Humanist celebrant

I have conducted funerals, weddings and namings for almost 20 years under the auspices of Humanists UK. I also have a certificate in pastoral care, which led to my spending two years working as a chaplain in hospitals and prisons in and around London.

I am a fluent French speaker and have conducted several ceremonies in French, or a mixture of French and English.

This is the most personally rewarding work I’ve ever done, and if you ask me to perform a ceremony for you, I will put my heart and soul into it. I will also ensure that everyone present feels equally involved, whatever their personal beliefs.

Weddings

I’ve conducted all sorts, in English gardens, Italian palazzos and French chateaux. Here is an article for The Guardian in which I explain my approach: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2010/dec/16/humanist-weddings-celebrate-love

“Choosing you to be our celebrant was an inspired decision. I think the balance between humour, laughs, emotion, sensitivity was perfect, and it felt so special in such a relaxed way.” – James and Alice

“The script was brilliant and I found your calm, kind manner very reassuring. Many people remarked that the ceremony was their favourite part of the wedding; some were pleasantly surprised to find that a humanist wedding could be so meaningful and moving.” – Natasha and Phil

Naming ceremonies

It’s been a special pleasure to conduct weddings, then naming ceremonies a year or two afterwards.

Funerals

For a funeral, I’ll come and see you and find out exactly how you would like it to go. We’ll talk about the person’s life, and I’ll write and say just as much as you want me to. If no one else feels able to speak, I will do all the talking. More often, I will provide the essential story of someone’s life, while friends and family members will offer personal tributes or reflections. I’ve conducted every type of funeral, including infant deaths and suicides. Almost every life contains joy and laughter – and so should every funeral. One couple for whom I conducted the harrowing funeral of their two-year-old daughter contacted me less than two years later and asked me to conduct their wedding, a joyful but uniquely poignant ceremony.

“You were so very caring and we will always remember what a truly great send-off Stan had. It was a sad yet happy occasion all in one.” – Pat and Angela

“Thank you so much for making my father’s funeral an elegant, smooth and dignified occasion. We all thought you put the ceremony together in just the right way.” – Judy and family

“One of the guests said it was the best funeral she had been to – and she’s a Catholic!” – Clive and Deborah

You can find out more about humanism at humanists.org.uk: