Funerals

When someone we love has died, the ceremony that follows matters. It is the one moment where a life is gathered up, honoured, and shared with the people who knew them. As an independent celebrant, I'll work with you to create a funeral service that reflects who your loved one really was — their story, their humour, the things they stood for — not a template. The ceremony can take place at a crematorium, a graveside, a woodland, a village hall, or anywhere that feels right for your family.

 

What a celebrant-led funeral is

A celebrant-led funeral is a non-religious, semi-religious or mixed ceremony shaped entirely around the person who has died and the family left behind. Unlike a traditional service, it isn't bound to a particular faith or fixed liturgy. You can include any readings, music, hymns, prayers, poems or family tributes you wish, and leave out anything that doesn't feel right. I'll guide you through every choice.

 

How I work with you

1. A first conversation — by phone, video call, or in person at your home. No charge, no pressure. We talk about the person you've lost, what matters to your family, and what you'd like the ceremony to feel like.

2. I write the ceremony — drawing on the stories and memories you share. I send the draft back for your input and keep refining until every word feels right.

3. I deliver the ceremony — calmly, warmly and with the room held. I'll coordinate with the funeral director on the day, cue the music, and make sure you can be fully present.

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What I can include

• A full life story or eulogy, written from conversations with the family

• Tributes from relatives and friends — I'll rehearse with anyone who's nervous about speaking

• Poems, readings and music chosen by you (I can also suggest readings if it helps)

• Religious elements, if a mix feels right for your family — prayers, hymns, a moment of silence

• Symbolic rituals such as candle lighting, scattering of petals, or a sharing of memories

• Ceremonies at crematoriums, graveside, woodland burial sites, village halls, hotels or at home

 

Why families choose me

• Five years plus in ceremonies, with the calm of a professional speaker and the warmth of a listener

• NOCN Certificate in Celebrancy (Fellowship of Independent Celebrants)

• Years of professional stage, TV and singing experience — I know how to hold a room

• Respectful, unhurried meetings at your home, or wherever feels easiest

• Rapid response — I can usually meet your family within 24 hours of first contact

• Based in North Yorkshire; I cover York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and the wider region

 

For funeral directors

I work closely with independent funeral directors across Yorkshire and the North East. I'll turn around a bespoke service within your timescales, attend a family meeting at short notice, and liaise with your team on music, tributes and running order. If you'd like a copy of my profile to keep in your arrangements office, please get in touch.

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Reaching out is often the hardest part. If you'd prefer a phone call, I'll answer when I can or call you back the same day. If you'd rather email or message, tell me a little about the person who has died and how I can help, and I'll come back to you gently and clearly.

Telephone:

07402 703379

Email:

northyorkshirecelebrant@gmail.com