All our celebrants are authorised by the NRS to conduct legal marriages in Scotland
N.B. If the round trip to your venue from the celebrants residence is more than 50 miles, then your celebrant may charge £0.50p per mile thereafter. Please check with your celebrant of choice to see if a separate cost will apply.
Hello! I am Alexis and I am a friend, sister, daughter and mother (amongst other things). I live in South Lanarkshire with my two children.
Before becoming an Celebrant, I worked in financial services for 16 years but always craved something more meaningful and fulfilling in my life. After the sudden death of a close family member, I was asked if I would write and deliver the funeral. I accepted and found it to be a most uplifting experience. It was at this point, I realised my calling was to become a Celebrant.
I love meeting new people and am always truly fascinated to hear the journey they have taken through life, the highs and lows they have experienced and how that has shaped them as a person. Being given the task of telling those stories during a ceremony is an absolute honour.
Whatever the ceremony, I take the time to get to know the person or people and build a ceremony that is true to them. I take real pride in crafting my ceremonies and pay attention to the small details as often its the small things that mean the most. Its so important to me that what I create is perfect.
I take my role as a Celebrant very seriously but I don’t take myself too seriously, I like having fun, making people laugh but am professional at the same time. Whether your ceremony be a wedding, funeral, vow renewal, naming or renaming ceremony I would love to hear and help you tell your stories.
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When people ask me what I do for a living I struggle to answer because I am many things: I am an English teacher, a foster carer, but also a mum, a wife and now a granny, every single role I love. I first became interested in becoming a celebrant when someone else wrote my dad’s funeral eulogy and it sounded nothing like my dad, that was the moment I knew I had a role to fulfil. And I love it!
I pride myself in making every ceremony unique and only about the people involved. It is important for me to share your story, or your loved one’s story, the way you would like it shared. My background in teaching English has been such an asset when writing ceremonies.
Celebrant training was a joy for me and in no way felt like work. I loved the training and love the part I get to play in the biggest events in a person’s life. I enjoy working with people and hearing their stories because everyone is unique and deserves a ceremony that is as unique as they are.
I am based in Central Scotland but love to travel and will happily go anywhere in Scotland. I love outdoor weddings and rustic weddings; a castle wedding is just the dream.
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I am so lucky to have been a Celebrant since 2016. The happiness, joy humour and love at the ceremonies I have conducted, just make it so special for me. So many memories have been made and every one has been different, but equally memorable.
Being a founder member and director (non paid) of ‘Team Thistle’ is one of the best things I have done in my life. As a charity we give our profits back, and the feeling of that giving back just means so much to me. I am also a volunteer radio presenter and a volunteer driver for two other charities.
As well as conducting ceremonies, I am a qualified Boccia Coach, and trained some athletes with special needs for the Special Olympics where our 5 athletes won 6 medals, I was also a chef, hotel manager and fundraiser for a few charities
Ceremonies can be held anywhere in Scotland, and so far, I have been at village halls, couples gardens, Caledonian Canal, beaches, hotels, town halls and even a few castles, and have even married one couple in Gretna.
From the initial meeting, to completing the script, forming a bond with the couple is very important. Every ceremony is equally as special as the others.
I am fully trained to conduct weddings, funerals, renewal of vows, baby naming and gender transition celebration ceremonies. Also PVG checked and insured.
I would be delighted to have a chat with you before you book to answer any questions you might have.
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
CAROL O'ROURKE
When everything is said and done, the only thing we have left is our story - and I'm here to help you share yours.
Outside of my role as Humanist Celebrant and new member of the Thistle Family, I have two gorgeous children, a wonderful husband and I enjoy reading, health and healing, yoga, travel, cold water dipping (in the North Sea!) and creative writing. My background is in education, with specialisms in music, expressive arts and management.
I have been interested in Humanism since my own wedding and joining Thistle allows me not only the privilege of conducting ceremonies, but to develop and deepen my personal values further - I want to continue to be an excellent human being and I'm passionate about learning and personal development.
This new chapter is very exciting, and I can't wait to meet couples, realise client goals, write beautiful and unique ceremonies and celebrate all aspects of life with you! I don't take lightly the task of being trusted to ensure your milestone moments are just right and I am committed to ensuring your event is conducted the way you would like it.
My base is in Angus, which means I have easy access to Dundee, Aberdeen, Fife and Perth and Kinross. If you think I am the right celebrant for you then I am happy to discuss travelling further afield - I love an opportunity to explore!
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
Most people choose non-religious Humanist ceremonies because they are looking for something unique and personal. Everyone is different and so every ceremony I compose reflects this.
My background is in therapeutic counselling. I feel this has proved invaluable, and given me excellent communication skills and an ability to put people at their ease to gain the information needed to write a truly personal and unique script for your ceremony. Whether that be a wedding, a naming, renewal of vows or saying goodbye to a loved one, I will do my upmost to create a special ceremony, just the way they want it.
I took early retirement from my career five years ago to persue my work as a celebrant.
I have always enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories, and through my professional life this information was often composed into a report. Having attended a few humanist weddings I felt that this was something I could do.
I trained as a celebrant in 2016, and I love bringing couples' romance to life for an amazing ceremony.
I enjoy being a celebrant and feel honoured and privileged to share in these special moments.
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I just love, love, in all its forms. It’s a beautiful thing that means and materialises in different ways for every person. We are all completely unique and it’s something that I enjoy about humanist ceremonies, this uniqueness can be celebrated in both life and death.
I have a background in charity relationship management and have always enjoyed helping people. Delivering ceremonies lets me continue this by creating bespoke, personal and meaningful memories for people, as well as supporting them through what can be, stressful times.
Laughter is a fuel of life for me and (where appropriate) it’s something I like to bring to my ceremonies. I find people fascinating and nothing more satisfying than hearing how two people have fallen in love. Their journey, their adventure, the little things that sometimes people don’t realise is part of their story. I’ve got a creative flare so anything (well most things) go.
A calm, romantic ceremony can be created or an extravagant, bizarre, kazoo playing (like my brother's wedding) is absolutely welcome. The most important thing is how I can make the ceremony about the people involved, their personality and exactly what they’ve dreamed of.
Considering funerals, I realised after doing my grandad's eulogy the comfort that a ceremony can bring to the family and attendees if the person's personality and warmth is depicted respectfully and accurately. I thought what a privilege it would be to be able to create and provide that comfort to other people through such difficult days, hence, another reason for becoming a humanist celebrant.
Compassion, sometimes quirkiness and a lot of love and laughter is what I provide. I am Glasgow based but happy to travel.
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
Hi, I’m Gillian. Love will always be at the centre of your ceremony. I will tell your story the way you want it to be, embracing your uniqueness, reflecting your personality, making sure your day is celebrated your way.
As a retired police officer, I have always used my compassionate nature and communication skills to help the community. I wanted to continue to use these skills in retirement so becoming a Humanist Celebrant and joining the Thistle family was a natural step for me.
I live in South Lanarkshire with my husband and wonderful children. My husband and I enjoy having fun and love being outdoors. We especially enjoy travelling the length and breadth of Scotland, and sometimes further afield in our wee campervan. Our travels have made me appreciate the beautiful country we live in and what a fantastic backdrop it provides.
Humanist ceremonies are always personal to the individual and are delivered with warmth, kindness, and respect. It would be my privilege to collaborate with you and to be trusted to tell your story to your family and friends which is something I do not take for granted. Whether it is a funeral, wedding ceremony, vow renewal, baby naming or renaming ceremony, I will guide you through the process in a friendly and compassionate way, making sure you are happy with the outcome.
I am based in the central belt but I’m happy to travel to your chosen location. I look forward to having a chat with you.
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
Hello, I’m Janine and I’m a new addition to the Thistle family. I have a long-suffering husband, two much-loved grown-up sons, and two lively but lovely, German Shorthaired Pointers. Based in South Lanarkshire, I also spend much of my time in Argyll - my happy place – walking the dogs along the beach or up the hills, doing a spot of canoeing and yoga too!
I currently work in the charity sector, but have worked in a variety of settings, supporting children and young people and always with a passion for helping folk. Joining Thistle has been a natural progression for me, as I so enjoy working with, and making a difference to those around me – and doing this has given me the skills needed to become a humanist celebrant.
I am relaxed, warm and friendly; and would also say I’m pretty flexible, however … I pay attention to detail! I’ll spend time getting to know and understand you, making sure you choose what you want and that you are at the heart of everything I do. I’ll be there alongside you every step of the way – if you’re happy I’m happy!
Whether you dream of a ceremony on top of a mountain, in your garden, or in that most special of special places, I will be committed to making it the best it can possibly be.
I’m always happy to chat, as choosing a celebrant is a huge deal! If you want to find out a little more, please just get in touch.
PS… I’m a big animal lover – so for weddings - pets, and particularly dogs, can totally be accommodated as part of your special day!
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
I believe a person’s life is their personal story written in time by their character, personality, their actions, beliefs, principles, and their sense of humour. To this end, your ceremony has to be the way you want it, whether it’s celebrating the love of a marrying couple, welcoming a new addition in to the world or paying tribute to those who have passed, I ensure my clients are always at the heart of everything I do.
If you’re looking for a ceremony that ‘does it your way’ I’d love to meet you. I’ll listen to what you want, give you ideas and explanations if you don’t know what you want, and guide you through all the possibilities as to how to personalise and create the ceremony you have always dreamed of.
I was a teacher and enjoyed working in a support role with children and families for over 30 years supporting families whose children have additional needs. I love running, mainly with my two dogs for company, am in a walking group with friends, and love swimming and being outdoors. I love my arts and crafts, as I draw, paint and sew, I’m also an avid reader but especially love time together with family and friends.
I am available for Wedding, Naming and Funeral ceremonies and is happy to travel in and around Edinburgh and surrounding areas, The Lothians, the Central belt, the Borders and the Glasgow area.
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
I became a humanist celebrant back in 2017, having worked in medical and customer service led roles. I run a domestic ironing business which was established back in 2014 but my passion is definitely people!
I am mummy to 4 small people aka ‘The Creeps,’ and they have definitely taught me all about patience, compassion and respect. I am married to Pete and we have a little fur baby; Meena the rescue dog.
I adore getting to know couples and families, building beautiful friendships and being a confidant. Life isn’t always easy, and I am always at the end of an email, a text, or a phone call to listen and help ease the load.
I adore writing; when couples and families open up and share their life journey with me, I create bespoke ceremonies that reflect their personalities.
From the initial chat to the booking stages, meeting to discuss the ceremony be it a wedding, naming day or an affirmation of vows, to writing the script and being there on the day to conduct, every step is special, and every step is about you…the couple, the family, the new born baby or the child who has found their forever home!
You choose every element of your day and I help guide you.
I offer professionalism, compassion, humour, a little bit of silliness (Terrible Toilet Selfies are a must) and friendship.
I have conducted hundreds of weddings all over Scotland and I am available for Weddings, Naming Days and Affirmations of Vows, so if you are looking for a fun, loving and dedicated celebrant, just give me a shout.
Happy planning.
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
Hi, I’m Mel.
I first became interested in Humanism some 20 years ago when I co-wrote my son’s Humanist naming ceremony. It was a beautiful experience and a wonderful way to welcome him into the world. I now have three children and have experienced my own Humanist wedding, so after careers in international business and education I am absolutely delighted to be part of the Thistle family as a Humanist Celebrant. I haven’t experienced any greater privilege than sitting down with a family and listening to their journey, then creating and delivering a ceremony about that journey with warmth and tenderness. Helping others to celebrate the special milestones in life is an incredible honour, whether that be a naming ceremony, a wedding, a vow renewal or an end-of-life ceremony.
I bring with me experience of co-owning a community interest company that is dedicated to raising money and awareness for youth mental health charities and I am passionate about social justice, equity and equality. My other interests are writing poetry and travel – I love exploring our beautiful planet. I speak several languages and will happily conduct ceremonies in English, Italian or French – and I’ll even add in a bespoke poem if desired. I’m a bit of a geek and a hopeless romantic and I truly believe that all we really need in life is love.
I am Glasgow based, but happy to travel. I am fully qualified and insured to conduct weddings, vow renewals, naming ceremonies and funerals.
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Hi, I’m Phyl, former counsellor, author, screenwriter, and wife to a long suffering husband, mother of three children and servant to three cats. I love spending time with family and friends writing and taking weddings. (in fact I often include a wee personal poem for my couples in the ceremony if they want it!).
You may have noticed that I am an author so I’m used to working with words and I will make sure that you will experience a beautiful, magical ceremony that will enable you to realise your dreams of a memorable wedding. If you can imagine it, then I want to know what your vision is so I can create it, and make your day the most special it can be, because I appreciate the importance of what you are doing.
Two people proclaiming their love and commitment to each other is something that has to be celebrated in the most enjoyable ceremony possible and even more, make amazing memories that will stay with you, long after the last piece of wedding cake has been eaten. Your wedding has to be the most special it can possibly be and I am committed to delivering just that. If you want that kind of beautiful, romantic, heartwarming and fun ceremony, then check my availability for your date.
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
When myself and my husband were planning our own wedding, we were looking for a ceremony that would capture our personalities and would provide us with the flexibility to be creative. We chose a Humanist ceremony, and we were inspired by how unique and personal the experience was and our guests loved it!
It was this experience that interested me to find out more about Humanism and I felt a connection to the Humanist philosophy. Training to become a celebrant in 2017 felt like a natural next step.
My background is working with children and families. I try to embrace life and adore spending time with my own family and friends to ensure that I build magical memories and live my best life!
Being a celebrant is the most rewarding role. It is always an honour to be asked to bring families together as it is a privilege to be part of huge milestones in people’s life and can support them to create bespoke ceremonies.
I take pride in my work, and I am humbled to be asked to be the voice, whether it is at a celebration of life funeral, the celebration of new life with a naming day or celebrating love with a legal wedding ceremony or a vow renewal.
I am based in Dundee and am happy to travel to all areas of Dundee, Angus, Perthshire, and Fife.
Check which areas the celebrant covers here.
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