Choosing your celebrant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during wedding planning as it’s one that can truly shape the atmosphere of your big day. After all, this is the person who will stand with you, tell your story, and guide you through one of the most meaningful moments of your life.
Here in Scotland, we’re lucky to have so many wonderful celebrants to choose from. But with all that choice, it can feel a little overwhelming. So how do you know who’s “the one”?
Grab a cuppa (or a wee dram if you fancy!) and let’s talk about how to choose the right celebrant in Scotland for your ceremony.
What exactly IS a celebrant?
It’s a good place to start, right?
A celebrant is someone who creates and leads your ceremony. Unlike a registrar, who follows a set legal script, or a minister, who follows a religious framework, an independent celebrant has the freedom to design a ceremony that is completely personal to you.
That means you can have as much romance, humour, Scottish tradition, or quirkiness as you like. Want your ceremony to be light-hearted and fun? Done. Prefer something deeply romantic and meaningful? Absolutely. Want to include handfasting, poetry, or even a nod to your favourite football team? Why not!
It’s your day, your story, your way.
Step 1: Decide what you want your ceremony to FEEL like
When you close your eyes and imagine your ceremony, what do you see? Is it full of laughter? Does it make your guests cry happy tears? Does it blend Scottish traditions with modern touches?
The first step in choosing the right celebrant is working out what kind of feel you want. Every celebrant has their own style: some lean towards the romance, some are hilarious storytellers, and others specialise in weaving in tradition. Knowing what you want will help you find someone whose style matches your vision.
Step 2: Start your research
Once you know the vibe you’re after, it’s time to start your search. Here’s how:
- Google & Directories: Try searching for “independent celebrant Scotland” or “wedding celebrant near [your venue]”. You’ll find lots of celebrants with websites showcasing their style.
- Social Media: Instagram and Facebook are goldmines for seeing celebrants “in action.” Check out their posts, reels, and stories to get a sense of their personality.
- Word of Mouth: Ask your venue or other suppliers (like your photographer) for recommendations as they’ll know who’s great to work with.
As you browse, pay attention to what resonates with you. Do you find yourself smiling at their words? Do you feel like you’d get along? Those are good signs.
Step 3: Arrange a chat
Most celebrants offer a free, no-pressure chat before you book. This is your chance to see if you “click.”
Here are some questions you might want to ask:
- What’s your process for creating a ceremony?
- How much input do we have in the script and vows?
- Have you worked at our venue before?
- How many weddings do you take on in a day?
- Do you have sample ceremonies or testimonials we can read?
The answers will give you practical info, but more importantly, you’ll get a feel for their personality.
Step 4: Look beyond the ceremony
A good celebrant isn’t just there for the 30 minutes of your wedding ceremony. They’ll be with you in the lead-up, helping you write vows, calming nerves, and answering late-night “is this normal?!” emails.
Think about how supported you want to feel during the planning process. Do you want someone who checks in regularly, or someone who lets you lead the way? Both can work, it just depends on your style as a couple.
Step 5: Trust your gut
This is the most important bit.
When you finish your chat with a celebrant, check in with yourself. Did you feel at ease? Did you laugh? Did they listen to you and understand what you want? If you come away thinking, “Yes, they get us”, that’s your sign.
… a quick word on legalities
In Scotland, only Humanist celebrants are authorised to conduct legal marriages.
Milestone Days offer independent celebrant-led ceremonies, not a Humanist service. There are a number of reasons for this, and you can read more about that here.
As such, before of after your celebrant-led wedding, you would need to get the marriage legally recognised (solemnised) by a registered person in a licensed venue; for example a registrar in a council building.
What’s next?
Choosing the right celebrant in Scotland is a little like choosing the right partner… it’s about connection, trust, and that spark of “this feels right.”
Take your time and trust your instincts. The right person will feel less like a supplier and more like a new friend who happens to be brilliant at ceremonies.
If you fancy a friendly cuppa I’d be delighted to hear from you.
– Karen x
