate you taking the time and writing such a detailed review. I am really delighted that you were so happy. I loved every minute of it all! Thank you so much! X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Brian & Jessica
5.0
Married on 7th Jun 2024
What an experience, Sarah was so brilliant on our day. Everyone was at ease. A beautiful celebrant and so easy going.
The ceremony was very inclusive and we couldn't have wished for anyone else to start us on our journey as man and wife....
The ceremony was very inclusive and we couldn't have wished for anyone else to start us on our journey as man and wife....
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Brian, thank you so much! It was such a fantastic day- so much fun and so full of love! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a glowing review. X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Michelle & John
5.0
Married on 3rd Jun 2024
Sarah was simply incredible for the whole process. Super patient, kind, witty and made everything super easy. Couldn't recommend her enough.
For a celebrant that really engages with you, and creates a wonderful experience, book Sarah!
For a celebrant that really engages with you, and creates a wonderful experience, book Sarah!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Ah Michelle! It was such a great day! I loved working with you and John. Thank you so much for your fabulous review. i really appreciate it. x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Lee & Niamh
5.0
Married on 18th May 2024
We couldn’t have been happier to have Sarah as the celebrant at our wedding. Not only was she open to any ideas we had but she was also a fun, calming presence on the day itself.
Everyone commented how great the ceremony was! Especially, the hand fasting and cocktail ceremonies.
Everyone commented how great the ceremony was! Especially, the hand fasting and cocktail ceremonies.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much, Lee and Niamh. It really was such a special day and great fun too. I loved being your celebrant and wish you both all the love in the world!
Added 28th Jan 2025
Megan & Jamie
5.0
Married on 19th Apr 2024
Sarah is the guarantee you need to make sure your ceremony runs the way you need it to.
Sarah performed my ceremony and even without any rehearsal made it seem like me and my husband knew what we were doing (and we didn't). More importantly Sarah made it so personal and prioritised making us feel so special on the day.
You can take my word for it ...
I'm expecting my first baby In December and will be getting Sarah for the name day.
Thank you for everything on my special day in April Sarah and see you next year!!
Sarah performed my ceremony and even without any rehearsal made it seem like me and my husband knew what we were doing (and we didn't). More importantly Sarah made it so personal and prioritised making us feel so special on the day.
You can take my word for it ...
I'm expecting my first baby In December and will be getting Sarah for the name day.
Thank you for everything on my special day in April Sarah and see you next year!!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Ah, Megan and Jamie! Thank you so much for your very kind words. We had such a beautiful day! I am so thrilled for you and your new addition in December and am chuffed that I can be part of these celebrations too. Thank you!❤️
Added 28th Jan 2025
Niamh & Thomas
5.0
Married on 24th Nov 2023
We booked Sarah for our Civil Ceremony in the Killarney heights Hotel, she was absolutely amazing and made it so easy for us, very friendly Would highly recommend, 5 Star.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much, Thomas. It really was such a gorgeous occasion. I appreciate you taking the time to write a review for me. x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Rory & Katie
5.0
Married on 9th Sep 2023
We could not recommend Sarah highly enough! She came recommended to us by another celebrant whose own Wedding Sarah officiated.
Sarah was brilliant from start to finish, so easy to deal with and had lots of great advice to make our day special.
Sarah was brilliant from start to finish, so easy to deal with and had lots of great advice to make our day special.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you, Rory. I really appreciate your feedback. I absolutely loved being part of your celebrations. Take care. x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Aoife & David
5.0
Married on 7th Sep 2023
Sarah performed our wedding humanist ceremony this September. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful ceremony. We had worked closely with Sarah in the months before and this was a very easy going and enjoyable process. Sarah ensured that the ceremony was relaxed, enjoyable and very personable. On the day, so many guests remarked on how lovely the ceremony was. We couldn’t recommend Sarah more for a humanist wedding ceremony. Thank you again so much Sarah, we will always remember that special day.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thanks a million, Aoife, for your very kind words. Great memories of your gorgeous wedding in the sunshine!
Added 28th Jan 2025
Damien & Carol
5.0
Married on 1st Sep 2023
From our first meeting with Sarah we knew we had made the right choice of celebrant for our wedding. Sarah helped to demystify the whole process in a friendly and warm manner.
Sarah guided us through some possible and common options for various parts of the ceremony and gave support and guidance throughout the planning phase, while leaving us entirely in control of designing the ceremony that we wanted.
On the day, Sarah was extremely professional and helped to keep us and the guests relaxed and content throughout. Her ceremony was very tasteful, with a perfect balance of warmth, love, sentiment and humour. Many of our guests have and continue to comment on how much they enjoyed the ceremony and specifically describe how much they liked Sarah.
We could not be happier, and Sarah will always represent a very special part of our lives.
Sarah guided us through some possible and common options for various parts of the ceremony and gave support and guidance throughout the planning phase, while leaving us entirely in control of designing the ceremony that we wanted.
On the day, Sarah was extremely professional and helped to keep us and the guests relaxed and content throughout. Her ceremony was very tasteful, with a perfect balance of warmth, love, sentiment and humour. Many of our guests have and continue to comment on how much they enjoyed the ceremony and specifically describe how much they liked Sarah.
We could not be happier, and Sarah will always represent a very special part of our lives.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much for your very detailed feedback. I’m so happy that you enjoyed your wedding ceremony so much. It really was a very special day. I loved every minute of it. X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Maggie Walsh & Michael o Regan
5.0
Married on 25th Aug 2023
Sarah was our celebrant in August 2023 in 10 Bridge Street, a lovely intimate venue in Kilorglin, Co Kerry.
from the moment we had out first contact with Sarah, i knew she would give a beautiful ceremony, and she did!
she pushed us out of our comfort zone by asking some lovely questions about each other which were included in the ceremony and made it very personal to us and all our family.
she was there on the day to calm Michael down beforehand, chatted to everyone and made everyone very relaxed...which was the way id describe the whole ceremony.
Sarah is warm, kind and very genuine person. She honesty made our day and we cant thank her enough. ifs she's not booked out you'd be lucky to include her in your big day. thanks a mil Sarah
from the moment we had out first contact with Sarah, i knew she would give a beautiful ceremony, and she did!
she pushed us out of our comfort zone by asking some lovely questions about each other which were included in the ceremony and made it very personal to us and all our family.
she was there on the day to calm Michael down beforehand, chatted to everyone and made everyone very relaxed...which was the way id describe the whole ceremony.
Sarah is warm, kind and very genuine person. She honesty made our day and we cant thank her enough. ifs she's not booked out you'd be lucky to include her in your big day. thanks a mil Sarah
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much, Maggie, for such a detailed and generous review. I really appreciate your kind words. We had such a great day, full of wonderful memories. Thank you. X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Anna & Richard
5.0
Married on 15th Jul 2023
Sarah was a fantastic celebrant. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to be part of our big day.
She is highly organised and supported us through the preparation and planning stages. She provided recommendations and options to help us incorporate elements to our wedding that truly mattered to us.
She brought a calm warmth to the ceremony which made it a very relaxed and enjoyable part of our day. Many guests commented on how personal and unique our ceremony was.
We couldn’t recommend Sarah more highly to other couples!
She is highly organised and supported us through the preparation and planning stages. She provided recommendations and options to help us incorporate elements to our wedding that truly mattered to us.
She brought a calm warmth to the ceremony which made it a very relaxed and enjoyable part of our day. Many guests commented on how personal and unique our ceremony was.
We couldn’t recommend Sarah more highly to other couples!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you for the wonderful review, Anna. I'm delighted you were so happy with it all. I loved being on the journey with you both. x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Kevin & Cathal
5.0
Married on 6th May 2023
Sarah guided us through every step of the ceremony process with encouragement and experience, and gave us all the information and inspiration we needed to make the ceremony our own.
On the day itself, she was a reassuring presence beforehand to make sure we knew everything was going to plan and we had nothing to worry about. She delivered our ceremony with a perfect combination of warmth, humour and love.
Every guest commented on how special she made our day. I have already recommended Sarah to many couples looking for a celebrant, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend her to anyone else
On the day itself, she was a reassuring presence beforehand to make sure we knew everything was going to plan and we had nothing to worry about. She delivered our ceremony with a perfect combination of warmth, humour and love.
Every guest commented on how special she made our day. I have already recommended Sarah to many couples looking for a celebrant, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend her to anyone else
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much for your very kind words, Kevin. It was fantastic being your celebrant! You’re such a gorgeous couple and I loved being part of your love story! X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Roslyn & Stephen
5.0
Married on 20th Apr 2023
Couldn't recommend Sarah more! So helpful, patient and a great guide through the whole process. Really makes the effort to ensure you're happy and comfortable.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
What a beautiful day we had in the sunshine! It was great to be part of the wonderful journey with you. Thanks for your kind words. X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Aoife & Urse
5.0
Married on 1st Apr 2023
Sarah, you were beyond amazing. We really can’t thank you enough for all of it. Thank you for all of the time and effort that you put in to helping us craft the ceremony that was right for us and then helping us relax enough to enjoy it!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Aoife, it was so good to be part of your amazing day. You are made for each other. Thank you for your very kind words. ❤️
Added 28th Jan 2025
Scott & Laura
5.0
Married on 27th Jan 2023
Sarah was a fantastic part of our ceremony experience. Sarah provided us with the confidence to realize our dream day and the crowd of family loved Sarah to!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much for your kind words. We had such a lovely day. Great memories!
Added 28th Jan 2025
Vicky & Eoin
5.0
Married on 12th Nov 2022
From both of us, we wanted to say the BIGGEST thank you for holding the most perfect wedding ceremony we could have asked for. It really captured who we are as a couple and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to start our married life & to set the tone so perfectly.
So many people are still commenting on how much they enjoyed the ceremony & how it was one of the best ceremonies they’ve ever been to. Lot’s of converts to Humanism-hooray!
Thanks, again, Sarah -although thank you doesn’t feel quite big enough for how grateful we are.
So many people are still commenting on how much they enjoyed the ceremony & how it was one of the best ceremonies they’ve ever been to. Lot’s of converts to Humanism-hooray!
Thanks, again, Sarah -although thank you doesn’t feel quite big enough for how grateful we are.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thanks so much for your lovely words, Vicky. I really loved working with you both. What a great day we had. I LOVE that photo. X
Added 28th Jan 2025
Joanne & Eric
5.0
Married on 25th Aug 2022
Sarah was amazing from start to finish. She really tailored our ceremony to us which made it so much more special. I would highly recommend Sarah.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much, Joanne. It was great to be part of your wonderful journey. That photo is gorgeous! x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Laura & Peter
5.0
Married on 12th Aug 2022
Sarah was our celebrant for our humanist ceremony in August 2022. Sarah was absolutely amazing throughout the entire process of preparing for the wedding day. Sarah gave us some great advice on creating a ceremony that was very personal to us and helped us select poems and songs that made our ceremony so special. I can't recommend Sarah highly enough, she is a true professional and a wonderful celebrant!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you so much, Laura. I'm really grateful for you kind and encouraging words. What a fantastic day we had at your wedding in the glorious sunshine! Beautiful!
Added 28th Jan 2025
Michael Brennan
5.0
Married on 23rd Jul 2022
Could not recommend Sarah enough! She worked with us in the lead up to our wedding to craft the most beautiful ceremony, one that really spoke to our actual lives and love. It really brought our special day to a whole other level!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thanks a million, Michael. I have such gorgeous memories of your day. I really appreciate the feedback.
Added 28th Jan 2025
Anthony & Irene
5.0
Married on 22nd Jul 2022
What a wonderful person,Sarah made our day very special
She was just so easy to deal with and made us very comfortable both before and on the day itself
Sarah didnt mind sharing the stage with the Harley Davidson
Sarah you were made for this job
Thank you so much
Anthony and Irene
She was just so easy to deal with and made us very comfortable both before and on the day itself
Sarah didnt mind sharing the stage with the Harley Davidson
Sarah you were made for this job
Thank you so much
Anthony and Irene
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thanks a million for your very kind words. It was such a great day. You’re a really smashing couple. I loved being part of your celebration. ❤️
Added 28th Jan 2025
Fiona & SJ
5.0
Married on 25th Jun 2022
Thank you so much Sarah for creating a heartfelt and personalized wedding ceremony that truly reflected our love and values. Your warm and inclusive approach made our special day even more memorable. In particular, your skillful incorporation of the handfasting ceremony was truly magical.
We really appreciate your dedication to making our union a celebration of love and joy, and an enjoyable day for all. Thank you!
We really appreciate your dedication to making our union a celebration of love and joy, and an enjoyable day for all. Thank you!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
I really appreciate your very kind words. Thank you so much for such a strong recommendation. I've such great memories of your beautiful celebration. x
Added 28th Jan 2025
Athos & Anda
5.0
Married on 14th May 2022
Sarah was an amazing celebrant for our wedding in Kenmare, Ireland.
Sarah helped us from the first day we spoke to her. Although I was living in Vietnam at that point with a different time zone, plus English is my second language, Sarah made it so pleasant for me in our online meetings at all. Her process was well-explained and orientated so it's very helpful. On the wedding day, she made our ceremony easy-going and unforgettable.
Sarah is professional, flexible and approachable. We highly recommend her!
Sarah helped us from the first day we spoke to her. Although I was living in Vietnam at that point with a different time zone, plus English is my second language, Sarah made it so pleasant for me in our online meetings at all. Her process was well-explained and orientated so it's very helpful. On the wedding day, she made our ceremony easy-going and unforgettable.
Sarah is professional, flexible and approachable. We highly recommend her!
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thank you both so much for your generous and kind words. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me feedback. It was such a fantastic day!
Added 28th Jan 2025
Sam & Thomas
5.0
Married on 7th May 2022
Sarah Donovan was the celebrant for our wedding in May 2022. We would, without hesitation, highly recommend Sarah. From the get go she was easy to get along with, very helpful and professional, and patient. Communication was fast and easy. During the planning of the ceremony she had lots of great suggestions, and was very adaptable to ideas we had. During the ceremony, she had a wonderful way of talking that made everyone feel at ease and kept them engaged. Many of our guests commented on how great she was. We had a lovely day and are really happy that we chose Sarah as our celebrant.
Response from Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
Thanks a million, Sam. I really appreciate your kind words. I loved working with you and Tom too. It was a great day!
Added 28th Jan 2025
Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser's Recommended Suppliers
Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser on the blog
Back to Sarah Donovan - Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
<
>
Are you sure?
This action cannot be undone