Getting to know couples in order to craft and create a ceremony that reflects who they are and how they want to celebrate their love for one another never gets old!
From elopements at the top of hills, gatherings in cattle sheds, village halls and garden centres, to ceremonies by lochsides and in majestic castles, I am happy to officiate at locations anywhere in Scotland. If there’s a bit of travel involved I don’t charge for mileage as I like to head off in my trustee campervan and make a proper trip of it. Being a celebrant is not a job – it is a joyful, purposeful and meaningful role.
I try my best to live by my Humanist values – respecting and caring about the environment and for all those we share it with. Showing up in person to mark and celebrate the major milestones in life – birth, marriage and death – is so important in a world where people often spend more time communicating online rather than making time and space to convene, gather and share in the moments that matter.
Couples have described me as warm, reassuring, calming and good fun. Originally from Belfast but having lived in Scotland for over 30 years my accent often leaves folk trying to guess where I hail from 😆. I met Ian when we were both at Edinburgh University in the 1980s and we have been happily married for over 30 years 💜 He is a great support to me in my role as a celebrant and often helps out by playing pipes for ceremonies, even doubling up as a witness when required 😆. Ian has been a fulltime maker of Scottish and Iris bagpipes for over 32 years so we are not exactly a conventional family!
Here are some FEEFO 5-star reviews recently received –
Personal & Heartfelt
Julie-Anne!! We honestly can’t thank you enough. You made that entire ceremony so personal and heartfelt which so many people have commented on. We will be forever grateful.
The best day ever
Our Celebrant was Julie-Anne Kinnear. It was a fantastic day that focused on our special occasion. Her manner is first class as is her sense of humour that was reflected perfectly in the ceremony. Her attention to detail certainly helped make the day so special
Absolutely fantastic!
We had Julie-Anne Kinnear conduct our ceremony and she was fantastic. She kept us right through the whole process and the script she wrote for our ceremony was brilliant. She told our story beautifully with added humour which we loved. She’s so calming and reassuring, I would recommend Julie-Anne again and again.
Our eternal thanks
Julie-Anne was the perfect celebrant for our ceremony. She has been thoughtful and communicative throughout the entire planning process. Our ceremony was beautiful and the addition of personal vows and traditional elements such as a Quaich ceremony really added to such a special day. Julie-Anne helped reassure and settle nerves throughout the build up and explained everything so well to us both. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for a caring, attentive and absolutely wonderful celebrant.
The perfect ceremony!
Julie-Anne was absolutely incredible! Took the time to get to know us and our story and really listened to what we wanted from our ceremony. She was a calming presence, kept things light and funny while still respecting the importance of the commitment we were making! Would definitely recommend Julie-Anne to anyone looking for a celebrant. The booking process was also very easy.
Perfect wedding
The service was great and Julie-Anne was perfect in relaxing everyone and carrying out her duties. Her friendliness and professionalism were second to none