Happy wedding guests shelter under umbrellas in the rain at an outdoor wedding ceremony

Become a celebrant

Every year our celebrants prepare and deliver thousands of unique and meaningful ceremonies 

Do I need any qualifications? 

There are no set formal qualifications to train with us, but you must be a humanist and all of our trainees are expected to demonstrate their commitment to humanism by becoming a member of the Society. 

Why train with us? 

We are the original, most long-standing, and most trusted provider of humanist ceremonies in Scotland. 

We are written into Scottish marriage legislation which gives our celebrants permanent wedding authorisation. 

We have the largest network of active celebrants in Scotland who provide mentorship to trainee celebrants throughout their training, and our celebrant network is supported by a staff team. 

Our training is rigorous, well-supported, and fairly priced. We’re also a registered charity and campaign on a range of issues to create a fairer Scotland and world.

How long does it take to train?

Most people take around two years to become a fully qualified Humanist Society Scotland celebrant, authorised to conduct weddings, funerals, and namings. But how long it takes varies from trainee to trainee and depends on how much time you have to commit to the training process. 

The length of time it takes you to qualify will probably be reduced if you are able to commit full time hours to the process, but many of our celebrant trainees continue to work whilst training. 

Will I be an employee?

Our celebrants are self-employed so get to set their own levels of work and holidays. But they also become part of our celebrant network which is supported by our office staff, and provides administrative support, guidance, and supports the continued training and professional development of our celebrants.   

When do you recruit for training? 

Training recruitment is usually open twice a year with priority given to applicants from areas where we have fewer celebrants and want to expand coverage.  We always have a lot of interest in our training recruitment so it can take a while for us to process all applications and respond to applicants. However, we respond to all applicants so you will hear from us even if your application is unsuccessful this time. 

Register your interest

Celebrant recruitment is currently closed.  If you would like to be notified when recruitment opens, you can register your interest here.  Please be advised that there may be a significant delay between registering your interest and recruitment opening.  We do not send updates on recruitment schedules and will only contact you when recruitment opens.

Ceremonies Blog

Bride & groom outdoors embracing while looking at the camera

Real wedding: First love

Real wedding: First love
Bride & groom joining hands above their head

Real wedding: Love across the miles

Real wedding: Love across the miles
Bride & groom seated surrounded by their five dogs

Real wedding: Paws for love

Real wedding: Paws for love
Bride Kathryn & groom Colin surrounded by their guests in Oran Mor's auditorium

Real wedding: T in the Park…

Real wedding: T in the Park…
Charlotte & Jack exiting the church, as their guests throw confetti

Real wedding: Camaraderie…

Real wedding: Camaraderie…
Photo of Andrew & Callum after they're married, taken in the grounds of Enterkine House

Real wedding: Love is love…

Real wedding: Love is love…
Holding a handmade gift wrapped in brown paper and string and decorated with dried flowers

Are wedding favours still a thing?

Are wedding favours still a thing?
Biodegradable invitation with biodegradable envelope and sustainable decorations

Biodegradable stationery

Biodegradable stationery