We ‘heart’ humanist weddings!

February 13, 2017

We’re celebrating a truly groundbreaking Valentines Day here at HSS! The Scottish Parliament have recognised us as the trusted provider of Humanist weddings here in Scotland by awarding us Prescribed Status.

To mark this exciting day in style we have created this video with some of our HSS Registered Celebrants.

Karen Watts and Martin Reijns had the first legal Humanist Wedding in 2005
Karen Watts and Martin Reijns had the first legal Humanist Wedding in 2005

Back in 2005, we were successful in securing legal Humanist ceremonies in Scotland,  Now this new provision approved by The Scottish Parliament today (14th February 2017, happy Valentines day to us) will see Humanist Society Scotland officially recognised as the first body to be prescribed since the 1977 Marriage Act, and the first ever non-religious organisation. Scotland remains one of only eight countries, and the only country in the UK, to legally recognise Humanist Weddings.

The popularity of Humanist weddings has soared with more than 4,200 ceremonies taking place in 2015. We are delighted that our ceremonies team is being recognised for their years of dedicated hard work representing the Humanist community here in Scotland.

Now we want to hear from you about your own wedding. Share your stories and pictures of your Humanist Wedding on #ihearthumanistweddings. If your wedding was a real celebration of your love, come and celebrate this change with us, take a picture with our ‘I Heart Humanist Weddings’ sign, brag about your big day, add our Twibbon for the day, and enjoy everything we’ve got lined up.

Julie and Grace got married and had a family handfasting with their daughters Callie and Brooke.
Julie and Grace got married and had a family handfasting with their daughters Callie and Brooke.

HSS Celebrant John Howieson celebrating in Gaelic.
HSS Celebrant John Howieson celebrating in Gaelic.

Latest Related Stories

Neil Anderson conducts a wedding for a bride and groom in suit and white wedding dress with pink flower pattern.

Humanist Society interview series: Neil Anderson on growing humanism across Europe

Humanist Society interview series: Neil Anderson on growing humanism across Europe
Maureen Kettle smiles at the camera in a pub or restaurant type setting. She has a blonde bob of hair and black glasses and wears a dark blue cardigan and light blue shirt.

Humanist Society interview series: celebrant Maureen Kettle on making lasting memories with a humanist naming ceremony

Humanist Society interview series: celebrant Maureen Kettle on making lasting memories with a humanist naming ceremony
A black and white photograph of a wedding ceremony, taken from the back of the ceremony hall/room looking down between two aisles of guests to the couple and celebrant. To the left, Kendal wears a black dress with white pattern and smiles at the couple. To the right is a bride wearing a white dress and groom in suit with kilt. They both smile and laugh.

Humanist Society interview series: Kendal Delaney

Humanist Society interview series: Kendal Delaney
A humanist celebrant conducting a wedding ceremony for a couple, Andrew and Callum. The photo is taken mid-vows in front of flower wreaths and a large window looking out to fields. The celebrant wears a blue dress and raises a hand. The couple stand either side of her in magenta velvet suits.

Far more humanist weddings than Christian ceremonies in 2022: National Records of Scotland

Far more humanist weddings than Christian ceremonies in 2022: National Records of Scotland