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ALISON ANN – Global Celebrant of the Year 2021
reviews (40) - leave a review
Available for
Countries Covered
I travel Nationally & Internationally
Specialisms
Inclusivity ♡ Diversity ♡ Beautifully written ceremonies that reflect who YOU are. ♡ Your Day. Your Way. ♡
Affiliations
Ashridge House. The Hurlingham Club in Fulham, AOIC. Dying Matters, Gay Wedding Guide, DBS Checked, Good Funeral Guide.
Languages
English
Hi, I'm Alison
… and it’s an absolute pleasure to introduce myself to you.
A preferred celebrant at the prestigious Ashridge House in Herts., I was thrilled to win two awards at THE CELEBRANT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2021 – Best National Celebrant (Weddings) and Global Celebrant of the Year (Funerals). This however is not what defines me as a Celebrant.
I am a fully qualified and inclusive celebrant who is passionate about celebrating life’s milestones. Whether you’re celebrating a new addition to the family, marrying the love of your life, or saying goodbye to someone you love, the ceremonies I create are driven by your individual values, beliefs and desires.
With over three decades of experience in creative writing and public speaking, I am a confident and creative ‘story-teller’. I will write your ‘love story’ or a ‘life story’ with the greatest of care and create a ceremony that captures the essence of YOU.
♡ www.thecivilcelebrant.com ♡ Your Day. Your Way. ♡
What's my ceremony style?
What makes me unique is my background in the Arts. Having worked for over thirty years in the entertainment industry, I have the experience and ability to ‘hold that space’ for you.
I just love people. I’ll care for you AND your congregation.
WARMTH ♡ HUMOUR ♡ SINCERITY ♡ HUMILITY ♡ A GENUINE SMILE
ALL of my ceremonies are infused with these qualities. The ceremonies I create are wholeheartedly lead by YOU, offering as much or as little guidance as required. I will deliver your ceremony in a style that is highly personalised and appropriate for your occasion. I’ve witnessed wedding celebrations where there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I’ve officiated funerals where the congregation has roared laughing. I’ve even been heckled. Now that’s a story!
I will walk beside you every step of the way and ensure that you feel safe in my hands. ♡ Your Day. ♡ Your Way
Prices From
♡ FUNERALS from £275 ♡ WEDDING PACKAGES from £850
Highlight
FLASHMOBS & DOG RINGBEARER
I have so many …. all my weddings are so much fun and so unique.
I orchestrated TWO Flashmob weddings in 2021 for two incredible couples.
I have never felt SO much love and joy in the room.
DOG RINGBEARER!!!!
Favourite ceremony moment was my wedding March 2022 for Claire and Ivor at Ashridge House.
Their dog Simba was a surprise Ringbearer. I edited together a special piece of music, just for Simba’s Entrance. It was JUST the best wedding. You can see pics on my Instagram @the_civilcelebrant
Why choose Alison?
A Few Kind Words …
“Alison is an exceptional lady- sometimes people come into our lives for a brief time for all different reasons- but only a few leave a lasting impression. An impression of kindness, compassion, humility, and laughter- this is Alison! Her natural ability to understand, guide, and reassure is truly a gift. Her care and commitment for my wellbeing started from the moment she was introduced to me, comforting words, a good listening ear – above and beyond! “
I WILL always go ‘above and beyond’ for my clients… it’s just my default mode.
What do I offer?
Weddings
My ideal couple value a celebrant who can make their wedding day ‘one in a million’.
The Wedding Celebrations I officiate are typically non-religious. Unlike a Humanist ceremony, I offer the flexibility to include religious content, music and readings and will champion your decision to do so. It’s your day after all.
I will write and conduct a highly-personalised ceremony that will reflect your individual values and beliefs. Once I have a sense of YOU as a couple, I can suggest meaningful rituals to symbolise and celebrate your union.
Perhaps you have children from a previous marriage; I can suggest unique ways of involving them in the ceremony also. Whether you require a ceremony that is traditional or a little more ‘outside the box’, I will be totally committed to bringing your DREAM WEDDING DAY to fruition.
I offer my couples ‘attention to detail’, exceptional writing skills and the ability to stand before your congregation and deliver a ceremony they’ll never forget.
Your ceremony should be driven by your individual beliefs, and by the values you share as a couple. I will write your love story in a way that will acknowledge your journey together, celebrate your present and affirm your hopes for the future.
I will work alongside you, from the moment we meet, til the day you declare “I do.” I am able to advise your regarding any symbolic or cultural rituals that will further enhance your day. If you have children you wish to incorporate into the service, I can suggest numerous ways we can do this.
I am every wedding planner’s dream celebrant. Just a teensy bit OCD, I will ensure that every box is ticked, no stone is unturned. Your day will be everything you’ve dreamed it would be.
Prices From
£850+ POA
Why choose Alison for your wedding?
Choose me ♡ because I write the BEST love stories.
Choose me ♡ because I am equality-minded and celebrate diversity.
Choose me ♡ because I’ll make you feel so safe, you’ll be present to take in every moment of your ceremony.
Choose me ♡ because I will look after anyone contributing to the service.
Choose me ♡ because I love cake. There’ll be cake, right???
Choose me ♡ because when I think about creating your dream wedding ceremony, it makes me smile so much, my face hurts.
Choose me ♡ because I hope you’ll feel secure knowing that several reputable venues trust me with the care of their clients. That responsibility doesn’t come easily.
Naming Ceremonies
A Naming Day is the perfect alternative for a family who are not of any particular faith and wish to celebrate a new addition to the family.
Having created Naming Celebrations for both of my children, I understand the value of this type of ceremony. From an intimate garden party at home to something more traditional at a larger venue, the sentiment remains the same; a celebration of your family and of the life you are creating together.
♡ Every child is unique. ♡ Every family is unique. ♡
♡ Your ceremony will be unique. ♡
Family is at the heart of every ceremony I create. Driven by your beliefs and values, the format is completely up to you.
I’ll be there to guide and support you in your choices and ensure that your ceremony captures the essence of your family.
Most importantly, the ceremony will facilitate the official naming of your child, in the presence of those closest to you, but can also include:
♡ any personalised vows you wish to make to your child.
♡ an acknowledgment and naming of Godparents / supporting adults.
♡ appropriate readings (I’ve got lots to share)
♡ simple rituals to include older siblings or grandparents
♡ unique ways of involving ALL of your friends and family.
♡ music
Prices From
£450+
Why choose Alison for your naming ceremony?
Choose me ♡ because I LOVE writing Naming Day ceremonies
Choose me ♡ because I’m professional, reliable, fun and kids quite like me.
Choose me ♡ because I value the importance of family and of celebrating your journey together.
Choose me ♡ because I can find fun, meaningful ways of involve those you love in the ceremony.
Choose me ♡ because I will take pride in creating a meaningful ceremony for you.
Choose me ♡ because I love cake. There’ll be cake, right???
Renewal of Vows
A Renewal of Vows Celebration led by a celebrant is typically non-religious. Unlike a Humanist ceremony, I offer the flexibility to include religious content, music and readings would you wish to do so. It’s your day after all.
I will write and conduct a highly-personalised ceremony that will reflect your individual values and beliefs. Once I have a sense of YOU as a couple, I can suggest ways of making your special day as meaningful as it can be.
Whether you require a ceremony that is traditional or a little more ‘outside the box’, I will be totally committed to bringing your special day to fruition.
The ceremony I create for your Renewal of Vows will be driven by your individual beliefs, and by the values you share as a couple. I will write your story in a way that acknowledges your journey together, from the moment your met until present day.
I will ensure that every box is ticked and that your day will be everything you’ve dreamed it would be.
Prices From
£750
Why choose Alison for your renewal of vows?
Choose me ♡ because I write the BEST love stories.
Choose me ♡ because I am family-minded and I celebrate longevity.
Choose me ♡ because you’ll feel so safe in my care, you’ll be able to take in every moment of your ceremony.
Choose me ♡ because when I think about creating your ceremony, it makes me smile so much, my face hurts.
Choose me ♡ because I love cake. There’ll be cake, right???
Funerals
I am a fully qualified and extremely passionate Civil Funeral Celebrant.
My approach is respectful, warm, positive, and life-affirming. I feel so privileged to work with families at their most vulnerable time. Documenting someone’s life, writing their story, and then delivering that story in the presence of those who knew that person best, is such a unique responsibility. I start every service with a smile and I consciously open my heart to every person sitting in that chapel. I will create the perfect ceremony to enable you to say your final goodbyes. I will empower you and support you in making unique choices that serve you and your family.
Choose me ♡ because I am passionate about celebrating someone’s life.
Choose me ♡ because I’m professional, reliable, and my smile is 100% genuine.
Choose me ♡ because I will listen to your needs and create the perfect ceremony.
Choose me ♡ because I will ‘hold that space’ for you and make you feel safe in my care.
Choose me ♡ because I am efficient and easy to work with – I am every Funeral Director’s dream celebrant.
Prices From
£275 / £325
Why choose Alison for your funeral?
Because I’m passionate, professional, and exceptional in my commitment to create and conduct a beautiful funeral for your family. I have worked hard to achieve the following nationally recognised qualifications.
♡ (NOCN) Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy (RQF)
♡ Level 4 Award in Baby and Children Funerals
In addition to my offering as a celebrant, I am also able to create Visual Tributes and design Orders of Service.
See video (right) for an example.
Reviews for ALISON ANN – Global Celebrant of the Year 2021
Total Reviews: 40
Average Rating: 5
reviews (40)
She is a credit to the funeral profession!
Alison has become the primary funeral celebrant within my funeral director’s company.
Her exceptional skills and natural ability to engage with the bereaved and to gently draw information from them is inspired. Alison’s mastery to create the most personal and memorable funeral ceremonies is then enacted. She is a credit to the funeral profession and immeasurable comfort to the bereaved.
As a 30-year veteran of the funeral profession, I have seldom had the privilege of working in conjunction with an officiant that has the professionalism, empathy, and performance levels of Alison
I’ve already booked her for MY funeral! LOL
I wanted to leave a review for the Celebrant who did my Uncle Arthur’s funeral. It was a really tough one as Arthur‘s partner of 60 years had dementia and she heckled Alison pretty much the whole way through the service. Of course, we was all chuckling. It was so funny, but Alison was so professional and completely held it together.
We was so comfortable from the moment we met her and she just made everything so easy for us.
I’ve already booked her in for mine LOL
Alison has not only given us one service but TWO.
Two years after Arthur died, I called Alison completely out of the blue and said “I don’t know if you remember me but you did a service for my uncle Arthur” … She said “Oh no don’t tell me something’s happened to Winnie?” She remembered exactly who Arthur was, we laughed about when she heckled her and I couldn’t believe it … she actually remembered my name.… After two years!
When she did the service for Winnie, the family was so happy to see her again … honestly … the girls a Good’n. I’m sure my wife has put her number on speed dial just in case I pop my clogs. Alison is amazing. The whole family loved her to bits.
Any family would be lucky to have her as their celebrant.
Paul
I felt so supported at just the most difficult time of my life …
My dad wasn’t an easy man.
He had 8 children by different women. I love my dad so much but I have a really complicated family.
When Daddy passed I had the unfortunate task of gathering my siblings to plan the funeral.
Half of us weren’t speaking and disagreed on what to include. We were fighting over who would be allowed to come, and who wasn’t allowed.
Alison Ann not only spoke to me but she took so much of my stress away, by talking to all of my siblings ( six out of the seven ) and she made everyone feel important and put all of our wishes into the service that she wrote. She encouraged my daughter to get up and read the poem she had written which was something I’d not been able to convince her to do. She spoke to her privately before the service also and make sure she felt comfortable getting up, took her inside the chapel, and showed her where she was going to stand. Amazing.
On the day of the funeral, she turned up with amazing Order of Service booklets that she had created and printed. She also put together a 12-minute Michael Jackson medley (Daddy’s favourite singer) that she played through a speaker in her handbag walking from the chapel to the graveside… Actually we all danced our way to the grave. Alison was at the front behind the hearse… it was joyful. It was everything daddy would have loved.
She said to me at our very first meeting that she would be there for me and that I wouldn’t have to worry about anything. She never went back on her word. I felt so supported at just the most difficult time of my life and I can’t imagine anyone going out of their way the way she did for my family.
Alison also arranged for us all to have a flower each at the funeral and when daddy‘s favourite song was playing she came down, took our flowers and put them on top of Daddy‘s coffin. The way she bowed in front of the coffin was so beautiful. I feel really lucky that the funeral director chose her for my family.
She was just amazing.
