Marie is a huge fan of amateur dramatics, and it was her love of the stage that led her to UKCAPSA. One of her fellow cast members was working as a Humanist Celebrant and as the sat down for a coffee one day, she asked him “what is it you do?”

UKCAPSA Diploma Graduate, Glasgow based Humanist Celebrant and local Radio DJ Alan Edwards shares what inspired him to take the leap! I had experienced reading at family funerals and weddings and felt a great deal of satisfaction from doing both. My friends said to me, “you would be great at that, why don’t you do it?”

At its core, the role of a celebrant is to craft and conduct ceremonies that are meaningful, personalised, and reflective of the individuals involved. It’s a profession that demands a deep understanding of tradition and ceremony, as well as the creativity to tailor events to the needs and wishes of couples and families.

When I embarked on training to become a Celebrant in early 2012, I hadn’t anticipated leaving my beloved role as an established interior designer, managing a thriving business. However, upon completing my training, I felt compelled to pursue a new direction in life.

A celebrant plays a pivotal role in wedding, funerals and naming ceremonies throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. Unlike clergy who are affiliated with specific religious institutions, celebrants offer a more personalised and inclusive approach. catering to the preferences and beliefs of the individuals involved. This flexibility allows for ceremonies to be as unique as the couple.