Celebrating Love in East Lothian: A Decade of Humanist Weddings

Hello! My name is Kathryn Ross and I am a Humanist Celebrant based in stunning East Lothian. For the past ten years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of conducting weddings for couples seeking a heartfelt, personal, and meaningful ceremony. Whether it’s barefoot on the sands of Seacliff Beach or with windswept views from the summit of North Berwick Law, each wedding is as unique and unforgettable as the love stories I get to celebrate.

A Decade of Love Stories

Over the past decade I’ve conducted more than 800 weddings. Big or small, fancy or laid-back, they all hold a special place in my heart. Each ceremony reminds me of what makes being a Humanist Celebrant so rewarding: the opportunity to craft ceremonies that reflect the values, personalities, and love stories of each couple I meet.

East Lothian: The Perfect Backdrop

If you’ve ever visited East Lothian, you’ll understand why I feel so lucky to work here. We are blessed with some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, from golden beaches and dramatic cliffs to rolling countryside and quaint villages. It’s a haven for couples who want their wedding to feel grounded in nature and full of charm.

One of my favourite spots is Seacliff Beach, where the sound of the waves and the salty sea air create a magical setting for a ceremony. I’ve conducted weddings here where guests have kicked off their shoes, kids built sandcastles nearby, and even a curious seagull or two tried to join the festivities. There’s something so freeing and joyful about a beach wedding.

Then there’s North Berwick Law, a location for couples with a bit of an adventurous streak. Standing at the top of this iconic hill, with panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and the islands beyond, you feel like you’re on top of the world—quite literally. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a spare pair of shoes and a windproof hairstyle if you’re planning a ceremony up there!

Small Weddings, Big Love

While I’ve officiated at grand ceremonies in posh hotel with hundreds of guests, my heart truly belongs to the small, intimate weddings. There’s something incredibly special about a ceremony where everyone knows each other, where you can hear the laughter, the sniffles, and the collective sighs of joy as vows are exchanged.

With fewer formalities and more room for personal touches, these smaller gatherings allow couples to truly focus on what matters most: each other and their loved ones.

I absolutely love conducting elopement weddings—it’s just the couple, the photographers, and the stunning East Lothian backdrop. There’s something so magical about the intimacy of these ceremonies. With no distractions, it’s all about the two of you and the promises you’re making to each other. Elopements are wonderfully stripped back and personal, allowing your love to take centre stage (though the breath-taking locations sometimes try to steal the show!). Whether it’s a quiet beach or a windswept hilltop, elopements always feel like pure, unfiltered romance.

Crafting the Perfect Ceremony

As a Humanist Celebrant, my goal is to create a ceremony that feels 100% “you.” Humanist weddings are all about personalisation—there’s no set script, no rules about what you can or can’t include. It’s my job to get to know you as a couple, learn about your journey together, and weave your story into a ceremony that’s as individual as your fingerprints.

We’ll spend time chatting about your relationship—how you met, what you love most about each other, and what your hopes are for the future. I’ll also ask about the little things: your favourite shared memories, inside jokes, and maybe even the quirks that drive each other mad (because, let’s face it, those are part of love too!).

From there, I’ll write a bespoke ceremony that captures your personalities, values, and sense of humour. Want to include a handfasting or exchange a drink from a quaich? Prefer to keep things simple and let your vows do the talking? That’s beautiful too.

And if you’re worried about nerves on the big day, don’t be. Part of my job is to keep things relaxed and stress-free. I’ve had grooms forget their vows (don’t worry, I always carry a spare copy), brides laugh uncontrollably during the ring exchange (laughter is good luck, I’m sure of it), and one very determined toddler wander into the middle of the ceremony to hand me a stick. Whatever happens, I’ll roll with it—and I promise you’ll look back on the day with nothing but fond memories.

A Light-Hearted Approach

Weddings are joyous occasions, and I firmly believe that laughter belongs in every ceremony. Whether it’s a playful anecdote about how you met or a cheeky nod to your shared love of bad puns, I’ll help you strike the perfect balance between heartfelt and light-hearted.

I’ve told stories about couples meeting at karaoke nights, bonding over a mutual love of obscure 80s bands, and even one couple who fell in love after a heated debate about the best way to make a cup of tea. (For the record, milk first or milk last, doesn’t matter as long as there’s love in the cup!)

Of course, the humour never overshadows the deeper emotions of the day. Weddings are about love in all its forms—passionate, tender, enduring, and even a bit messy at times. I aim to create ceremonies that honour that complexity while leaving everyone smiling.

Looking Ahead

After a decade of weddings, I still enjoy every ceremony I conduct. Each couple brings something new and inspiring to the table, and every love story reminds me of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.

As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue helping couples create magical moments in East Lothian and beyond. Whether it’s a windswept cliffside, a cosy garden, or even your living room, I’ll be there to celebrate your love story with warmth, sincerity, and just the right amount of humour.

So, if you’re planning a wedding and want a ceremony that’s uniquely yours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d be honoured to be part of your special day—and I promise not to let the seagulls steal the show.

Working with Gail

Working with Gail at weddings is an absolute joy! We met 10 years ago when I was just starting out as a celebrant, and we’ve worked together many times ever since. Gail is not only incredibly talented—capturing those magical, fleeting moments with ease—but also a delight to be around. Her calm, friendly nature puts everyone at ease (even the most camera-shy!), and she has an uncanny ability to make every wedding feel extra special. Watching her work is like seeing a magician in action, and I always know the couple are in safe hands. Weddings with Gail are truly a dream team effort!

Some legal information about getting married in Scotland – INFO