Our new series on the best celebrants in the business continues with George McLean at Fuze Ceremonies. He tells us what he can bring to your day and explains what makes him a bit of an expert on marriage
Fun ceremonies are what George prides himself on (Photo: Jen Owens Images)
What is Fuze Ceremonies?
Fuze Ceremonies was set up in 2011 and now has more than 60 highly trained celebrants on its books, all experts at producing and delivering individual, heartfelt and engaging ceremonies for the big moments in your life.
Who is George McLean?
Hello, George! Introduce yourself to us
This is my seventh year of being a humanist celebrant in Scotland. I felt it was a natural progression from my previous career where I worked in people-focused roles.
I’ve conducted hundreds of ceremonies now and reckon I’m a good person for the job – my wife and I have been together for 41 years and I have walked my three daughters down the aisle, so I’d say I have pretty good credentials when it comes to marriage!
I aim to reassure my couples and become more than just the person who conducts the ceremony.
I really get to know them – and indeed their extended family and friends.
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What confirmed your desire be a celebrant?
It began when my middle daughter was married by Fuze celebrant Morag Webster and I performed the handfasting. I just caught the bug and it felt like something I wanted to do. Then I was made redundant, which I took as a sign! Now, not only am I a celebrant, I’m also Fuze Ceremonies' brand ambassador.
George walked his daughter down the aisle – then led the ceremony! (Photo: Daniel Mainland Photography)
What are George McLean's wedding ceremonies like?
They are fun and light-hearted, but serious and sentimental when they need to be. Guests should never be sitting there wondering when the ‘fun bit’ starts. We tell the story of the couple, so that means every ceremony is uniquely personal.
I also try to take the anxiety or the ‘pain points’ out of things by answering questions upfront to stop any stress. I aim to create happiness: the couple are totally involved in what they want to do.
How do couples find the ‘right’ celebrant?
If you’re booking a cake or flowers for your wedding, you do your research. It’s exactly the same for finding a celebrant. Check out their social media and biography on their organisation’s website to see if they suit you and your personality. Then reach out for a chat to see if you’re a good match.
There’s a huge choice of celebrants in Scotland so there’s loads of scope to find someone you really connect with. There is someone out there for everyone.
Any previous weddings really stand out to you?
I couldn’t not mention my daughter’s wedding at the Corinthian in 2022. Once I’d walked her down the aisle, I grabbed my stuff and went into celebrant mode! It was so special.
But I have lots of great memories. I love it when couples reach out to me about other moments in their lives – a couple I’d married a few years ago asked me if I’d do a vow renewal for their parents’ silver wedding anniversary. You almost become part of the family.
George leading his daughter's wedding at the Corinthian Club in Glasgow (Photo: Daniel Mainland Photography)
What’s great about getting married in Scotland?
We are so lucky that we have so many amazing places where you can tie the knot. You can get married just about anywhere you like, and I really enjoy the variety of options we have.
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I particularly love venues that have a great view of the outdoors – to me, there’s nothing better than getting the best of both worlds. I always tell my couples that it really doesn’t matter if I’ve been to a venue once before or 50 times over, it’s still special.
It is you, the couple, that make the celebration different, so every ceremony is truly unique and personal.
Ceremony ritual and tradition ideas
What's your favourite ritual or wedding ceremony tradition?
I do love a handfasting, but at the moment my favourite is what I call “the mother’s kiss”. Just before the celebrant makes the official declaration of marriage, the mums are invited forward to stand with the couple.
As your mum was the one who gave you your first kiss when you were born, it is only right that she gives you your last kiss as a single person, before you and your new spouse share your first kiss as a married couple. It really is a beautiful moment. It works well when it’s kept a secret from the mums and is announced during the ceremony as a surprise.
