Humanist Funeral Ceremonies

A ceremony centred on the person

Remembering one unique life

A Humanist funeral focuses first and foremost on the life of the person who has died.

It offers family and friends an opportunity to come together, reflect and remember the qualities, relationships and experiences that made that person unique.

The ceremony is not shaped by religious doctrine. Instead, it is built around the person’s own story and the wishes of their family or those arranging the funeral.

Its flexible format allows time for music, poetry, personal tributes, photographs, quiet reflection and a meaningful final farewell. The aim is to create a ceremony that feels honest, personal and appropriate for the person being remembered.

An inclusive approach

Welcoming people of every belief

Humanist funeral ceremonies are inclusive and welcoming. People of all beliefs and none can attend, participate and find meaning in the occasion.

As a Humanists UK accredited funeral celebrant, I will never impose a particular belief upon a family. I will listen carefully and help you create a ceremony that reflects the person who has died and respects the different beliefs of those attending.

Arranging our first meeting

A conversation in a place that feels comfortable

I will begin by calling you to introduce myself and arrange a time for us to meet. We can meet in your home, in a quiet coffee shop or wherever you feel most comfortable. If meeting in person is not convenient, I also offer video meetings.

This first conversation gives us time to talk without feeling rushed. It is an opportunity for me to listen, learn about the person who has died and understand what you would like the ceremony to reflect.

You do not need to prepare everything in advance. I will ask questions about their personality, relationships, interests, achievements and important experiences. Our conversation will help memories emerge naturally, including the smaller stories and details that often reveal so much about a person.

Telling their life story

Written with care and shaped by your memories

I will usually write the life story using the memories and information shared during our meeting. My aim is to create an honest and affectionate account that captures the person’s character, relationships and experiences.

Sometimes a family has already written a tribute or life story. In that case, I can read it on their behalf, making only the adjustments needed to fit the time available.

Contributions from relatives and friends are always welcome. They may wish to share a personal tribute, read a poem or offer a particular memory. I will help bring these contributions together so that the ceremony flows naturally.

Supporting people who wish to speak

Prepared to step in if needed

Speaking at a funeral can feel daunting, particularly when emotions are close to the surface. If you would like to deliver a reading or personal tribute, I will ask for a copy beforehand.

On the day, you can speak for yourself if you feel able. If you find that it is too difficult, there is no pressure to continue. I will have your words with me and will be fully prepared to read them on your behalf.

Creating a personal ceremony

Flexible, meaningful and entirely your own

There is no fixed formula for a Humanist funeral. Your ceremony can include:

• Favourite or meaningful music
• Poetry and readings
• Tributes from family and friends
• A photographic slideshow
• A live singer or instrumentalist
• Quiet reflection accompanied by music
• A photographic tribute during the reflection
• Web streaming for people who cannot attend in person

I will arrange the different elements into a ceremony that flows naturally and fits within the time available at the venue. If the funeral is being streamed, I can acknowledge and welcome those joining remotely so that they also feel included.

The final farewell

Saying the words that can be difficult to find

The farewell is an opportunity for me to speak on behalf of everyone gathered and acknowledge what the person has meant to those who knew them.

It is a moment to give thanks for their life, for the contribution they made and for the memories they leave behind. The words gradually lead towards the final act of saying goodbye to the person’s physical presence, while recognising that their influence continues through the people whose lives they touched.

At a crematorium, I will discuss the available choices with you, including whether the curtains should close or remain open. There is no single correct decision. What matters is choosing what feels most comfortable and appropriate for your family.

Approving the ceremony

You will see the complete ceremony beforehand

After our meeting, I will write a complete draft and send it to you to read before the funeral. You will be invited to comment, suggest edits and correct or add any details.

Nothing is treated as final until you are comfortable that the ceremony reflects the person accurately and says what you want it to say.

Where can the ceremony take place?

Across Gloucestershire and the South West

I can lead ceremonies at crematoria, cemeteries and burial grounds, natural burial sites, and separate memorial or celebration-of-life gatherings.

I am based in Hardwicke, Gloucester, and work with families throughout Gloucestershire and the South West.