Say hello to Yvonne Hannah at Fuze Ceremonies, who has married 200 couples since she became a celebrant. She tells us why it means so much to her to play a part in a couple’s special day
Yvonne says no two ceremonies are ever the same. (Photo: Angie B Photography)
After officiating more than 200 weddings across Scotland, Yvonne from Fuze Ceremonies has become one of the country’s most experienced and sought-after celebrants.
Known for her warmth, humour and personal touch, she crafts humanist wedding ceremonies that feel authentic, joyful and unique to every couple.
Here, Yvonne shares how she became a celebrant, her advice for finding the right person to lead your vows, and what makes getting married in Scotland so special.
Meet celebrant George McLean also from Fuze Ceremonies here
Hi Yvonne! What made you want to become a celebrant?
My husband Allan and I married in a humanist ceremony in 2016 at Crieff Hydro, and the whole business of planning our wedding was an experience that changed everything for me.
I adored the buzz of it all, the excitement of going to wedding shows, and the joy of meeting suppliers who were all so passionate about their work in the industry.
It lit a spark in me: I wanted to be part of that world. Allan and I were married by a celebrant from Fuze Ceremonies, and as she led us through our vows, I knew deep down that becoming a celebrant was exactly what I wanted to do.
Today, not only have I achieved that ambition, but I’m also a UKCAPSA course tutor, helping to train the next generation of celebrants.
Deryn and Kris, who tied the knot at Dunkeld House Hotel, were in safe hands thanks to Yvonne’s personal touch. (Photo: Laura Kemp Photography)
How many weddings have you led?
This autumn saw me hit a very special milestone: my 200th legal wedding ceremony. On 14th September, I stood alongside Hannah and Michael at Norton House Hotel in Edinburgh and led them into married life – just as I’d done 199 times before, though this one felt a little extra magical.
It’s hard to believe I’m at 200 weddings already! That’s 200 couples, 400 individuals, 200 love stories, and 200 completely unique celebrations.
No two ceremonies are ever the same; each is shaped by the personalities, journeys and dreams of the couple in question. That’s what I adore about my job; it’s never ‘just another wedding’. It’s always new, always personal, always unforgettable.
Reaching 200 ceremonies feels surreal but also fills me with gratitude.
Every single one of those 400 people has trusted me with a huge moment in their life, and I never take that responsibility lightly.
What are your ceremonies like?
For me, a humanist wedding ceremony is so much more than vows and signatures. It’s a celebration of you. At its heart, it’s about telling your love story in a way that feels natural, joyful and completely unique.
Guests aren’t simply watching from the sidelines; they’re part of the experience. They’ll laugh, they’ll shed happy tears and they’ll walk away feeling like they’ve witnessed something truly unforgettable.
From the little touches to the big declarations, my ceremonies carry a sparkle that lingers long after the day itself.
Top things not to forget when you're planning your wedding
A hanfasting ritual is Yvonne's favourite addition to a ceremony (Photo: Matthew Johnston Photography)
How do couples find the ‘right’ celebrant?
When you’re planning a wedding, most of the chat is about finding the outfit, the venue or the flowers. But one of the biggest game-changers is finding the perfect celebrant. This, after all, is the person who will be telling your love story. My guide would be:
- Stalk us (nicely!) – have a nosy on our websites and socials.
- Read reviews – they come from couples who have already trusted us to conduct their ceremony.
- Ask around – venues, photographers and florists are great at recommending celebrants they’ve seen in action.
- Chat it out – book a call and think ‘can we imagine standing up in front of all our friends and family with this person by our side?’ If yes, you might have found your match.
- Trust the spark – ultimately, you’ll just know.
Everything you need to know to plan your wedding ceremony in Scotland
What’s great about getting married in Scotland?
One of the things I cherish most is the freedom couples have as they can legally be married by a celebrant. It’s a privilege we don’t yet see across the rest of the UK, and one I never take for granted.
There’s also just something magical about a Scottish wedding – it’s a celebration of love wrapped in tartan and tradition.
Yvonne has now conducted 200 ceremonies. (Photo: Claire Juliet Paton)
Where’s your favourite place to conduct a ceremony?
This is a tough one – there are so many beautiful places and venues across the country! It’s less about the setting itself, though, and more about the feeling it creates.
Whether that’s a grand castle, a cosy barn, a windswept beach or someone’s back garden, my favourite place is anywhere the couple feel completely at ease, where the staff ‘get’ them, the atmosphere is spot-on, and everyone is ready to celebrate in style.
Any stand-out ceremonies?
Honestly, each one has its own magic. But, I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for ceremonies with a bit of audience participation, such as everyone singing together or an unexpected quaich-downing – they’re always so much fun.
Those moments when guests are right there in the moment is when the ceremony truly comes alive.
Yvonne loves to bring laughter and warmth to her ceremonies. (Photo: Camerashy Photography)
What’s your top piece of advice?
The best way to plan for (and truly enjoy) your wedding ceremony is to trust your suppliers. Relax as much as you can and let us take the weight off your shoulders. We’re professionals, and we know how to handle whatever the day brings.
From the moment you book me right through to signing your marriage schedule, I’m by your side.
Whether it’s offering suggestions, guidance, reassurance, wrangling those pre-ceremony nerves, or sprinkling a little extra joy along the way, I am your biggest cheerleader. Your job is simply to soak it all up and enjoy every moment.
Quick fire round
A surprise ring-bearer always makes me smile. One of my favourites is secretly gaffer-taping the rings under a chair (or even a couple of chairs!) and then sending your guests on a ‘treasure hunt’ mid-ceremony. The reaction is priceless and always gets a giggle.
For walking back up the aisle, it’s got to be ‘You Make My Dreams Come True’ by Hall & Oates. It’s joyful, instantly recognisable from the first few notes, and perfect for couples who want their ceremony exit to feel like the start of the party.
I would love to be the celebrant when Lady Gaga marries Michael Polansky. With Gaga’s flair for the theatrical and Michael’s quieter, grounded energy, I imagine their wedding would be an amazing mix of showstopping spectacle and deep emotion.
If I had to choose just one, I’d say a handfasting. It’s steeped in Scottish history, and is even more meaningful when family or close friends are invited to lay the material across the couple’s arms. It will always have my heart.
