Humanist Society Scotland

Humanist Society Scotland: Personalised humanist wedding ceremonies across Scotland

If you’re searching for a humanist wedding celebrant in Scotland who can help create a ceremony that reflects your values, personality and unique love story, look no further than the incredible Humanist Society Scotland. 

As the largest and longest-standing provider of humanist ceremonies in the country, this registered charity has been at the heart of Scotland’s humanist wedding movement for over 20 years. With over 130 trained celebrants available across Scotland, you can have a fully legal humanist ceremony anywhere you like.

Scotland’s trusted charity for humanist ceremonies

Humanist Society Scotland led the campaign that made legal humanist weddings in Scotland possible. Their celebrants are permanently authorised to conduct humanist weddings, unlike some independent celebrants who require periodic renewal, meaning your ceremony couldn’t be in safer hands. 

Additionally, when you book a celebrant from Humanist Society Scotland, you’re also supporting a registered charity that continues to champion equality, inclusion and human rights in Scotland.

Personalised, unique wedding ceremonies

Each ceremony with Humanist Society Scotland is expertly designed to reflect your individuality, beliefs and relationship. Your chosen celebrant will work closely with you to craft an entirely personalised wedding ceremony – from writing your own vows to incorporating meaningful stories, traditions or humour.

You also have the freedom to hold your ceremony anywhere you choose – a big party with your loved ones, a quiet elopement in the hills, lochside with your dog, or even your own home. So, no matter whether you’re planning a grand or intimate affair, there’s a celebrant who is the perfect match for your unique vision.

Humanist Society Scotland’s ceremony promise

Booking with Humanist Society Scotland comes with added peace of mind through their ceremony promise.

• Emergency cover: If illness or unforeseen circumstances arise, another celebrant will provide cover for your ceremony

• Public liability insurance: Included for all ceremonies

• Professional standards: All celebrants are fully trained, experienced and supported by the Humanist Society

How to book your Humanist Society Scotland celebrant

Ready to tie the knot your way? Start creating your perfect ceremony on the Humanist Society Scotland’s website using their find your celebrant tool. Simply type in your wedding date and location and you’ll be able to browse available celebrants. You can then find out about their style and approach to ceremonies by reading their celebrant profile and contact them for a chat. 

Whether you’re in Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands or beyond – Humanist Society Scotland have someone who will be the perfect fit to tell your love story.

Click ‘Enquire now’ and say “I do” your way with a legal, meaningful and customised wedding ceremony from Humanist Society Scotland.

Newlywed testimonial

“There’s something magical about having your very own love story written and read out aloud to your friends and family, so it’s really important to make sure you pick the perfect person to do just that. We can honestly say that when we asked David to perform our ceremony we definitely picked the perfect person.

Our guests told us there were plenty of tears and laughter in equal quantities, a sign of a good story being told well, and our parents were raving about how great David was and how it was such a lovely, personal ceremony.

David was absolutely brilliant at putting us at ease and keeping us right with all the legal stuff that comes with marriage. He gives you loads of examples of vows and symbolic gestures that you can include in your ceremony. Nothing seems to be a bother to him, even when we asked him on the morning of the wedding if he could add in a little something extra.

We can’t thank him enough for everything he did from start to finish.” – Angela and Robert

FAQs

What is a humanist wedding ceremony and are they legal?

A humanist wedding is a non-religious, meaningful ceremony that reflects your values and unique love story. Humanist weddings conducted by Humanist Society Scotland are fully legal and recognised under Scots Law.

Can we get married anywhere in Scotland with a humanist celebrant?

Yes, humanist weddings can take place anywhere – whether that be indoors, outdoors, in private homes, castles, beaches, or anywhere else you choose.

How do we find the right celebrant for our wedding?

The Humanist Society Scotland website contains celebrant profiles with information about them and their styles, helping you to find the perfect person to tell your story. 

You can even create a shortlist of available celebrants for your wedding date and location and contact them for a chat before making your final decision.

Will a humanist celebrant help to write our ceremony?

Yes, your Humanist Society Scotland celebrant will work closely with you to craft a unique, heartfelt and personal ceremony in a way that conveys emotion, love and the celebration of your lifelong union.

What’s the difference between a humanist and a celebrant?

A humanist is a person with humanist beliefs, and a humanist celebrant is a person that conducts humanist weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies.

Unlike registrar or church ceremonies, celebrant-led ceremonies (whether humanist or not) are best known for giving you more choice over the content of your ceremony. You can make it unique, add personal touches, and have it at a time and place of your choosing.

A humanist celebrant conducts non-religious ceremonies, whereas other celebrants may be willing to incorporate acts of religious worship such as hymns and prayers.

Humanist Society Scotland ceremonies are authentically humanist and true to the humanist belief system on which their legal authorisation is based – meaning no acts of religious worship can be included.

However, it may be possible to include some readings and music that have religious origins but used in a non-religious context – the “Love is patient, love is kind” bible reading is a classic example of this.