Get in touch ...

Shortlist ...

The Tall Pine: Paul Donne – Funeral Celebrant

reviews (26) - leave a review

DSC-9569LO3

Available for

Countries Covered

I travel Nationally & Internationally

Specialisms

Funerals; Interment of Ashes

Affiliations

Green Fuse

Languages

English

Hi, I'm Paul

Hello. So, firstly, a very warm welcome to my page here on The Celebrant Directory. My name’s Paul and I’m an Independent Funeral Celebrant from Romford, South Essex.

Now into my 3rd year as a Celebrant, I have been privileged to have helped some 160 families say their final farewells to their loved ones. I’ve led funerals for little ones; for people who had long, well-lived lives; and for deaths in tragic circumstances.

I’m now in my mid 40’s and, as you might expect, being a Celebrant wasn’t my first type of work. I’ve also had a very successful 27 career in the Public Sector, during which, I’ve worked together with all our Armed Forces as well as overseas in Germany for 8 years. It also let me work alongside and help people who have, perhaps, experienced very stressful times across a whole range of situations.

I’ll always come to meet you in your own home, or another mutually agreeable place to discuss how the Funeral Ceremony for your loved one takes shape. I realise it’s not always possible for families to do that though, so I am equally happy to discuss these things by telephone, e-mail or Skype.

I’m an attentive, good listener and a patient man, so I place no real restriction on time when I come to meet you…sometimes it takes time for people to open up and let the stories of their loved one flow. Looking through photographs and listening to music often jogs memories of happy times. I absolutely love hearing about each person’s life story and what other elements will come together to make their final day both fitting and special. What you have so openly shared with me during our meeting then allows me to create a Ceremony that is both a celebration of their life and a tender mourning of their loss; remembering the best of your loved one in what will, undoubtedly, be your biggest, single tribute to them.

You’ll always receive a draft of the Ceremony I create for your loved one – and we can make changes to that, if necessary, to get it ‘just right’. My aim is for you to be 100% happy with everything and feel fully involved and supported throughout our time together.

I’m professionally trained and accredited by Green Fuse in Devon and the APT, and also have full Public Liability Insurance.

What's my ceremony style?

The Funeral Ceremonies I lead are all unique in their own ways – but no two Ceremonies are ever the same – nor should they be. Each one is all about the uniqueness of your loved one, and deserves to be as unique as they were in life.

I have worn pink, blue and purple ties to fit in with themes families had (even spotty socks on one occasion!). On one Funeral, everyone took a swig from their hip-flasks as the curtains closed, marking a fitting farewell for a much loved man. At a Burial for a big Dr. Who fan, I decided to theme the committal words around the show. I’ve also led an entire service outdoors at a Green Burial Park and had a funeral themed around the colour purple.

Sometimes, people simply like the opportunity to get close to their loved one’s coffin during the Ceremony, either to lay flower stems on it, or in a candle lighting ritual. I’m all for encouraging families to do what feels right for them, so will always be happy to discuss ideas you may have and will fully support them, so long as the venue where the Funeral is being held is content.

One the day of the Funeral itself, my calm attention and poise is always present as you and your family arrive at the venue; I will be there to meet you, to offer a hug and my reassurance that you’re not alone. My words will be clearly spoken; communicated with a genuine warmth and sincerity, and with just the right amount of humour and emotion for each occasion.

I’ve raised many a smile & giggle in Ceremonies, recounting humorous life stories or how people got to know one another. Similarly, I’ve talked through my tears on desparately sad occassions. So, I think you could best say that the Funeral Ceremonies I lead are honest, loving, real and truly memorable occasions where I will always strive to make your loved one’s funeral the best it can be.

Prices From

: Please see my website for full details.

DSC-9569LO3

Why choose Paul?

What better words to describe myself with, than those of the families who I have helped with Funeral Ceremonies? These lovely people have said I have been kind; caring, sensitive, empathetic; warm and diplomatic. You get my support right from the first time I contact you, through to the day of the Funeral Ceremony itself and beyond. I’ll support you every step of the way, from planning the Funeral; supporting anyone who wishes to speak at the Ceremony; or just with a warm hug on the day and a gentle ‘nod’ of reassurance. It simply matters to get each funeral ‘just right’.

What do I offer?

Unfortunately The Tall Pine: Paul Donne – Funeral Celebrant is not available for weddings.

Unfortunately The Tall Pine: Paul Donne – Funeral Celebrant is not available for Naming Ceremonies.

Unfortunately The Tall Pine: Paul Donne – Funeral Celebrant is not available for Renewal of Vows

24-1-landscape3

Funerals

Hello. So, firstly, a very warm welcome to my page here on The Celebrant Directory. My name’s Paul and I’m an Independent Funeral Celebrant from Romford, South Essex.

Now into my 3rd year as a Celebrant, I have been privileged to have helped over 220 families say their final farewells to their loved ones. I’ve led funerals for little ones; for people who had long, well-lived lives; for former work colleagues, family members…and for lives which have been lost in tragic circumstances.

I’m now in my mid 40’s and, as you might expect, being a Celebrant wasn’t my first type of work. I’ve also had a very successful 27 career in the Public Sector, during which, I’ve worked together with all our Armed Forces as well as overseas in Germany for 8 years. It also let me work alongside and help people who have, perhaps, experienced very stressful times across a whole range of situations.

I’ll always come to meet you in your own home, or another mutually agreeable place to discuss how the Funeral Ceremony for your loved one takes shape. I realise it’s not always possible for families to do that though, so I am equally happy to discuss these things by telephone, e-mail or Skype.

I’m an attentive, good listener and a patient man, so I place no real restriction on time when I come to meet you…sometimes it takes time for people to open up and let the stories of their loved one flow. Looking through photographs and listening to music often jogs memories of happy times. I absolutely love hearing about each person’s life story and what other elements will come together to make their final day both fitting and special. What you have so openly shared with me during our meeting then allows me to create a Ceremony that is both a celebration of their life and a tender mourning of their loss; remembering the best of your loved one in what will, undoubtedly, be your biggest, single tribute to them.

You’ll always receive a draft of the Ceremony I create for your loved one – and we can make changes to that, if necessary, to get it ‘just right’. My aim is for you to be 100% happy with everything and feel fully involved and supported throughout our time together.

I’m professionally trained and accredited by Green Fuse in Devon and the APT, and also have full Public Liability Insurance.

Prices From

: Please see my website for full details.

Why choose Paul for your funeral?

What better words to describe myself with, than those of the families who I have helped with Funeral Ceremonies? These lovely people have said I have been kind; caring, sensitive, empathetic; warm and diplomatic. You get my support right from the first time I contact you, through to the day of the Funeral Ceremony itself and beyond. I’ll support you every step of the way, from planning the Funeral; supporting anyone who wishes to speak at the Ceremony; or just with a warm hug on the day and a gentle ‘nod’ of reassurance. It simply matters to get each funeral ‘just right’.

DSC-9569LO3

Reviews for The Tall Pine: Paul Donne – Funeral Celebrant

Total Reviews: 26

Average Rating: 5

reviews (26)

CELEBRANT-DIRECTORY-ARCH-NO-DIAMOND-35

Paul never met my dad, but it felt like he did…

5 Stars
Miranda

Funeral | 02/06/2024 | South Essex Crematorium

I’m so glad that I found Paul to lead my father’s funeral last week. I wanted someone who dad would’ve liked and related to, and Paul was the perfect match.

Paul came to my dads house to chat to us for a long as it took to get the full 360 about my dad’s life. He also spoke to my uncle about my dad’s earlier years… my uncle thought he was great. Paul went away and wrote a beautiful eulogy, it was as if he had known him for years. Paul was amazing on the day of the funeral, he was waiting with our family and friends outside. He lead the service beautifully, everyone thought it was a wonderful and moving tribute. Paul fitted right in with our family and friends, everyone was talking about how great he was at the wake afterwards. Dad would’ve loved him!

CELEBRANT-DIRECTORY-ARCH-NO-DIAMOND-35

My Mothers Funeral

5 Stars
Kevin Hall

Funeral | 11/12/2021 | Forest Park

I was delighted when Paul was reconmended to me as I had first witnessed his work three years ago.
This was my mothers funeral so I wanted it all to be as good as it possible could.
Paul did not disapoint, extremly professional from our first meeting right through to delivering a befitting service.
HIs work is excellant and I would not hesiate to reconmend him.

CELEBRANT-DIRECTORY-ARCH-NO-DIAMOND-35

A beauifully led Funeral

5 Stars
Vicky Bayford

Funeral | 10/02/2020 | Greenacres - Epping Forest

Hi Paul,  I just wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ for today.  We thought the service was perfect.  your words were beautiful and really did fit so well to how Chris was.  Everybody was impressed.  I have been to a lot of Funerals at Greenacres in Epping Forest, but I must say, none have been as well led as today’s one by you.  Thank you again, love V, M and families x

Enquire with Paul

  • DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

If you like Paul, how about...

Sonal-Dave
Sonal Dave
Sallieann Celebrant
Sallieann Weddings and Independent Civil Celebrant
Harriet Smith Profile
Phoebe Smith Ceremonies
reviews (3)
profile
Adele Chaplin – The Ipswich Celebrant
reviews (9)