Humanist Society Scotland

Congratulations, we’re delighted that you’re thinking about a Humanist ceremony to celebrate your love and life together.

We believe that marriage and civil partnerships are based on mutual love and respect. We also know that every couple is different and that is why our ceremonies are unique and personal. Humanist ceremonies can take place at any location in Scotland, this can be up a mountain, by a Loch, in a castle or in your own back garden. In fact it can be anywhere you choose, as long as it is safe and dignified to be there. Your ceremony can include readings, music and an exchange of rings and include symbolic gestures like Hand fasting, Jumping the broom or drinking from the Quaich. We marry couples, in Scotland, from all over the world, and we are happy to confirm that weddings conducted by a Humanist Society Scotland Celebrant are legally binding world-wide. Scotland is one of the few countries where Humanist marriages are fully legal.

HSS Registered Celebrants are authorised by the Registrar General of Scotland, so you don’t need a separate civil marriage. We are the largest and longest standing provider of Humanist ceremonies in Scotland so you can be confident you’re in safe hands. All our celebrants are trained, regularly reviewed and work to our standards for ceremonies. We are also the only provider to offer the "HSS Ceremony Promise".

Whatever you want to do the choice is yours. It’s your love, your life together and your ceremony.

If your are looking for a Celebrant for your big day, follow these easy steps:

1) Log onto our website www.humanism.scot
2) Click on "Humanist ceremonies" tab
3) Click on "find a Celebrant"
4) Tick "wedding/civil partnership"
5) Enter the location of your ceremony
6) Enter your wedding date and time (if known)
7) Press "go"

This will give you a list of all our Celebrants who are available, at this stage, for your particular date and time. You are then free to make contact directly with any Celebrant either through the online enquiry form or give them a ring on the number at the bottom of their profile.

As a guide, you can expect to pay around £410 in 2017 and 2018. There may also be additional expenses such as travel costs etc. HSS Registered Celebrants are all self employed and therefore, you are advised to confirm fees with them directly. The fee you are charged will reflect the time to arrange your ceremony, a meeting to discuss it, and its preparation which includes all correspondence and communication, and of course its delivery on the day. We also ask that you join the HSS or your national humanist organisation if you live outwith Scotland. HSS membership is currently £43 for a couple, initially for two years. We are a Registered Charity and Celebrants contribute part of their fee to the HSS to allow us to continue to invest in the development of Humanist ceremonies and develop our campaigns and charitable w