What is an Independent Celebrant

and what do we do?

 

As a celebrant I provide an alternative to the full religious lead ceremony. Although I'm not a humanist celebrant, I can provide either a completely non-religious ceremony or you can opt to have a religious reading or prayer included in your ceremony.  Being an independent celebrant means I am free to design and conduct ceremonies that suit you and I can hold the ceremony anywhere that suits you.  Sometimes you may wish to have a separate ceremony from the cemetery and hold the eulogy in a favourite place of the deceased.

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I am just the facilitator and guide for families, couples or parents who may not wish to have a traditional religious service for their life event run by a vicar.  I meet with the family or friends most closely connected with the person who has passed to learn more about that person and ensure that the funeral justly captures their life and personality.  I listen to your ideas on music or readings and provide suggestions where needed

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I then write a unique eulogy / ceremony that’s absolutely fitting for the person who has passed and lead the ceremony with warmth and dignity

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I work with the families, partners, couples or parents and will offer suggestions, advise on structure, readings, poems, songs, music to make the life event – a funeral or wedding – a personal and individual occasion for anyone.

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As a celebrant I may lead the occasion, and speak for the family, or assist family and friends in participating, introducing the next speaker, thus leaving me to move the ceremony along through various stages from start, middle, to finish.