Humanist Officiant Spotlight: Kerstin Sandstrom
How long have you been a humanist? How long have you been an officiant?
I have been a Humanist for about 4 years, and an officiant for 2 years. I joined the Officiant training program as soon as I reached my first anniversary of membership in late 2024
What led you to becoming a humanist/officiant?
My husband and I were married in Scotland in 2022, and we hired a Humanist Scotland Officiant to conduct our wedding ceremony. During our ceremony, I was struck by how respectful and meaningful the ceremony was: fun yet elegant, light yet profound. It was actually this experience that led me to seek out Humanism here in Canada.
But it wasn’t until a family wedding a year later that I considered becoming an officiant myself. During my cousin’s wedding ceremony in 2023, the (elderly) officiant lost her place and kept repeating herself, then paused for a moment while looking confused. My immediate instinctive response was to gesture to her to see if she’d like me to take over! I was just one of the guests sitting in the front row, but I was poised to stand in for her, just in case. She ended up carrying on with the ceremony. At the reception, all the guests were discussing her little mishap in the ceremony (the talk of the evening!) and I mentioned that I was ready to jump up there and take over. They all looked at me in horror! They said they wouldn’t be caught dead standing up there in front of a crowd. This is when I realized that I had an unusual inclination and perhaps I should look into becoming an officiant.
Why do you think Humanist Officiants are important?
Ultimately, Humanist officiants are important because of the sheer exposure we warrant to Humanism and Humanist values. We are ambassadors of Humanism in the way we introduce Humanism in our ceremonies, and the way we conduct the various elements of the ceremony. I enjoy making some time after the ceremony to meet some guests – many of them have sought me out to ask me about Humanism! I have given my “elevator pitch” many times, and I enjoy discussing the different elements of my ceremonies as distinctly Humanist ceremonies.
Lastly, I strive to conduct myself in a way that embodies Humanist values. I always honour the couple’s agency to control their vision and story, and act respectfully to all people involved. I also like to build rapport with the other vendors, and I enjoy networking with others in the industry. Some of them refer to me as the “Humanist one” – also as the “Celtic knot-tying one”
Have you done any ceremonies yet and if so, what is your favourite part? Or, if not, what are you most looking forward to?
Yes, I am so happy to say I have done ceremonies since graduating! I did 2 my first year (2025) and I have done 17 this year – quite an unexpected increase.
So wow, my favourite part(s): I’d have to say there are several.
One thing I do with my couples that I really love is ask them to tell me their story individually: I invite them to email me separately about their relationship, and then I weave their answers together into the story I share during their ceremony. There have been so many times when I’ve found myself smiling and laughing as I read their responses, and sometimes I am even moved to tears. It’s lovely to see these couples expressing their love for, and shining their light forward towards their “person” in such a heartfelt and inspiring way.
Which brings me to the ceremony itself. We’re all in this business for the same reason: to share in one of life’s most meaningful moments, and we want to make it as beautiful, personal and memorable as possible. For me, those moments – besides telling the couple’s “story” – are the handfasting and the vows. As I specialize in handfasting ceremonies, these two elements tend to come together. During the consultation stages, I really enjoy exploring the possibilities with each couple and discovering what feels right for them. Some prefer a simple ritual with colourful ribbons and repeated vows; others want to write their own vows and incorporate something sentimental such as a tie or a hand-woven cord, into the handfasting. The ritual can be a simple or elaborate as the couple wishes, and I really love bringing their individual vision to life.
Lastly, I also have a particular soft spot for introducing the newlyweds at the end of the ceremony. For many couples, this is the first time they hear themselves announced as “Mr. & Mrs.” Or simply as “the brand-new married couple”. When we discuss how they would like to be introduced, I’m often moved by how emotional they become while imagining that moment.
I love being the person who makes it real for them – announcing to their loved ones as they begin their recessional. It’s just such a heartfelt moment, and it brings the ceremony to a truly joyful close.