Humanist celebrant organisation The Scottish Celebrants creates bespoke ceremonies that are packed with personality, reflecting the values and stories of every couple. We chat to one of its celebrants, Catriona Miller, about how she makes the magic happen
Catriona says becoming a celebrant was 'life-changing' (Photo: Marc Millar Photography)
Catriona Miller – a former music journalist with a background in education – loves to create unique Scottish ceremonies. She is part of new celebrant collective, The Scottish Celebrants.
Whether you're tying the knot on a windswept island, in a chic hotel, or just in your own back garden, she aims to make the ceremony full of joy while still honouring the big moment.
What is The Scottish Celebrants?
The Scottish Celebrants is a new and fun-loving group of celebrants in Scotland. Thy offer unique wedding ceremonies that are personal, relaxed, and packed with personality.
How to become a celebrant in Scotland
Hello Catriona! Tell us how you got started.
"I had been a depute and head teacher for over 10 years; I loved it, but there were many stresses that went along with the job. Then I found myself at a funeral service, and as I listened to the celebrant, I thought, 'I could do that!'.
"I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. After researching the best way to go about it, I decide the SQA-ratified diploma with the UK Celebrant and Public Speaking Academy was what I needed.
"It was life-changing for me. I performed my first ceremony just a week after qualifying and have never looked back."
Read about three real life Scottish wedding ceremonies
Who set up The Scottish Celebrants?
"Paul Browett set up the organistion and it felt like a natural step to get on board with him as we share the same enthusiasm, vibrancy and values.
"I love that 5% of the price of every booking goes to a Scottish charity and that we plant a tree for every ceremony we conduct, including baby-naming days and funerals."
Celebrant Catriona loves to create bespoke ceremonies for her couples (Photo: Louise Gault Photography)
What are humanist wedding ceremonies like?
"They're all about the couple. I know that's what every good celebrants says, but I really do believe it's true. I spent time getting to know my couples either online or, if geography allows, in person.
"It's important to build real relationships – by the time the ceremony happens, I sometimes feel part of the family!
"I love to find out wee quirks that will help make each ceremony unique, whether that's beginning the wedding with a puck drop for a couple who met playing ice hockey, or including a Thai hand-washing ceremony for a dual nationality couple. Nothing is off the table, and I love ceremonies to be original.
"It's also key to keep everyone engaged during the ceremony and, after many years of school assemblies in front of 400 kids, I like to think I know how to hold a room!"
Start the search for your own wedding celebrant on Tie the Knot Scotland's online directory
You've officiated at a lot of ceremonies – do any stand out in your mind?
"I love an outdoor ceremony, but they can come with a few challenges. I once had to help a very stressed-out best man tie a gazebo to a fence to stop it blowing into the River Clyde.
"However, that wedding turned out to be one of my favourites. The couple were in their 60s and had been together for over 30 years, so wanted to do things their way.
"The groom wore fabulous gold patent Adidas trainers and a yellow suit, and the bride was just as glorious in a chiffon trouser suit and rose-gold kaftan. Their day was all about music and family, and it was a real privilege to be part of it."
Catriona is part of new celebrant collective, The Scottish Celebrants (Photo: Marc Millar Photography)
How to personalise a wedding ceremony
What's your top piece of advice?
"My advice to all couples is to try to stay true to your vision. It's easy to get tied up in the latest Instagram trends or Pinterest moodboard, but if you'd rather it was just the two of you in your back garden with your dog, then that's exactly how it should be.
"That's where I come in – to make every ceremony memorable, personable and filled with love and laughter."
Take a look at some traditions to add to you Scottish wedding ceremony
Quickfire wedding questions with Scottish Celebrant Catriona Miller
"Having a toast to the future, whether that's from the quaich, a shot glass or a champagne flute.
"I also love a good reading, such as John Cooper Clarke's 'I Wanna Be Yours'. It always makes me smile."
"Oh, that's a difficult one – as an ex-music journalist who is married to a musician, my life is full of music.
"I'm going to say the one that I walked down the aisle to, which was 'Time Has Told Me' by Nick Drake."
"I would love to be the celebrant when Lady Gaga marries Michael Polansky – maybe on a rooftop in Marrakech at sunset. That would be a stylish affair!"
