Humanist Weddings in South and West Scotland

Laura and Chris, May in The Recital Rooms

2011-11-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air.........

Nessrean and Duncan, 19th May 2011

2011-11-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

Nessrean said "I just want to say a BIG thank you for making the ceremony feel so special. We certainly had some laughs and brought the family together with the mexican hug! Thank you for being so flexible with ideas and thank you for making it a memorable ceremony"

Laura and David, Ross Priory, 21 May 2011

2011-11-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hands held, eyes meeting, "I love you.....I do!"

2013 - far away?

2011-11-26T03:43:00.000-08:00

Oh no, it isn't! it's only November 2011 and I have had so many people booking for 2013 already. if you want the summer, you'll need to be quick it seems! About half of my weddings come from couples who have attended one i conducted the year (or 2) before.

The most important thing is you have great fun and the whole process of planning your ceremony is happy and as stress free as it can possibly be. This is about YOU and I feel so privileged to be a small part of that on the day.Gerrie x

Elizabeth and Bryan 7th May 2011

2011-05-09T16:09:00.001-07:00

A lovely couple with a beautiful family. Thank you for the honour!

Winter Weddings are Wonderful!

2010-11-03T10:35:00.002-07:00

Consider a Winter Wedding!

Winter Weddings are very special for lots of different reasons, not least because the venues are more reasonable about costs! Celebrants are easier to book (July for me is now nearly full for next year). Also not least because there is something so beautiful about white fur and white feathers.....all floaty and gorgeous - and the groom is not dying of heat in his full regalia.

The flowers can be spectacular too when chosen to reflect the natural season...very unusual and stunning I think. Silver, purple, blue, white.....wonderful....it's the organic gardener in me!

I conducted my daughter's wedding during a past November with only candles for light. Here is a glance at the table setting...

Ying Yan and Kit got married on 2nd February 2010 in Sweetheart Abbey, nr Dumfries. It was roofless, it was snowing, it was zero degrees, very cold especially for guests from Hong Kong. The romance and the love were tangible and if love can warm your heart, it worked well that day!

Russell and Mandy Makuru were married in Maid of the Loch in November. The icicles were hanging from the ceiling and their daughters, dressed in fur, were like wee winter princesses. Russell was stunning too, a Maori, long flowing hair, in full Scottish dress...hard to beat, but Mandy was a-glowing. It's 5 years now....where are you wonderful people?

Lots of information and more photographs in the 'older posts' - just one click away

Lis and jay, West Bar, Glasgow 24 July 2010

2010-10-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Lis and Jay share bread and salt - an old Romany tradition. The theme was "The Bride wore Red" (funnily enough!)

Louisa and Anthony 12th Sept Morton Castle

2010-10-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

Well, if you want a remote venue, this is the one for you! But only in the summer I think!

What a wonderful day - and what an entrance for the bride down the sweeping paths. The high heels of the guests were a wee challenge!

Suzanne and Ed 28th August 2010 Wigtownshire

2010-10-29T09:28:00.001-07:00

Suzanne and Ed were married at Kevans Farm near Garlieston, the Vance family home. The view to the sea was spectacular!

Sarah (the middle bridesmaid) worked in ReadingLasses, our bookshop and cafe in Wigtown, all summer. A star in the making.

Zoe and Martin 14th Aug 2010

2010-10-16T03:17:00.000-07:00

Martin and Zoe's wedding was in a beautiful tower, in a 600 year old keep. Zoe used to play here as a child so it was a very meaningful setting for both of them.

And as Martin checks on the rings, Gerrie's personal dresser (!) works at her hair doo in the background! (Thanks Susan)

Katie and Keith Pollok House 10th October 2009

2010-07-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

Katie and Keith got this photograph published in the 2CV fans magazine! What you cannot see is that Katie was pushed in the car for the last few yards to the front door of Pollok House!

"And they drank from the Quaich as a symbol of trust and friendship always"

(PS It's usually whisky!!)

Some comments from couples

2010-07-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Immediately from the initial phone call to introduce ourselves and find out whether she was available Gerrie was approachable and made us feel very relaxed. A ‘quick’ meeting at her home turned into a few hours once we discovered our common interests which, in turn, made our wedding day all the more special. Our chosen location for the wedding was located deep in the Ayshire hills with a tight knit group of friends who all remarked at how smooth and professional the ceremony was for two disheveled people. Gerrie was paramount to its success as she kept in regular contact and answered any queries promptly. We highly recommend Gerrie for anybody considering a relaxed, open minded and highly personalised wedding.

Alastair and Nicole (contact details available)

(Married in Black Clauchrie House, near Barrhill)

Thank you Gerrie for making our Wedding day so special. Gerrie you are fab!! We had such a personal and fun wedding ceremony, and you won't believe the number of poeple who came up to me afterwards to say what a wonderful ceremony you did for us. I only wish we had a video of me trying to jump the broom in my wedding dress!!

Kay and John xxx University of Glasgow Chapel 17th September 2011

Very many thanks to Gerrie Douglas- Scott for officiating at the wedding of our son Alistair and his bride Gemma in such a professional manner. We were most impressed by the ceremony, and this has been confirmed to us by many of the other guests. David Ferguson, Glenluce, Newton Stewart Summer 2011

Dear Gerrie, David and I just wanted to thank you so very very much for being part of our wedding on the 21st May 2011, and what a big part you played!!! We could not have wished or dreamed for anymore. It was perfect in every way. We have spoken to a number of our guests and they have all commented on how special they found the ceremony. Gerrie you radiated with warmth and kindness that made us feel like we were being married by an old friend, and for that we can not thank you enough.

From the two 'sole' mates... ;) Laura & David xxx

Just a quick message to say a huge thank you to gerrie douglas-scott for a beautiful ceremony, our day was wonderful and everyone complimented on how special the ceremony felt.

We can’t thank you enough, you made our day xx

Claire and Craig, 4th Sept 2011 xx

Robert and Maureen 18th June 2010

2010-07-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Robert and Maureen were married in the Anvil Hall in Gretna. Great venue if you would like one that was a church in the past - great traditional photos and candles everywhere. Maureen and Robert, your red Beetle was like a magic carpet!! Thank you for letting me be part of your special day. Ger x

Jennifer and Andrew married in Anwoth 22 August 2009

2009-12-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

Anwoth Church was a religious church in its day, but now more of a gathering place for weddings and parties. Some of their guests had actually been married there when it was a church, decades ago. It is near Gatehouse on Fleet and is really beautiful - as were the gorgeous couple! Jen's uncle told everyone to let the 'wee meenister' speak at one point...I think he meant me!! Another churchy venue is the Mackintosh Church in Glasgow if you fancy walking "down the aisle"!

Legal Stuff that you need to do

2009-12-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here is what you have to do to be legally married in a Humanist ceremony in Scotland:

Choose a date, venue and celebrant and confirm arrangements with them.
Choose two witnesses (over 16 years old)
Get in touch with the nearest registrar to your venue (not your home) and tell them where you are getting married (to make sure they are the nearest) and ask them for the forms.
Fill in the forms and send them back to the registrar's office no earlier than 3 months and no later than 6 weeks before the wedding. Sometimes you can put your forms in later than this but this is the exception not the rule.You will also have to supply the registrar with your birth certificates.
One week before the wedding one of you picks up the Marriage Schedule (the piece of paper you, the witnesses and your celebrant signs on the day) and one of you must do this in person.
On the day of the wedding the most important thing to remember is to bring the Marriage Schedule with you (some people forget!).
This must be signed in permanent black ink using a fountain pen (don't worry - I bring this with me).
The Marriage Schedule must be returned to the registrar within three working days and can be taken back by anyone. You will then be sent your wedding certificate.
If you need a letter to say you are married (for your honeymoon freebies, for example) I am happy to write that for you.
The Venue: the Registrar General says the venue must be 'safe and dignified'. I have conducted weddings in kitchens, gardens, castles, hotels, clubs......The Registrars are always very helpful and will go out of their way to assist you if you are having difficulty getting hold of paperwork or you are working to a tighter deadline. If you have lost your birth certificate and are worried about getting another one, if your venue cancels your booking at the last minute, if you are waiting for divorce papers to come through before you can put your forms into them, or any other problems with the paperwork - tell them as soon as possible.

Further information on marrying in Scotland can be found here
If you have any thoughts or questions, don't hesitate to contact Gerrie by phone or email.

Michelle and Craig 29 August 2009

2009-09-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Craig got married at Craig's mum and dad's house in Cumbernauld. Thank goodness for SatNav's!! (It's a maze!). Michelle said: "just wanted to say thanks for saturday. Everybody had a great time and not a dry eye in the house , again many thanks, Craig and Michelle xxxx" Michelle and Craig and their respective daughter and son all lit candles before their vows and then brought the flames together into one, after the vows.

It was a lovely ceremony with a very special family - thank you for the honour!

Gerrie

Simon and Tama 18 June 2009

2009-07-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Simon Magnus and Tama Barry had a romantic partnership ceremony in Oran Mor (where Simon is an Events manager). Tama is lead male dancer with Scottish Ballet so there were some even more spectacular dresses and suits ...and muscly legs....on show! Their first dance was accompanied by stage smoke and the end of the ceremony they had four confettis cannons showering everyone! Simon said "Thank you so much for being such an important part of our ceremony, you were truly fantastic. My Mum said to tell you that she thought you were great but didn't get the chance on the night."

That must be one of my best references ever - when his mum thought I was great - I'm very chuffed because she recited a poem that she had written about her son and it was brilliant.

Did you know that Meerkats love each other until death, they stand by each other and they’re one big happy family? (Tama proposed to Simon in front of a line-up of Meerkats!)

Location, Location, J and J on a barge Spring 2009

2009-05-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Get married in a bookshop in Scotland's national book town...

Peccadillo Barge

So many locations...in kitchens, gardens, greenhouses (well the People's Palace is a big one), in hotels, on a canal boat (10 guests popped the corks balancing on top of the Falkirk Wheel!), in ruined castles (Caerlaverock is one of my faves), in not-ruined castles, hills, beaches, caves, under special trees,, village halls (Borgue!), in the sea, old churches (The Nunnery in Iona was muddy but lovely) ....... OK, do you have a challenge for me?

Tantallon

Sweethearts in Sweetheart Abbey 2 Feb 2009

2009-05-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

I post this blog on the 100th day anniversary of Ying-Yan and Kit. They tell me today they are enjoying every minute of being husband and wife. Their wedding was in the ruined abbey in New Abbey, near Dumfries. It was cold.....it was VERY cold! It was a wonderful ceremony in a spectacular setting.

Mandy and Jim on the beach at Irvine

2009-03-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

Mandy said "We had a perfect day and only wished it hadn't gone so quickly!! It was everything we had hoped for - relaxed, fun and plenty of laughter!! All our friends have commented on how personal and unique our ceremony was and how it was the most relaxed wedding they've ever been to. I think you definitely have to take the credit for that. A humanist ceremony comes highly recommended!"

Diane n Jackie on the (cold) beach

2009-03-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

It was a windy 1st October 2008 when Diane and Jackie 'tied the knot' at Maidens Beach. They joined waters from important places in their lives and in that way brought the family all together for all time. A little grandaughter looked on....

Roger and Kate 1 Sept 2007

2009-03-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Kate and Roger got married legally in their stunning room in Gourock so that Kate's mum, who wasn't well, could attend. The they chose to have another ceremony that evening in Glasgow with all their friends and a great curry meal! Her gold and red dress was amazing. Roger was lovely too!

Craig and Lynn Cullen

2009-03-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

Craig and Lynn were married on 21st September 2008 in Pollok House, Glasgow. Famous painting, famous couple! Just great fun with a magic family.

Legal Stuff - a link to Tim's Blog

2009-03-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

http://humanistweddingsinscotland.blogspot.com/2009/03/step-by-step-guide-to-legalities.html

Tim Maguire, an Edinburgh based Celebrant, has prepared lots of great info with links to official stuff on his blog. I won't copy it all on here. There are some general notes further down this blog though. If you are in any doubt at all, phone me or phone the Registrar that serves your wedding venue.

Above all, have fun!

Courtney and John

2008-10-27T15:42:00.001-07:00

Courtney and John were married in 2007 at Erskine Bridge Hotel. They are a special couple with two great wee children. People like John and Courtney inspire me - so full of hope and love and fun!

Letty and Andy 12th July 2008 Caerlaverock Castle

2008-08-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Letty and Andy had their wedding in Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries. It is an amazing. triangular shaped Keep. The weather was more than kind - we were toasted! 22 is a special number, eh Letty!

Mo and Craig 18th May 2008 Oran Mor Glasgow

2008-08-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

You can see we laughed a lot during Mo and Craig's ceremony - wee tears at their vows too!

It's hard not to spend time looking at the ceiling in Oran Mor - must go there and do it one day!

Beautiful Sky!!!!

2008-08-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

29th June 2008
Graeme and Lindsey's wedding was in the spectacular Ayrshire countryside. The beautiful sky and beautiful people were clearly in abundance!! They had a good few photos that made us smile!

Katherine and Adrian 10 May 2008

2008-05-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Adrian and Katherine love trees. They made their vows under an ancient oak tree overlooking Loch Trool and the hills. The birds provided continuous music !!

Notice the quaich they made themselves from silver birch - a tree in the new place where they are about to live. The red cloth over my shoulders was their embroidered handfasting cloth.

The wedding meal was a great picnic and amazing chocolate cake that Katherine's mum made and transported all the way to Scotland.

Beaches, Castles, Hotels, Kitchens, Forests

2008-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I wish I had space to insert photos and details of all the weddings that I have been privileged to conduct. I will try to post as many as possible to inspire you!

This is Brian and Marilyn and their family and friends on the beach at Lendalfoot - just before we had to get the umbrellas out! The rain did not dampen the joy and happiness and the sun came back out for the party back at Dairy Cottage.

Having the Ceremony that YOU want!

2008-04-29T07:52:00.001-07:00

Josh and Jennifer at Dundonald Castle, 30th June 2007

I am a Celebrant of the Humanist Society of Scotland and have the absolute honour of conducting legal marriages with people who have faith in each other - and love each other.Every ceremony is unique because it reflects what is important to YOU.I love the thought that in a few decades time, you'll be sitting in front of the fire and saying "That was a brilliant day, eh?" It is such a privilege for me to be a wee part of that future memory.I wanted to create this space on the web to give you a bit more information and let you see some photos and ideas for your own ceremony. Gerrie x

Your most wonderful wedding ceremony you can imagine!

2008-04-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Carrie and Craig at Piersland Lodge, 11th Jan 2008

Your ceremony can be whatever you want it to be - and I'll make sure the wee legal bit is in there. You can choose your own words, your own vows and promises, music, and we can involve other family and friends in different ways. Recently all the children brought up a rose for the bride during the ceremony, including the couple's own wee girl. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!

I have a large selection of vows, readings and ideas for symbolic gestures like celtic handfasting or lighting a marriage candle, for you to choose from.

As for any wedding you have to complete the legal forms with the Registrar and some notes on that follow this message.

Many couples are happy for me to send you an example of their wedding script, so let me know if that would be useful.

What legal things do we need to do?

2008-04-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

Jill and Corin, The Nunnery, Iona, October 2006

Here is what you have to do to be legally married in a Humanist ceremony in Scotland:

Choose a date, venue and celebrant and confirm arrangements with them.

Choose two witnesses (over 16 years old)

Get in touch with the nearest registrar to your venue (not your home) and tell them where you are getting married (to make sure they are the nearest) and ask them for the forms.

Fill in the forms and send them back to the registrar's office no earlier than 3 months and no later than 6 weeks before the wedding. Sometimes you can put your forms in later than this but this is the exception not the rule.

You will also have to supply the registrar with your birth certificates.

One week before the wedding one of you picks up the Marriage Schedule (the piece of paper you, the witnesses and your celebrant signs on the day) and one of you must do this in person.

On the day of the wedding the most important thing to remember is to bring the Marriage Schedule with you (some people forget!). This must be signed in permanent black ink using a fountain pen (don't worry - I bring this with me).

The Marriage Schedule must be returned to the registrar within three working days and can be taken back by anyone. You will then be sent your wedding certificate. If you need a letter to say you are married (for your honeymoon freebies, for example) I am happy to write that for you.

The Venue: the Registrar General says the venue must be 'safe and dignified'. I have conducted weddings in kitchens, gardens, castles, hotels, clubs......

The Registrars are always very helpful and will go out of their way to assist you if you are having difficulty getting hold of paperwork or you are working to a tighter deadline. If you have lost your birth certificate and are worried about getting another one, if your venue cancels your booking at the last minute, if you are waiting for divorce papers to come through before you can put your forms into them, or any other problems with the paperwork - tell them as soon as possible.Further information on marrying in Scotland can be found here

If you have any thoughts or questions, don't hesitate to contact Gerrie by phone or email.