Meet the celebrant: Craig Flowers from Independent Humanist Ceremonies

What is Independent Humanist Ceremonies?

Independent Humanist Ceremonies has been going strong since 2009 and now has nearly 50 celebrants across Scotland.

The organisation prides itself on crafting unique ceremonies that reflect each individual couple, celebrating them on their special day.

Who is Craig Flowers?

Hello Craig! How did you get into this business?

"I have been working as a full-time celebrant since 2010. For the first couple of years I conducted weddings, then I began consulting on weddings too.

"I had been between jobs and was feeling a bit directionless – which is when my father Norrie and I decided to found Independent Humanist Ceremonies. Since then, the organisation has grown and grown and now has celebrants working all over Scotland.

"As well as actually conducting ceremonies, I look after all the admin for the company too."

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Fifteen years of wedding experience

How many weddings have you conducted?

"That’s a lot of happy newlyweds… I haven’t kept an official count, but I think I must have conducted well over a thousand ceremonies! I’ve made all the mistakes, as you can imagine, but I’ve become a much better celebrant because of it."

How to choose your wedding celebrant

Why do you think so many couples have trusted you with the job? 

"When you’re choosing a celebrant it’s all about clicking with a person, so I like to think couples know they’re in safe hands with me and that I’ll do things their way.

"I can adapt to different people and different backgrounds and can bring whatever it is they want. I’m upbeat and positive and I think it’s this jovial approach that keeps couples booking.

"I’ve also been told I’ve got a good set of lungs on me, which certainly helps!"

Can a celebrant marry you anywhere?

Where’s your favourite place to conduct a ceremony? 

"Well, as I’m only authorised to marry couples in Scotland, it’s Scotland, of course!

"I love everything from being outdoors on a beautiful day in the summer to those barns in the middle of nowhere.

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"Sometimes, it’s all about the team of suppliers on the day too – it’s always great to catch up and work with friends in the industry.

"My favourite thing, really, is just making sure that, regardless of where the wedding is, there’s a happy couple at the end of it."

The appeal of an intimate wedding

Any stand-out ceremonies? 

"It’s a really hard question as I’ve been everywhere from the Cairngorms for a Game of Thrones-themed wedding to tiny, intimate ceremonies, which I really enjoy.

"I do like bookings where there are maybe just a half dozen people or so – it brings a lovely vibe on a small scale."

Ensure your ceremony is legally binding

What are your top tips for couples? 

"For starters, make sure the person you pick for the job is someone who is legally allowed to marry you; you’d be surprised at how many couples get caught out.

"And make sure you get on with the person you book; there are countless celebrants out there, so take the time to find someone you gel with and who brings the vibe you’re looking for. 

"I’d also always recommend booking through an organisation if you can, as we can offer a contingency plan if required."

"All of our celebrants work to the same processes, so it means that if for whatever reason the person you booked suddenly becomes unavailable, someone else will be able to step in and save the day."