Get in touch ...
Shortlist ...
Vale Ceremonies
reviews (3) - leave a review
Available for
Countries Covered
I travel Nationally & Internationally
Specialisms
Funerals [cremations, burials, natural burials, interment/scattering of ashes, memorials]. Weddings [handfasting, second-time-around, elopements, woodland weddings, garden weddings, renewal of vows], naming ceremonies
Affiliations
College of Professional Celebrants, Toastmasters International
Languages
English, and I am learning Italian [un po']
Hi, I'm Jacqui
I’ve been a qualified Civil Celebrant for a number of years, and I still never tire of writing a ceremony. Each and every one is different, and I love to hear people’s stories – a love story, the journey to parenthood, finding your true identity, celebrating a life together or the story of a life well lived. And there are so many ways to include people and rituals in honouring all of these life events, and I love nothing more than finding a unique and memorable way to ensure each ceremony is the very best it can be.
Whether you’re looking for a celebrant for a wedding, a renewal of vows, a naming ceremony or a funeral, we can work together to create something awesome and magical.
What's my ceremony style?
Of course, I can provide lots of ideas and suggestions for any type of ceremony, but what is important it what YOU want.
There are no rights or wrongs, just what feels best for you as a couple or as a family.
I guess my strengths are my writing skills, my sense of humour and my presentation skills. But everything that I say or do within any ceremony, is intended to keep the focus in the right place – on the couple getting married or renewing their vows, on the person whose life is being honoured, or on the recipient of a name [child or adult].
If you want a ceremony written in rhyming couplets, you’ve come to the right place [it’s been done before – very successfully!]. However outrageous or unusual your ideas – I’m with you and we’ll create it together.
Prices From
£195
Highlight
A Funeral Eulogy in Rhyme. Now everybody's talking about Bertie!
Funerals are sad occasions, but one family wanted a huge celebration of the life of a colourful, larger than life character. They wanted his service to be special and memorable – so I created his eulogy in rhyming couplets. Read ‘The Ballad of Bertie Crowe’ on my website. [with kind permission from his family].
Why choose Jacqui?
I find self-promotion quite difficult, so I asked my closest friend what she thought. She very kindly said this, “Jacqui is a ray of sunshine in any situation. A blend of optimism, kindness and humour with the creativity and drive of a monster truck.” [I’m not sure about the truck bit!]
She continued, “She is a constant support, like a security blanket, who will keep going until everything is perfect. I can’t imagine there ever being a better person to be entrusted with any kind of ceremony or service. Now you owe me a fiver.” [I’m not paying her!]
What do I offer?
Weddings
Prices From
£495
Why choose Jacqui for your wedding?
Naming Ceremonies
Prices From
£250
Why choose Jacqui for your naming ceremony?
Renewal of Vows
Prices From
£295
Why choose Jacqui for your renewal of vows?
Funerals
I take bookings from Funeral Directors and also directly from bereaved families. I’m happy to lead funeral services across the country, but they are mostly with a 20-mile radius of my home in Derby. Many of my bookings are as a result of a personal request or recommendation, for which I’m always very grateful.
A standard booking is for a single slot at a crematorium for one person, or a burial preceded by a service either at the graveside or elsewhere, again, for one person. Prices for a standard booking are from £195.
Interment of Ashes/Scattering of Ashes within a 20-mile radius of Derby from £75 but free of charge if I previously conducted the funeral service.
A double slot [extended length] service or a double funeral [for two people] will generally be charged at 1.5 times the standard fee.
Funeral services for babies and children up to age 16 are provided free of charge.
Prices From
From £195
Why choose Jacqui for your funeral?
I have worked with of families over the last five years to provide an individually crafted, bespoke farewell for their loved one. I am known for my warmth and empathy, and so often mourners will approach me after the service , convinced that I was a personal friend.
I also try to bring some appropriate humour into the service, recounting amusing anecdotes during the eulogy. I undertake lots of preparation, so I don’t stand at the front reading a script – I speak to the congregation, making eye contact and ensuring they feel included.
It might sound odd, but conducting funerals in the most rewarding part of my job.
Reviews for Vale Ceremonies
Total Reviews: 3
Average Rating: 5
reviews (3)
Perfect Funeral
Oh Jacquie, the funeral that you conducted yesterday for father was absolutely perfect – we all dread funerals but you made it so easy and the Eulogy was absolutely fantastic – you really hit the nail on the head and you were so empathetic – I really cannot thank you enough – love from Maria Fallows and Family
Perfectly tailored to us
Jacqui was amazing, the level of detail and effort she put into creating the perfect ceremony was unsurpassed. She was friendly and attentive from start to finish, and all of our guests commented on what a great job she did. Couldn’t recommend Jacqui high enough, thanks for making our day so special and so perfectly ‘us’, it was a day we’ll never forget!
You Were Amazing!
Dear Jacqui,
Well, what can I say other than you gave Sue the most beautiful send off today.
I am really proud of how the day went and you were the linchpin for that. You were amazing!
I’ve had so many texts and phone calls saying the same thing and a few people asking if you knew Sue.
Thank you so much so making a hard day more bearable.
J x
