Any questions?!
I've answered some common questions below - but apart from the legal stuff, everything is flexible and my priority is ensuring that everything goes smoothly for you. Please give me a call on 07595155956, or take a wee minute to fill in this quick form to enquire about anything at all...
Common questions...
Q - Can you legally marry us in Scotland?!
A - Absolutely yes. I'm part of the Independent Humanist Ceremonies team, and am fully authorised by the Registrar General for Scotland to conduct legally binding marriage and civil partnership ceremonies anywhere in Scotland, as long as you have permission from the landowner. I've married couples all over the place - on beaches, up mountains, in hotels, or in living rooms!
Q - What is humanism?
A - In short, humanism is a non-religious belief and approach to life, based on reason and compassion. I'm keen on a secular state, and equal treatment of everyone regardless of where they're from, what they believe, and who they love. Like other beliefs, there are different interpretations, and I'm always happy to have a blether about anything any time. You can find out more on our organisation's website www.humanist-ceremonies.org
Q - We hate being the centre of attention - what's the deal with that?!
A - You're definitely not alone for a start, and this is something loads of couples mention! Unless you decide to have a really small intimate ceremony, or elope up into the back of beyond somewhere, then there will be people looking at you - but any weirdness can be mitigated a little bit! The relaxed feel of your wedding means that if you do need to take a breather or re-centre at some point, then that's cool. You'll also know almost exactly what I'm going to say, and hopefully you're completely comfortable in my company, so that tends to help a bit too. My A1 priority is that you're both as comfortable as possible though, and we can shape and structure the ceremony however you like.
Q - What is your style or approach?
A - Every wedding is different, but my normal approach is pretty light and chilled, so you can both relax and have a nice time without it being overly formal or stuffy - but still being nice and dignified where it needs to be (if that makes sense!!). The ceremony is always about you, and not me - so I don't overdo it!
And even though in real life I swear like a trooper, I definitely don't at a wedding - my delivery is always clean and family-friendly!
Q - What's your favourite place to marry people?
A - Honestly, I don't have one! That's not the politician's answer, but really it's much more about the people and the feel of everything rather than the actual place. It's a real privilege and honour to be standing with a couple at such a special point in their lives - and I'd do it any time any place!
Q - What do we need to do paperwork-wise?
A - If you want to get married legally, then the info here will hopefully help you get a handle on what you need to do, and includes some particularly useful info if either of you are non-UK nationals. But in simple terms, you both need to fill in marriage notice forms (m10), and submit them to the local authority registrar in the area where you're going to get married. So if you live in Glasgow, but are getting married in Glencoe, then you'd need to submit notice to the lovely squad at Highland council.
The earliest you can do this is 3 months before your wedding, and the very very latest is 29 days before - but obviously leaving it to the very last minute is a terrible idea!