Niki Smith is chair of the Fulcrum Foundation, a belief group that officiates at weddings and civil ceremonies across Scotland. As a Fulcrum Celebrant, she tells explains why she loves couples who are invested in their ceremony and want to make it truly personal
Fancy tying the knot in the great outdoors? Niki would love to be there. Here she is with one happy couple in the glorious wilds of Glencoe (Photo: John Johnston Photography)
If you’re searching for a Scottish wedding celebrant who can combine humour, sincerity, and personality, meet Niki of the Fulcrum Foundation.
With over five years of experience leading hundreds of weddings across Scotland, Niki is known for her ability to create bespoke ceremonies that balance laughter and emotion in equal measure.
As part of the Fulcrum Foundation celebrants, she works with couples to design ceremonies that reflect their love story, values, and vision, whether in a castle, a barn, or the great outdoors.
Hello, Niki! Tell us about yourself
I’ve been a celebrant for over five years, and what a ride it has been. I get to travel all over Scotland, visit beautiful venues, meet extraordinary people and, even better, be part of the happiest day of their lives.
What made you want to become a celebrant?
That’s easy. I love people – they fascinate me. I’ve always been a good public speaker too. I remember being at a funeral when I decided there and then I was going to be a celebrant. It was not long after I’d retired, and the idea of combining my love for people with creating personalised ceremonies was the easiest decision I’ve ever made.
Becoming a celebrant felt like the most natural thing in the world to Niki – and the ease she has with her couples is clear to see at this ceremony in Ayrshire’s Lochgreen House Hotel (Photo: Andy Hamilton Photography)
How many weddings have you led?
Hundreds. To be honest, though, that’s irrelevant: no two weddings or couples are the same. It’s always an honour to be trusted to be part of such an important day.
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Tell us about the Fulcrum Foundation
The Fulcrum Foundation was established four years ago by a group of like-minded people who live by a set of values and encourage others to do the same.
We are a belief group authorised by the General Registrar to solemnise marriages.
Within the foundation, we have eight celebrants – we may be a small group but we are mighty. Fulcrum simply wants to ensure every single celebrant brings something different to couples, with the focus on providing first-class ceremonies every single time.
Niki loves to make every wedding ceremony personal (Photo: Scotland Elopement Co.)
What are Fulcrum’s values?
Our values are: integrity, awareness, service and to find common purpose. I live my life by these principles, too. Initially I was part of another celebrant organisation but in 2021 I took a leap of faith and decided to merge celebrancy with the foundation. I’ve never looked back.
My favourite thing about Fulcrum is that our work doesn’t stop at the ceremony role; we have also assisted many individuals and communities behind the scenes in many ways. Oh, and what a laugh we have as a team. I love that!
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What are your ceremonies like?
I think I’m probably best known for my ability to pack a ceremony full of humour and emotion in equal parts. Most couples seem to approach me with the opening line of “we think you’re hilarious” (and that’s great), but the sincerity and deep emotions of the day are never overlooked.
How do people find the right celebrant?
Research, research and more research. You have to go on a mission and take a look at everyone’s socials and/or reviews. Ask yourself if you like the way the person presents themselves. Do you like the way they talk? (This is very important!) Do they draw you in? Another thing to keep in mind is if you think they would represent you the way you want to be on your wedding day.
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What do you find is great about getting married in Scotland?
Choice and beauty are the two words I would use. You have so many options for who marries you, and you can pick a celebrant who aligns with your own values, faith and beliefs, no matter what those are. Plus, you can marry anywhere and any time in Scotland – that’s amazing!
And, let’s face it, there is no country more beautiful than here.
Niki took part in this styled wedding shoot at Chatelherault (Photo: Bernadeta Kupiec)
Where’s your favourite place to conduct a ceremony?
Honestly, I don’t have one. It’s the couple who make the ceremony, not the venue or the space, so it only ever comes down to people. I could be in a tin shed in my back garden and my connection with the couple is all that matters.
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Any stand-out ceremonies?
I do love a ceremony where we go off-script. I’ve had ceremonies where no one can stop laughing, and I’ve even set myself on fire a few times. I also remember one time I walked down the aisle with my skirt into my knickers, and another instance when the groom fainted.
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Give us your best piece of advice for a memorable exchange of vows
Invest time in your ceremony and really think about what you want. You don’t need to follow what anyone else has done. Think outside the box. You’re only going to do this once, so make sure every millisecond of your ceremony counts and is exactly what you want.
Quick fire round
Anything that gets friends and family involved works for me.
Truthfully, I don’t have one, but I would love to see a couple come down the aisle to ‘I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do’ by Abba. This one has eluded me so far.
I regard all my couples as superstars… That said, I would like to have been the celebrant at Liza Minnelli’s wedding to David Gest. I’m showing my age here!
My view is that the couple should only pick a ritual if it means something to them. Some people might think they have to include certain ones, or they only go for ones that they know about beforehand. My advice would be to ask your celebrant about every option available.
