Humanist Celebrants

So, you’ve followed your heart and you’re planning your wedding celebrations. 

Congratulations! It’s now time to follow your dream and create a fabulous day. You (and your other half) are the architects of this project - I’m the builder who’ll help you create the perfect structure for your ceremony. 

Hi, my name’s Dougie Jackson and I believe that weddings should be full of colour and music and laughter and joy. They should be meaningful to you and your partner, feature your choices, reflect on your journey, and bring your family and friends together to celebrate. 

With my background in radio/newspapers/live events, I’m no stranger to a microphone, writing a great story or keeping a calm head in a demanding situation.  In short, I can help you create a wonderful and unique ceremony. 

Your big day, your way, stress-free, with me. Simple.

Dougie Jackson was born and brought up on the Southside of Glasgow - in an area not exactly known for its racial/religious tolerance and at a time when faith seemed to cause more friction than harmony. Thankfully, in more recent years, he’s seen Scotland grow into a diverse, multi-faith, multi-cultural society where most of us choose to focus on the many things that unite us, rather than the few which divide us. 

I believe that being a 21st Century Humanist is all about compassion, respect and equality. Being a 21st Century Humanist Wedding Celebrant is all about personalising rather than generalising, offering freedom of expression regardless of religion or orientation and creating ceremonies that truly reflect the lives - and loves - of the people involved. 

tel: 07760 162014

email: dougie@humanism-scot.org

My own introduction to Humanism came when some years ago. I had the pleasure of attending a friend’s wedding which I found to be very uplifting in so many ways, for the Bride, Groom and assembled guests. Then around two years ago, I was asked to do a reading at another friend’s daughter's wedding, also conducted by a Humanist Celebrant and again, it was a lovely and very meaningful experience. When a close family member passed away, I was asked to present the eulogy at the Funeral and it was at that point that I decided to follow my newly discovered instinct and become a Humanist Celebrant.

Since then, I truly have found it to be the most fulfilling experience in my life, from sending couples off on a wonderful new life together as a married couple, sharing in the joy of their wedding having found out about each of them individually, whilst putting together the most personal ceremony that captures their love for each other.

The other aspect of humanism is engaging with families during their darkest times when a loved one passes away. Meeting grieving families and helping them to remember their loved ones in their own special way, sharing their fond memories and happy times, again was such a rewarding experience to nurture.

On a personal note, I spent more than 20 years working in the Public Sector and I found that since I became directly involved in Humanism and all its different aspects, dealing with so many lovely people during both happy and sad times really brings such an uplifting and fulfilling privilege.

I enjoy exploring with my family and our two beloved Yorkies, all the different parts of this amazing country of ours, always bringing such joy and pleasure to our lives. I am more than happy to travel anywhere in Scotland to conduct our range of Ceremonies.

tel: 07776-382641

email: duncan@humanism-scot.org 

We have one life and it’s ours to live with kindness, compassion and respect for others. That really sums up humanism for me. I believe that everyone is unique and that their special moments in life should reflect their personalities. I enjoy working with couples to help them create wonderful experiences when preparing for their wedding ceremony and planning for marriage. I also feel very privileged to work with families arranging a funeral to make sure their loved one’s story is told and celebrated at what can be a very painful time.

When it comes to your ceremony, it’s all about you. I truly believe that everyone has their own unique story to tell. I will help to make your whole day as personal as possible, and it can be as formal or informal as you are. When it comes to the end of life, I believe it’s just as important to have a personal celebration that captures the essence of your loved one.

And what’s in a name? So much of course is in a name – whether it’s the name we give to our children, the names given to us by parents, or whether it’s one we choose ourselves, it’s a recognition of who we are – and another reason to celebrate!

I live in Cumbernauld and I’m available to conduct weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies across Scotland. We’re so privileged in Scotland to be able to conduct legal wedding ceremonies anywhere and it’s a huge honour for me to be able to see so much of our beautiful country being involved in such wonderful events.

Tel: 07500 118 094

email: elizabeth@humanism-scot.org

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As humans, we have a natural desire to celebrate life and all that it entails, be that birth, death, marriage and the many other milestones that existence brings.  Some look to their religious beliefs to underpin these events, whilst others want to create something that reflects their personal experiences. I believe that Humanism encourages and allows us to do exactly that.

Over the years, I had attended funerals conducted by humanist celebrants and felt that they were the obvious solution for those with no faith traditions. I therefore turned to a Humanist when needing to arrange a funeral for a close family member and felt reassured that the essential facts had been considered along with the accurate details of the person’s life. We were very much part of the occasion and had the opportunity to say how we felt with love and dignity, both by mourning and celebrating what that person’s loss meant to us.

I have since attended Humanist weddings and again, experienced the delight of couples through being able to make the occasion unique to them, with integrity, humour, genuine pleasure and love.

I am by profession, a Community Development Worker and enjoy engaging with people and communities, giving them the opportunity to develop and further their potential.  I have always held the belief that people should be encouraged to make their own decisions in life. An individual generally knows what is right for them, although they may need some support to make that informed choice.  It seemed a natural progression for me to become a Celebrant as I had found in Humanism, the appropriate solution for me as it reflected my own ethical beliefs.

My role as a wedding celebrant is to guide you through that process, making it as individual and as pertinent and as special as is your love for each other.  Most people know intuitively how they wish to celebrate life events and certainly, that which they don’t want.  To make these celebrations distinctive, it is important that the participants themselves are involved in designing the event; it is in the individual details and personal meanings that create the atmosphere for lasting memories.

I see it as a privilege to be given the opportunity to assist in making your day unique, with as much or as little guidance as you would like. I live near Montrose, with my husband of 30+ years and three cats. Our two children have now left home but family life is very important to us all and we enjoy getting together when we can.

Tel: 01674 850593      Mob: 07720 739 986

email: linda@humanism-scot.org

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After previously being affiliated with a couple of organisations, I am now residing happily with Humanism in Scotland wherein the big picture of humanism is routinely in primary focus.

That sits nicely with my skill set, providing the opportunity for me to channel all I have gathered into active celebration and well-being arising from the biggest life events in human existence.

When it comes to weddings, I really spend time getting to know my couples. Everyone deserves to celebrate who and what they are on the days and events most important to them.

Learning about two people from different backgrounds is a great privilege, helping bring their story together in a way that is meaningful and inspirational for themselves, families and guests - so essential in a ceremony filled with love and commitment.

When it comes to the passing of a loved one, I truly want to convey the essence of the deceased person in celebration of their life.

Storytelling is so important in capturing the significance of not only who and what they were, but also to those dearly beloved with whom they have gained so much in the form of memories and shared events which transcend the passage of time in all of their lives.

And of course, there are ceremonies for wee yins! Having a wee one myself, I’m very much in tune with how we want to celebrate those unforgettable milestones which they encounter at the different stages of their lives. Naming ceremonies are all about welcoming a teeny-tiny into our communities, celebrating all that they are, the joy they can give - even from an early age. It is their right of passage and such a lovely thing to do.

I reside in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, with my wee boy Finn and husband Graeme. When I’m not doing all of the above, I’m usually found embracing my love of all things cinema- books about films – watching films – just being at the pictures! I love all things vintage, am a huge music lover and am no stranger to an art or craft.

I am happy to cover most areas.

If you want a chat with me to discuss having a humanist ceremony, please feel free to contact me at:

tel: 07816 210 792

email: natalie@humanism-scot.org

for more info please go to:

nataliestevensoncelebrant.com

or find me on facebook and instagram

Never settle for ordinary! Everybody is fantastically unique and everybody deserves to have their major life events celebrated in a way that is entirely personal, joyous, heartfelt and momentous. For me, this is the very essence of Humanism. Making the most of the one life we have, seeking to understand the world through logic, reason, and evidence, and treating those around us with warmth, understanding and respect.

Whether it is the joyous celebration of a marriage, the loving remembrance of a life well lived, the festivity of welcoming a new life or the re-affirmation of a couple’s special commitment to one another, I will work directly with you to share your unique story and create a heart-warming and truly memorable occasion in exactly the way you wish.

Throughout my previous 20 years in the world of estate agency, I loved learning all about my clients, building close relationships with them, being the steadying hand that guided them through times of stress and providing the best experience possible for them. These professional skills, combined with an outgoing personality and a lively sense of humour, made becoming a Humanist Celebrant a natural choice for me.

After having attended Humanist ceremonies, and particularly the wedding of my own daughter, I realised that becoming a Humanist Celebrant would be one of the most rewarding roles I would ever undertake. To be a part of people’s most momentous life events is an honour, and to be able to create and deliver a celebration which is entirely fitting and unique is an absolute privilege.  This role enables me to combine my professional approach with a genuine enthusiasm for getting to know people and learning about their amazing lives.

When I’m not up to my elbows in a varied range of crafts, I can be found dragging my husband of 33 years on adventures around the country in my campervan, throwing myself into freezing cold water in the hope that it will let me live forever, or laughing like a drain with friends and family.

tel: 07855 754202

email: sarahleanney@hotmail.co.uk

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Children are born with open minds and we can only hope we grow up without prejudice or fear. How free and open-minded we remain generally depends on where we are in the world and the communities that surround us. Our awareness, behaviour and morality develop as our world influences us. How we process and cope with the world is not always something we can control.

In the past, it seems there was a dominant religious influence surrounding us, so how we coped with life was directly influenced by faith. We turned to god and service when we needed hope and strength - and with that, there was a sense of belonging to something powerful. Nowadays, (in many parts of the world) faith has less of an influence - and when there is a choice, people appear not to choose religion as a basis for their lives. When this happens, we live as an open book and we are its author.

So what do we belong to if we don't choose faith? Do we need to connect to something bigger than ourselves? Are we lost without faith? Personally, I have faith in myself and in the people around me. I enjoy the challenge of being open-minded. Science, creativity, invention, LOVE and the natural world inspire me. Mystery inspires me. Acts of care and kindness give me strength, so I truly believe there is a spiritual power that connects us all. It is called the human spirit and I feel I am connected to anyone who tries to follow The Golden Rule: “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” This is a cornerstone of Humanism and it unites people from all over the world, regardless of their beliefs.

I believe we can live with peace of mind and kindness of heart. If you are generous and kind, most will treat you with the same respect. We all want the same thing - or the vast majority of humanity wants the same thing: peace, shelter, friendship and love. As the saying goes, “you get what you give” and there is a belief that follows these simple yet powerful ideas: Humanism.

Like many, I didn't know there was a belief organisation that promoted these personal ideas. Taking its place at the table with all other faiths and beliefs, Humanism is a worldwide movement that can empower people and inspire them to live fulfilling and respectful lives. Humanism just might be "the bigger thing" you are looking for.

I discovered Humanism when my father declared one day that he was thinking about becoming a Humanist Celebrant. This was around 1997 and I had never heard of this before. Rather than have a religious service, people were choosing to have Humanist ceremonies. These types of ceremonies resonate with anyone who doesn't follow a certain faith or religion and I was happy to learn that people no longer needed to bring religion into their wedding ceremony or funeral. This is important. Humanism gives people the opportunity to enjoy unique and personal ceremonies that represent who they are and what they believe.

For me, Humanism is just an extension of my natural beliefs - and it confirms my responsibility to act well and reach out to help my community wherever I can.  We all have an individual focus, we are all busy - yet we all share an equal responsibility to everyone around us.

I live in Dalmeny, EH30 9TF, (The south end of the famous Forth Rail Bridge), with my wife Linda and my 22-year-old son Cal. We are a creative family with music, art, reading, songwriting, movies, road trips, gardening and evenings by the fire all playing huge parts in our lives.

I look forward to meeting you in preparation for your wedding. I am here to make your day the perfect reflection of you on such a special (and important) moment in your lives. 

tel: 07597 377 474

email: stephen@humanism-scot.org

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Hello, my name is Susan Ross and I come from Falkirk. For the past five years, I have run my own yoga business. My chosen style of teaching is Hatha Yoga, a path towards creating balance and uniting opposites.  I guide my students through calming focused breathing exercises, asanas (postures) and nurturing relaxation.  I also teach Pregnancy Yoga and Baby Massage.  

My history in performing non-religious ceremonies goes back ten years when I worked with the local authority as an assistant registrar. There I conducted weddings, baby namings, renewals of vows and citizenship ceremonies along with registering births, deaths and marriages. 

Humanism sits very well with me as its ethos is very much like yoga, the purpose of which is to cultivate a yogic mind as the vehicle which takes us to the yogic consciousness that is one with all.  

The philosophy and worldview of yoga help us develop this yogic mind - a deeper intelligence that grasps the fundamental laws of life - the universal Buddhist dharmas.  Humanism is about nurturing one another, looking after our planet and living the best we can without harm to others or our environment and I just love this philosophy. Friends, family and people I didn't even know were asking me to perform non-religious ceremonies so I decided to become a Humanist Celebrant and so my affiliation with Humanism in Scotland began. 

Over the years, I have built up a great deal of customer care skills, ranging from a part-time shoe sales assistant to hotel management training and employment with the Stakis Group and then, when my daughter came along in 1991, I embarked on Midwifery training and I worked as a Midwife at St John's Hospital in Livingston. 

I have the ability to help people feel calm and relaxed. I am an active listener so I can provide bereavement counselling if you ever needed support. For your chosen event, I can bring strong communication and organisational skills, so if you are planning a small or large wedding; or a loved one’s funeral; or maybe you are renewing your vows or you want to celebrate your child with a baby naming ceremony, I place great emphasis on attention to detail in order to help you find the words befitting your needs.

tel: 07979 340 099

email: susan@humanism-scot.org

Ron was actively involved as a humanist from the age of sixteen. He became totally committed to the humanist ethos and its much-deserved and justified role in seeking to achieve the betterment of people in Scotland and the wider world.

He first registered as a Humanist Celebrant in 2001 and over the course of the next two decades, he helped to raise the awareness and popularity of Humanist celebrations in Scotland. Further to this, he volunteered as a hospital chaplain and he also worked as a mentor for students in Fife and Dundee. He campaigned for equality, inclusion, peace, justice, democracy, fairness and the rights of humans and all forms of life on earth. Like most of us, he wanted a better world for everyone.

As well as being a devoted husband, father and friend, he loved to spend his time "at one with nature", walking, gardening, woodworking and fixing things - and when he wasn't doing something outside, he loved watching sports (especially rugby) and documentaries, comedy, current affairs and being immersed in all the burning issues of the day. Some of his happiest days in later life were spent driving around on his small tractor, thrashing his way through the undergrowth along the banks of the river Tay in Newburgh, Fife. His family would often join him and quite often, someone would be sent out to bring him home for his tea.

Ron was married to Val for almost 60 years. Together they had three children and six grandchildren. Val died suddenly in May 2022 and Ron passed away peacefully on January 1st 2023 after a short illness. He was 82 and he leaves behind the legacy of Humanism in Scotland and the wonderful group he brought together over the past nine years. He was a force of nature, an inspiration and a good samaritan to all. He lives on in everything we do.

More about our approach and ceremony fees here