Faqs

A Humanist funeral celebrant is someone who is qualified to host and officiate funeral services. As well as conducting the funeral ( non -religious) celebrants are involved in planning the order of service, the music, writing the eulogy and creating a meaningful service for the person who has died.

As a Humanist Marriage Officer and wedding celebrant my role is to help couples to write their vows to one another. I am responsible for creating the rest of the ceremony assisting with choices of music and readings as well as having the pleasure of writing and presenting their love story .

By choosing an Authorised Humanist Marriage Officer to conduct your wedding I can legally marry you. I guide you through the paperwork that will need to be completed .This makes the marriage legally binding.

You will have much more scope for a personalised and bespoke ceremony.

Absolutely anywhere! This is the beauty of choosing this kind of ceremony. Please be aware there are practical considerations such as how to get your guests there and also getting the land owner’s permission. You may already have decided upon a venue or engaged a wedding planner whom I would liaise with. I am happy to advise as much as you need.

There are a wide range of rituals which can be used to make your wedding day special. Some of the options available include Celtic HandFasting, a sand ceremony or the Scottish tradition of placing your hands on an oathing stone whilst making your vows. Whatever you want we can include it (so long as it’s legal!)

One of the biggest benefits of a celebrant-led funeral is their openness and inclusivity. They allow you to create a ceremony that is a true reflection of the deceased.

Many people feel that typical funerals don’t offer any kind of emotional weight or psychological transformation, though they are in a major part of the grieving process.

However , a funeral celebrant will try to bring a sense of light to the ceremony, allowing mourners to remember the individual lived a beautiful and meaningful life.

It also gives you flexibility to factor in different beliefs and wishes without being tied to a specific structure.

I will carry out a home visit where I will ask questions and discuss information, stories and memories which will help in the writing of the eulogy and service. You may wish to consider some of the following elements:

• Where they were born and grew up

• Siblings and family members they grew up with

• Schooldays and childhood stories

• Partners, children, grandchildren and other family members along with closest friends

• Careers and places of work

• Hobbies and groups they belonged to, interests and achievements

• Favourite memories they had and you have of them

• What will you most remember them for?

• Did they leave any special requests about their funeral?

• Will anyone else be speaking or participating in the service?

• Are there any hymns, prayers or poems/readings which you wish to include in the service?

This is a personal choice. For many people, the bulk will be carried out by the Celebrant. This is understandable under the circumstances.

However, should a family member/members or a friend wish to participate by reading or reciting a poem, this is perfectly acceptable and can be discussed as part of my home visit and preparation.

Naturally there is an order to the day. However it is your personal choice as to whether you have a printed order of service to support mourners who wish to follow and participate proceedings.

Yes, I can conduct a service or celebration of life wherever you wish it to be (with the exception of consecrated ground)