Agnostic Scotland is all about openness, inclusivity, and supporting people who might not follow a specific religion but still want meaningful ways to mark life’s big moments.

We believe in kindness, respect, and the freedom to explore life’s big questions without judgment. We also care about social justice and the environment, encouraging a more thoughtful and compassionate society.

Whether it’s through non-religious ceremonies or simply creating space for open conversations, Agnostic Scotland helps people navigate life in a way that feels right for them.

Being a celebrant for Agnostic Scotland is an honour, as it allows me to create meaningful, personal, and inclusive ceremonies that truly reflect the people I work with. It’s incredibly rewarding to support people in marking life’s important moments with warmth, respect, and sincerity.

In this blog I wanted to share the wonderful people I work along side, I thought it would be fun to ask them a couple questions to help get to know them better.

1.Everyone has an entrance piece of music for most ceremonies – what would your entrance music be and why?

2. What’s the one piece of advice you give to everyone before a ceremony?

Let’s start with me:

MILQUE

1. Do I Wanna Know- Artic Monkeys. The intro gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it. I think it is a great attention grabber – something is about to happen.

“(Do I wanna know?)
If this feeling flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go)
Was sort of hoping that you’d stay
(Baby, we both know)
That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can’t say tomorrow day”

The lyrics are truthful and raw.

Say it!
Tell the people you love them !
Do it tonight – say what you can’t say tomorrow day.

My celebration of life song is Fireball by pitbull, I would like it played at my cremation. I want it played at the end as my final song, I would like people to dance their way out and remember me with a smile. I am tempted to have the cha cha slide or locomotion so they have to break out the moves.

2. My advice for any ceremony is to eat ! Bring snacks even though you are riddled with nerves you need to eat.

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LESLEY

1. When I got married 26 years ago, the plan had been for Jon and I to come in to Van Morrison’s ‘Sweet Thing’. For some reason that didn’t happen….. and I can’t remember why! If we were to do it all again then I reckon I would still choose that song. It seems to capture a mood of freedom and possibility and of being outdoors with someone you love… I guess it’s a song I have connected with and adored for many years . Otherwise, it would be the sublime fiddle tune ‘ Leaving Stoer’ played by Duncan Chisholm ( or anyone else who might be available to play live!) especially if we were marrying in the north- west Highlands as it evokes our magical landscape so beautifully somehow.

2.Take time to be fully present ; this is your time and your moment and we are all here for you.

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CAROLYN

1.Giant -Calvin Harris & Rag ‘n’ Bone Man. As celebrants we are leaders who raise and support others, i.e “…I am Giant, stand up on my shoulders – tell me what you see…” Excellent production which guides the emotion of the listener, bringing everyone with it and reaching a perfect climax, exactly like a good ceremony should. It’s energising, motivational, positive and inspiring. Unapologetically present – (with a bit of sass and swagger!) It’s a great tune and I love a good party!!!

2. Just enjoy it. Take your time and focus on keeping your shoulders down, as this will immediately make you look more confident and calm.

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SARAH

1. Entrance Music – ‘Show Me the Way’ by Papa Wemba. Because it’s joyous and I can only think of sunshine and love when I hear it.

2.Advice to My Couples – Everyone here is here for you. They have nothing but love and good wishes for you, so just take a moment, relax, breathe and enjoy….

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GAYLE

1.The only song I keep landing on is Crazy in Love by Beyoncé! Maybe that’s too obvious tho. My other favourites are too sad/slow so can’t have them!!!

2.

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LUCY

1.Bat Out Of Hell by Meatloaf because it’s a banger of an entry tune and one of my personal hype songs. Or anything by my idol, Dolly Parton!

2. It’s about YOU. Try to forget about everyone else, it’s about your connection to yourself, and one another. And part of my job is to ensure I hold space for you to slow down, take a deep breath, ground yourself in the moment and be present. And have FUN!

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JENNY

1.Our entrance music to our wedding was Chris Rea – Josephine (French edition) – and because we love the song only and reminds of younger days.

2. Eat breakfast, drink water and go to the loo and breathe…

Photograph- Whitney Graham Photography

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SUSAN

1. I like the idea of a big entrance and that needs some epic music! If you can’t have real trumpets blasting out a fanfare, for weddings, I love the sense of occasion that comes from ‘Throne Room and Finale from Star Wars: A New Hope! For my own funeral, I quite fancy the imposing theme tune from ‘Where Eagles Dare’ by Ron Goodwin played very loudly, with maybe a wee alpine themed purvey to follow…..fondue anyone?

2. Before a ceremony – your tummy is the centre of your power. Don’t squish it into clothes that don’t fit, make sure it has food and water in it, breathe from it (rather than your shoulders) and give it a reassuring pat it if you are nervous.

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ANNE

1.At Last- Etta James. In honour of finding a job I love; and apt for my husband and I, as we were together for 12 years before we got married. Definitely ‘at last’ for our families!

2.Advice: For weddings: take a moment; take a breath; take your time; and enjoy every moment!

Photo courtesy of Ben at My Islay Wedding

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LINDA

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS

1. I love this question! But do find it hard to answer… it would depend entirely what sort of ceremony this would be for… One of the beautiful things about working with couples and families is that when they pick a song you really love, it feels like an extra special wee bit of connection… Music is personal and tastes vary so much; it does feel meaningful to share a love for a certain track. A few years ago I was introduced to ‘The Book of Love’ (Magnetic Fields version) by a couple that I had really clicked with. I just love it, and think it is such a gorgeous piece for an entrance to a marriage ceremony. So that would be one contender! The Promise by Tracey Chapman is another that I’ve always loved, and the lyrics really resonate with me – again, that would be for a romantic ceremony. If I were to have a ceremony that was just about ME (!) I think it would currently be something by Chappell Roan (shout out to our colleague Han who introduced me to Chappell on a road trip we took for their graduation ceremony!) I love her joy, her rebellious attitude, and her inclusive values, all of which come across in her totally banging tunes!

2. I talk a lot to people about what the ceremony means to them and how their guests are there for support and love, not to see a performance. Again, probably a wedding ceremony is the best example here as so often couples get anxious about people being able to hear their personal vows. To me, that moment is distinctly NOT about an “audience”. Yes, the legal vows must be properly witnessed. But being fully present and connected with one another is much more important than sounding clear, or making everyone laugh (or cry) with your delivery. Sincerity and authentic connection is what matters in ceremony.

(Photograph- Trevor Wilson Silver Photography)

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ONIE

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS

1.The sounds of nature, bird song, wind and water (we’d probably be outside). A peaceful way to feel grounded in the place and each other.

2. I always invite the couple to be with each other for a moment, feel comfortable in the space, to have a wander around if they wish and then let me/us know when they are ready to step into their ceremony. For larger indoor gatherings, I remind them the people attending are their family and friends and they can feel comfortable and relaxed knowing that there is so much love in the room for them both. I let them know that nerves are normal and as soon as the ceremony starts and they focus on the words and each other they will feel calmer and more comfortable, and that we can pause and take our time … It’s their ceremony!

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ANDREA

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS

1. I’d have Venus- Black Science Orchestra Remix. It’s very upbeat which I love. I don’t think I’d have an aisle I’d suggest leading everyone into the space, walking, dancing, chanting all together with this beautiful spell, calling the goddess Venus.

2. Advice before ceremony Breathe, feel your feet on the earth and try savour every magical moment

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To learn more about our values and the meaningful ceremonies we create, visit Agnostic Scotland’s website. There, you can explore our team of celebrants and find the right person to help craft a ceremony that reflects your beliefs and wishes.