Thoughtfully written celebrant-led funeral and memorial ceremonies in Hampshire and the South

Your Hampshire Funeral Celebrant

Saying goodbye to a loved one can be difficult. Traditionally, funeral ceremonies take place in a church or crematorium and are conducted by an officiant who you have spoken to briefly (often only on the telephone) about your loved one. Often, this traditional way just doesn’t feel personal enough and can bring little comfort on what is already a very difficult day.

I will create a fully bespoke funeral or memorial ceremony to allow you to celebrate the life of your loved one, in a place and time of your choosing. I will take the time to meet and talk with you about your loved one so I can create a personalised script that captures the essence of who they really were, one that reflects all of your special memories. You will have full control of the final script and this can be amended and edited according to your wishes.

Can we have a non-religious funeral?

Yes, you can. Funerals do not have to take place in a church, cemetery or crematorium, with the associated time constraints; instead you can opt to hold a celebrant-led ceremony in a location more personal to you and your loved one. I am an independent celebrant, rather than a Humanist celebrant, and therefore I am able to include religious elements, such as hymns and prayers; you do not need to hire a minister. Alternatively, I can create a completely non-religious funeral ceremony or memorial service, if you wish. Whatever you are looking for in a funeral or memorial celebrant, I can help.

For more inspiration regarding secular funeral readings, please see my blog as well as my pages offering examples of poetry, literature and song lyrics that can be used as funeral readings.

Image courtesy of The Good Funeral Guild

What are living funerals?

A living funeral - sometimes referred to as a pre-funeral - is one held whilst the person in question is still alive and is commonly attended by that person. Living funerals offer the opportunity to bring closure to those present, with family and friends coming together to share memories and reflect on that person’s life. This can be a serious occasion or can be light-hearted with a ‘party’ feel – there are no rules and, like other types of funeral, they can be held in almost any type of location or venue and can include music and readings.  

I conduct funerals and memorial services across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and beyond. If you are looking for a funeral or memorial celebrant, or someone to help you create a meaningful living funeral ceremony, then please get in touch.