My role as a celebrant is to listen, understand, and bring your vision to life, creating a ceremony that resonates with your values, beliefs, and traditions. Whether you are celebrating a wedding, welcoming a new life, or saying goodbye to a loved one, I am here to guide you with compassion and professionalism.
Please feel free to reach out for a consultation. It would be an honour to help you mark life’s important moments with a ceremony that is personal, respectful, and memorable.
I am based in Inverness, Highlands, and can meet via Zoom or in person (if local).
I am married, a father of two, and passionate about supporting equality, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability in all aspects of my work.
With a background in music, arts, culture, and Gaelic language development, I have spent many years working in Scotland’s arts and public sectors.
Raised in Ireland and Canada, I have called the Highlands of Scotland home for most of my adult life, drawing inspiration from its rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
My name is in Irish Gaelic and is pronounced - Bree-an Ohara.
In Scotland, you can have your wedding almost anywhere, whether it's in a hotel, your garden, or by a scenic loch. The only requirement is that if the ceremony is on a boat, it must be moored. You’ll also need two witnesses present, and it’s worth considering the weather if you're planning an outdoor celebration.
Yes, it is. As a Marriage Officer with Independent Humanist Ceremonies, I am legally authorised to conduct weddings in Scotland. This includes both traditional venues and outdoor locations, ensuring your marriage is recognised under Scottish law. You will need to fill out certain paperwork for the registrars. See information below.
Note that I also can perform a non-legal type of ceremony but it will be made clear at the ceremony that this is not a legal wedding but rather a public declaration of love and partnership.
Absolutely. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, so we can include elements that matter to you, such as personal vows, readings, symbolic rituals like handfasting, or even music. I’ll guide you through the process to make it truly unique and meaningful.
We’ll begin with an initial meeting where we’ll discuss your story, preferences, and vision for the ceremony. From there, I’ll create a bespoke script tailored to you. As the day approaches, you may choose to have a rehearsal, and on the wedding day, I’ll deliver the ceremony. Afterward, I’ll provide you with a keepsake copy of the script.
We’ll begin with an initial meeting You’ll need to submit Marriage Notice forms (M10) to the Registrar’s office in the district where you’re getting married. This must be done no more than three months before and no later than 29 days before your wedding. The Registrar will let you know when to collect your Marriage Schedule, which we’ll sign on the day. Remember to return it to the Registrar within three days to finalise your marriage. we’ll discuss your story, preferences, and vision for the ceremony. From there, I’ll create a bespoke script tailored to you. As the day approaches, you may choose to have a rehearsal, and on the wedding day, I’ll deliver the ceremony. Afterwards, I’ll provide you with a keepsake copy of the script.
My fee for a wedding or vow renewal is £500, which includes meetings, script preparation, and delivery of the ceremony. Additional costs may include travel (£0.50 per mile from Inverness), accommodation and subsistence if required, and an optional rehearsal (£100). The Registrar also charges a separate fee for the marriage licence, currently £100.
I take bookings up to two years ahead, and popular dates, especially Saturdays, can fill up quickly. Once you’ve set your wedding date and secured your venue, it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment. A £100 deposit (as part of the £500 fee) is required to secure my services and date in my diary.
I will meet with you to learn about your family, your child, and what you want to include in the ceremony. We’ll discuss readings, poems, symbolic rituals, and any roles for family or friends, such as godparents or grandparents. I’ll create a bespoke ceremony tailored to your wishes. On the day, I’ll arrive early to ensure everything runs smoothly.
No, naming ceremonies are not legally binding. They are a way to celebrate and formally introduce your child to family and friends. You still need to register your child’s birth in the usual way.
Not at all. While naming ceremonies are often held for babies, they can take place at any time. Whether your child is a few weeks, months, or years old, we can create a bespoke ceremony that suits your family’s wishes and timing.
The fee for a naming ceremony is £250, which covers the planning, writing, and delivery of the ceremony. Additional costs may apply for travel beyond Inverness, charged at £0.50 per mile. All additional costs will be discussed with you in advance to ensure transparency.
A vow renewal ceremony is a celebration of your continued commitment and love as a couple. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm the promises you made on your wedding day, whether you’re marking a milestone anniversary or simply wishing to celebrate your relationship.
You can contact me to discuss your ideas and arrange an initial meeting. During this meeting, I’ll learn about your story, your journey as a couple, and your vision for the ceremony. I’ll then create a bespoke script that reflects your wishes. On the day, I’ll deliver the ceremony and provide you with a keepsake copy to treasure.
No, a vow renewal ceremony is symbolic and non-legal, meaning it does not require any legal documentation. It’s a personal and meaningful way to celebrate your relationship without the formalities of a legal wedding.
Every ceremony is bespoke, but it might include:
A welcome and introduction
A reflection on your journey together since your wedding day
Renewal of vows (original or newly written)
Exchange of rings or another symbolic gesture
Readings, poems, or music chosen by you
The ceremony will be tailored to reflect your story and what matters most to you as a couple.
A vow renewal ceremony can take place anywhere that’s meaningful to you, whether it’s your home, a special outdoor location, or even the venue where you were originally married. The flexibility allows you to create a setting that feels just right for the occasion.
Of course. Writing your own vows adds a personal and emotional touch to the ceremony. I am happy to help you with inspiration and guidance to make the process easier if needed.
The fee for a vow renewal ceremony is £500, which includes planning, writing, and delivery of the ceremony. Additional costs may include travel beyond Inverness, charged at £0.50 per mile. All additional costs will be discussed in advance.
A memorial service is a gathering to honour and celebrate the life of a loved one, typically held after their funeral or cremation. Unlike a funeral, there is no requirement for the presence of the body or ashes, making the service more flexible in terms of timing and location.
You can contact me directly to discuss your needs. We’ll arrange a meeting, either in person or online, where I’ll learn about your loved one and your wishes for the service. From there, I’ll create a bespoke ceremony tailored to your preferences. On the day, I’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and provide you with a keepsake copy of the ceremony.
Memorial services can be held almost anywhere, such as a family home, a community hall, outdoors in a favourite location, or any place with significance to the person being remembered. I will work with you to ensure the chosen venue suits the tone of the occasion.
Each service is bespoke, but common elements may include:
A welcome and introduction
Personal tributes and memories shared by family or friends
A eulogy written by me or a loved one
Poetry or readings
A moment of reflection or silence
Music chosen by the family to honour the deceased
The structure will reflect your wishes and the personality of your loved one.
The fee for a memorial service is £500, which includes planning, writing, and delivery of the ceremony. Additional costs may include travel beyond Inverness, charged at £0.50 per mile. All additional costs will be discussed in advance.