supplier spotlight –  Meet Kathryn – Humanist celebrant

22 March 2020

MODERN HUMANIST WEDDINGS WITH KATHRYN THE CELEBRANT

If you’re looking for a modern wedding that represents you as a couple, then we’ve got the woman who can make it happen. Kathryn Hanson is an Edinburgh-based Humanist celebrant, who’s amassed basically the nicest reviews from their guests we’ve ever seen. “My advice, have a celebrant who can make you ugly double chin laugh all the way through your own ceremony” is one – she can guarantee “a ceremony that felt as lovingly woven together as a jumper from your granny” is another. Actual human sunshine, huh? We chatted to her and soaked up her rays below!

 

WHO ARE YOU + WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Hi, I’m Kathryn – Humanist Celebrant. I’m based in Edinburgh, but originally a country bumpkin from Dumfriesshire. I cover weddings all across Scotland.

 

DESCRIBE YOUR WORKPLACE

My workplace is wherever you want me to go! Humanist ceremonies can take place absolutely anywhere (with landowners permission).

So we could be in an ancient ruined castle, a brewery, amongst the trees in a forest, a hipster artspace, on a blowy beach, in your garden – wherever you want!

WHERE/HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

It all began by accident, I had never planned to be a celebrant. In 2018, I chose to speak at a funeral of someone very close to me. I was struck by the gravity of how important it is to tell someone’s story, and how much joy was in the room even in such sad circumstances.

That night I decided to become a celebrant.

 

FAVOURITE WORK TO DATE?

I can’t pick one!

My friend decided she wanted a Scottish beach wedding in February – which sounds mad! But we wrapped up in our boots and coats, with just the couple and two witnesses, while people were walking their dogs around us. It was so intimate and special.

I also love a geeky wedding! Another stand out wedding was in an old ruined kirk, with the sweetest couple. Her family were cracking up at every Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings reference – and afterwards were astounded at how much the ceremony matched the couple!

 

WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

The couples I work with – what I write comes from the stories and nuggets of information you give me.

 

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY.

What is typical? I tour all around Scotland going to such varied places for weddings. When not conducting ceremonies, I’m usually sat at home writing on my laptop, or out having coffee with couples and getting to know all their stories.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO?

If in the city – a metal gig.
If in the countryside – a remote beautiful beach, I will paddle no matter how cold the sea is.
Country – Japan has been my favourite so far.

 

FAVOURITE WEDDING VENUE?

Some highlights have been Harvest Moon at Dunbar, Glencorse Kirk, Custom Lane in Edinburgh, Pratis Barn in Fife.

 

TRENDS YOU HOPE TO SEE THIS SEASON?

Scraping ceremony traditions if they don’t sit well with you – mix things up and choose to celebrate your wedding in a way that represents your values.

 

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

My cousin told me this before I got married: There will be food, alcohol and dancing. If people don’t enjoy themselves, it’s because they are miserable bastards!