Humanist Ceremonies for LIfe’s Special Moments
Hello, my name is Cate. I am absolutely delighted you’re here. I live in the beautiful Scottish Borders with my husband, two grown up sons and our dog.
As an Authorised Marriage Officer with Independent Humanist Ceremonies (IHC), I am so lucky that I get to create meaningful, personalised ceremonies for life's special milestones.
My ethos as a Humanist Celebrant is one of absolute inclusivity and respect ensuring that every ceremony is authentic and welcoming to everyone involved. My professional background in Special Needs Education and Teaching English as a Foreign Language have equipped me with exceptional skills in clear, patient communication, deep empathy and the ability to adapt my approach to meet diverse needs.
Planning a wedding is exciting and sometimes a little daunting, at the same time. However, I guide you through every step, from crafting bespoke wording and structure to coordinating readings, music and rituals . I’ll keep you on the right the side of legal things ensuring your ceremony is respectful, authentic and memorable for all the right reasons!
I see my role as a supportive co-creator, ensuring that your ceremony is perfectly paced, emotionally resonant and memorable for all the right reasons!
When we work together you're not getting an off-the-shelf script. You're getting a dedicated partner committed to the bespoke experience. I want to know about the laughter, the quirks, the history and the meaning behind the day. I’ll help you to seamlessly weave in the elements that matter most to you.
I will be the calm presence. I’ll handle the flow, the energy and the delivery, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the moment.
Let’s create something powerful together.
SERVICEs
Naming Ceremonies
Naming ceremonies celebrate identity and love, as you welcome a child into your family.
Weddings
Heartfelt and personalised wedding ceremonies that reflect your unique love story.
Vow Renewals
Celebrate the enduring love and commitment with a personalised vow renewal ceremony.
Funerals
Funerals and memorials provide a meaningful way to honour and remember loved ones who have passed.
Pet Memorials
A meaningful farewell tailored to your needs, providing solace and a lasting place in your heart.
rituals
Personalised rituals can transform ceremonies into deeply memorable experiences.
What is Humanism?
Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasises the value, dignity and agency of human beings. Compassion and critical inquiry are the basis for morality and decision-making rather than reliance on supernatural beliefs or dogma. Rooted in Classical and Enlightenment, modern humanism supports human rights, autonomy and social justice.
Our Mission
Independent Humanist Ceremonies work on behalf of those who seek to live ethical lives on the basis of reason and humanity. We promote Humanism, a secular state, and equal treatment of everyone regardless of religion, belief, gender or sexuality. We encourage people to think for themselves about what is right and wrong, based on reason and respect for others to find meaning, beauty and joy in the life we have because we believe people can use empathy and compassion to make the world a better place for everyone.
How IHC is funded
IHC is a non profit organisation. We take no donations from the public and make no charges or ask for any fees for any of the services we provide. Our Celebrants make voluntary contributions to the organisation, to cover administration, charity donations (Kirsty's Gift) and to cover costs for the good work we do in the community, including our presentations, end of life companionship, free ceremonies for families bereaved of a child and free ceremonies for couples facing a terminal diagnosis
If you’d like to find out more take a look at Independent Humanist Ceremonies.