Helen Pfaff

Helen Pfaff is a Zurich celebrant who leads free, non-religious ceremonies for couples who want something outside the church, whether they're a same-sex couple, an interfaith pair or people who have left the church behind. She writes each speech from the couple's own history, asking how they met, what they've been through together and what they value in each other, and she'll weave in their outlook on life if they want that included.

The ceremony can hold the familiar moments, ring exchange, vows and a blessing, alongside more unusual rituals such as a stone blessing, marking a map or sealing love letters away for later, and she'll bring guests into the proceedings through readings and wishes. She works in High German and Swiss German, and can deliver parts of a ceremony in French, Spanish and English, with further languages available. Before settling into weddings she trained as a singer and moderator, which shows in how she handles music and live readings. She's based in Zurich and travels to Basel, Bern, Lucerne and beyond.