Scotland is one of only six countries in the world where Humanist marriage ceremonies are legal (the others are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and certain states of the USA).  Humanist weddings have the same legal status as civil and religious weddings as long as they are conducted by an HSS Celebrant, who has been authorized by the Registrar General of Scotland, and can take place anywhere 'safe and decent'.

 

Couples are effectively free to marry wherever they choose and HSS wedding ceremonies have taken place on beaches and mountains, in keeps and castles, grand hotels and the gardens of people's own homes.

 

Each Humanist wedding ceremony is unique, dignified and deeply personal. Humanists look on marriage as an equal partnership and a serious commitment that involves mutual love, support and respect and a humanist ceremony is a time when couples can declare all that they feel for each other in a way that feels right for them.

 

The couple is free to make all the important choices about location, readings, music and the wording of their promises to each other.

 

Same sex couples often choose to celebrate their commitment by having a Humanist ceremony, though these are not yet legally recognised.

 

From January 2008, our recommended fees are as follows:

Legal marriage fee   £250.00
Non-legal wedding   £200.00
Wedding rehearsal   £30.00
Travel expenses       £0.50 per mile

NB: In case of hardship, the fee may be reduced or waived at the Celebrant’s discretion.
Other extraordinary expenses (e.g. additional travel costs, ferry, overnight accommodation etc) to be agreed with client.

For further information on Humanist weddings see our leaflet Sharing the Future. We also recommend the book Sharing the Future available through our books page or from HSS Ceremonies Co-ordinators and the British Humanist Association.

 

The popularity of humanist weddings has soared since they were legally recognised in Scotland. Watch this clip from BBC Reporting Scotland.

Read this article in Scottish Wedding Directory Magazine (2.13mb pdf file).

For information on the legal aspects of weddings in Scotland, visit the Registrar General's website.

Find an authorised wedding Celebrant.