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Getting married in Scotland: top tips from humanist celebrants
Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting, and occasionally overwhelming, times in a couple’s life. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to feel the pressure. But if there’s one message our Humanist Society Scotland celebrants want to share, it’s that they are there to support you every step of the way! With Humanist Society Scotland you’re in safe hands, we are the leading provider of humanist ceremonies with over 130 celebrants delivering legal humanist weddings for 20 years. If you’re planning on getting married in Scotland, read on for a bit of wedding wisdom from some of our celebrants.
Getting legally married in Scotland
The most beautiful ceremony in the world still needs paperwork! Claire urges couples to understand the legal timeline early in the planning process. “Without your Marriage Schedule, your celebrant can’t legally marry you” she says. Claire’s five top tips are:
- Download M10 form and guidance notes well in advance of the deadline. This will help you understand exactly what’s needed and when.
- Set a reminder for three months and one week before the wedding to prepare your forms, so they’re ready to be submitted.
- Gather ID documents ahead of time to avoid last minute scrambles!
- Choose and brief your witnesses.
- Don’t forget to collect—and bring—the Marriage Schedule to your wedding venue on the day.
Dream team assemble!
The first thing celebrant Lindsey does when she meets a new couple is offer reassurance. “I remind couples they’ve chosen a great team – and I’m part of it now! On the day, your suppliers (me included) will work together seamlessly so you can relax and enjoy every moment.”
As weddings are often booked one or two years in advance it’s a good idea to pop key dates in your diary early. Our celebrants will stay in touch regularly and support you with planning. Lindsey explains her approach, “Having a gentle timeline in place helps things stay on track…I will provide timelines and checklists, and ensures couples feel supported every step of the way.”
Lindsey’s top tip? “Most importantly, have the ceremony you want. I’ll give you all the information and ideas you need to make confident, informed choices. I’d also say, don’t cram too much in! The ceremony is your chance to pause, laugh, cry (if you want), and really soak it all up.”
Ceremony details – the big entrance
Many couples get stuck on the “aisle moment.” Who walks where? Who comes in with whom? Katie has seen it all: solo walks down the aisle, dancing bridal squads, grooms with flower boys, and toddlers in kilts running mid-ceremony. “There’s no right way—only your way,” she says. What matters is what feels comfortable, meaningful, and fun for you. Whether you go traditional or throw that out completely. You might make your grand entrance alone, with family, or side-by-side as a couple. Whatever you do, Katie advises, “Pick a tune you love and enjoy the moment!”
Find your celebrant!
Start looking for a celebrant to conduct your humanist ceremony in Scotland.
Meaningful moments – symbolic gestures
Symbolic gestures can add a meaningful layer to a humanist wedding, and Lizzie’s favourite is the oathing stone. Steeped in Scottish tradition, it involves couples placing their hands on a stone while making their vows—a grounding, tactile way to connect their promises to the land and to history.
Lizzie says. “I love the simplicity of the oathing stone. Just two people, holding something solid, saying what they mean.” Couples often choose stones from meaningful places—a favourite beach, a family garden, or even have them engraved. It’s a moment that draws everyone inward, focuses attention, and leaves a lasting impression.
Sealing the deal: those seven little words
Every humanist ceremony is unique—but there’s one part that must be said exactly right: the legal declarations. As Helen explains, “Couples must say: I NAME, accept you NAME, in marriage.”
It can be your abbreviated name e.g. Cam instead of Cameron or even if your celebrant refers to you as Cam throughout the whole ceremony, you might want to use your full names (including any middle names) for this bit.
Helen explains, “Some couples love the formality and sense of gravitas. For example: I Jamie Ashley Black, accept you Cameron Charlie White, in marriage. Of course, it’s your choice entirely.”
“You also need to have two witnesses (16 years or over) present during the exchange of your legal declarations, and they will also sign your marriage schedule. Your celebrant must then declare you married using the same names you used in your declarations. This will then no doubt be followed up with a HUGE applause and a lovely smooch!”
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