Go your own way

For years, Gerrie and Susan DouglasScott campaigned for equal marriage, and in 2014 they became the first two women to be married in Scotland. The celebrants, who founded Celebrate People, already had a civil partnership but decided to convert it through a full marriage ceremony after the passing of the amendment to the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act. This legislation meant that same-sex couples could finally make a choice between marriage and civil partnership.

Gerrie and Susan married at midnight on Hogmanay 2014 surrounded by family and friends, as well as fellow equality campaigners.

Scotland’s

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Green Party co-convenor Patrick Harvie were their witnesses. To mark the historic moment, a copy of the marriage schedule was put on display at the Scottish Parliament.

They now often receive requests to conduct a marriage ceremony together! “Susan and I to be the first women to be married in Scotland does attract many same-sex couples or couples who don’t see themselves as conventional. But, from our perspective, we are relating to each and every couple who love each other,” Gerrie says. “That is really why we set up Celebrate People because we wanted to be able to embrace everybody’s background and what everybody brings into that space,” Susan adds. “We very much say we embrace all cultures – and it’s really important we talk about that and get you feeling comfortable with what you want to express in your ceremony.”

When it comes to planning your wedding, Gerrie’s advice is to find a celebrant who fits in with your ethos and plans for the day. “I think it’s really important that people choose a celebrant whose values reflect your own. I say to all my couples that your celebrant is close to you physically and in your sacred space, so I want you to choose who fits and feels right for you,” Gerrie explains. “It’s also important to check that your celebrant is not going to make assumptions or try to force you down a so-called ‘traditional’ route. Do they understand the importance of language (or pronouns for you) that sit comfortably with you? You can even ask about what professional development they have done around equal marriage.”

Susan says they take the same approach for all couples coming to them in search of a celebrant. “We want to really be there for them in the journey and to help them feel as relaxed as they possibly can on the day,” she explains.

When it comes to venues or suppliers, Gerrie and Susan suggest looking through pamphlets, leaflets and wedding information for visibility of LGBTQIA+ couples. “See how you feel when you get there,” Gerrie advises. “See if they’ve made an effort on their website to say ‘love is love’ or put a rainbow on – to welcome people and make them feel visible without making any assumptions.”