By weddings, we mean not only legal marriages, but also ceremonies to celebrate a marriage conducted elsewhere, which is a non legal wedding, celebrations of commitment for same sex couples, perhaps following a Civil Partnership, and renewal of vows.
Scotland is one of only eight countries in the world where Humanist marriage ceremonies are legally conducted. The others are Australia, Canada, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and certain states of the USA.
They are of course recognised as legal in all countries in the world in the same way as other weddings are. 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 authorised by the Registrar General of Scotland, and can take place anywhere 'safe and dignified'.
"'Weddings up 64%' is probably the most unlikely headline of the year, but add one word and it's completely true. That word is 'humanist'."
Freedom to choose venue
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, social clubs and the gardens of people's own homes. Celebrants have their own view of ‘safe and dignified’ - Munros and little boats come to mind. It is highly individual and a couple who have a specific and potentially unusual setting in mind should raise this with their celebrant early in their discussions.
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 are free to make all the important choices about location, readings, music and the wording of their promises to each other.
To find a wedding celebrant please click here.Our fees
Legal Wedding: £350 (£375 from 1/1/14, and £390 from 1/1/15)Non-Legal Wedding: £300 (£375 from 1/1/14, and £390 from 1/1/15)
Rehearsal: £50 (£75 from 1/1/14)
Travel: 55p per mile
