In this section

How do I become a funeral celebrant?

How do I become a funeral celebrant?

Should I have a pet funeral?

Should I have a pet funeral?

What is a Celebrant led funeral?

What is a Celebrant led funeral?

Where can celebrant funerals take place?

Where can celebrant funerals take place?

Can we personalise a Celebrant-led funeral?

Can we personalise a Celebrant-led funeral?

How can I make the funeral ceremony even more meaningful?

How can I make the funeral ceremony even more meaningful?

Can I add religious content into a Celebrant-led funeral service?

Can I add religious content into a Celebrant-led funeral service?

How long does a Funeral service last?

How long does a Funeral service last?

How do I find a funeral Celebrant?

How do I find a funeral Celebrant?

Do Celebrants have a set script?

Do Celebrants have a set script?

The Ultimate Guide to plan a burial service

The Ultimate Guide to plan a burial service

The Ultimate Guide to a Celebrant-Led Funeral

The Ultimate Guide to a Celebrant-Led Funeral

Five unique ideas for an autumn funeral

Five unique ideas for an autumn funeral

Can I add religious content into a Celebrant-led funeral service?

Can I add religious content into a celebrant-led funeral service? Yes – the aim of a celebrant-led funeral is to deliver a ceremony that is perfectly tailored around your individual wishes and needs. That means you can add religious content into your celebrant-led funeral, or keep it non-religious. This is one of the many great things about a celebrant funeral; you have the freedom to weave in anything you like to pay homage to your loved one.

An independent celebrant will strive to accommodate any wish, and this can include adding religious content into the funeral service to include anything you like to honour your loved one including religious, spiritual or faith-based content. Your celebrant will help and guide your choices, working with you through an open dialogue, so that you can provide any input or direction as to what is important for you and your family.

It is worth noting that not all venues will allow certain out of the ordinary activities; for example, if you want your funeral celebrant to host a symbolic ceremony involving candles, it is important that you check at the service location first.

Funeral Celebrant

What are the alternatives to a celebrant led funeral?

There are many options when it comes to choosing the right way to say goodbye to a loved one.

Examples of alternatives to a celebrant led funeral include:

  • Traditional funeral – this may start with a viewing or visitation, and then a traditional, religious ceremony.
  • Green funeral – this will include a biodegradable coffin and a burial in a natural setting or private land. While the ceremony can be held by a celebrant, it can also be administered by a minister or friend.
  • Humanist funeral – these are largely similar to an independent celebrant-led funeral, but there can be no religious or spiritual content included in the ceremony.
  • Direct cremation – this choice is often made by those who need a more affordable alternative, or do not wish to attend a ceremony.

Whatever your choice, every celebrant will work with you to determine the best ways to celebrate the life of the person that has passed away.

Can I have a celebrant officiate a funeral in a church?

Yes – however, there are some things you will need to check. You will need to ask a member of the clergy, and also you will need to make sure that your celebrant is comfortable adding religious content into the service (if this is what you want).

Can I add religious content such as singing hymns at a funeral ceremony with a celebrant?

Absolutely! Even for those who want to have a service void of religion, singing hymns or saying prayers can be an incredibly therapeutic addition to the celebration. Your celebrant will do everything they can to accommodate all of your wishes.

Photographer Credit: Bec Zacher