Weddings

I always think of a marriage as a magical something that comes into being during your wedding. 

Whether you are are young or older, first or subsequent partners, opposite or same sex, the little being that is formed by your loving commitment is a growing seed that is planted at your wedding ceremony. 

Getting married in Scotland gives you freedom 

Here in Scotland we have the freedom to be married wherever and however we like.

As a legally registered Interfaith Celebrant, that gives me great freedom to help you have the wedding ceremony of your dreams, just as you imagine it.

Would you like a Celtic hand fasting in the ruins of an ancient abbey, or on the banks of a river? Or to exchange your vows in your own home or garden? 

Creating the perfect ceremony for you

My remit is to build your wedding service round your own beliefs and aspirations, as a personal expression of your commitment and love for each other.

Getting married is a big step, and to tie the knot surrounded by those you love, is a truly meaningful occasion. 

Your own words and feelings are the clues that I use to shape the ceremonies that begin or refresh your life together as a couple, whether you are looking for a traditional ceremony, a legal hand fasting, a blessing on a civil partnership or a renewal of your wedding vows. 

If a church wedding is not right for you, and a civil ceremony seems to lack warmth and personal content, then I can offer you an alternative that could be just what you have been looking for. 

Unlike a Humanist Celebrant, I can include some spiritual references in your ceremony if desired, which may fit with your own or your family's beliefs - it's absolutely your choice.

A wedding ceremony with heart and spirit

In the Interfaith community, we have very firmly "opted in" to offer religious weddings to same-sex couples, and we are able to offer full, legal ceremonies, with the spiritual or religious content that is important for so many people. 

Love and commitment are for me the keynotes to what a lifetime partnership is all about, whether the two of you are of opposite sex or the same. 

A civil service gives you all the legal rights of a marriage, but misses out that special something that a wedding ritual gives  that is so important for many couples.

I can offer you the opportunity to have your partnership blessed in whatever way will make your wedding day most special for you and your partner , whether that might be a traditional marriage ceremony, an intimate gathering with friends and family, or something totally individual that’s just for you two.

Whether you have a traditional religious faith, your own personal spiritual belief, or perhaps none of these, as an Interfaith minister, my remit is to help you two to find the form and words that best express your feelings about each other and your future together, to create a ceremony that will become one of your most precious memories.  

Vow renewals

Your own words and feelings are the clues that I use to shape the ceremonies that begin or refresh your life together as a couple, whether you are looking for a traditional ceremony, a legal hand fasting, a blessing on a civil partnership or a renewal of your wedding vows. 

How does the process work?

 This is how the process works: 

• I am able to conduct your ceremony if I am available, and it is within a reasonable travel distance from my base in Galashiels.

• You contact me and we discuss your wedding over the phone, or by Skype or Zoom.

• If you decide to go ahead, I will ask you to reflect on your own vision for your marriage, and give me some feedback.

• If it's suitable, we meet for a chat, and discuss what kind of wedding ceremony you would like.

• I will create a draft ceremony specifically for you.

• Over the period before the wedding I will be available by phone or e-mail to help you, by adjusting and finalising all the details of your wedding service.

• A rehearsal may be available if you live in the Borders area. 

• I will of course be there on the big day, to conduct your wedding and sign the marriage schedule, declaring you legally married.