When a loved one dies, one of the most important decisions you face is how to say goodbye. Funerals can take many forms, from religious ceremonies to secular celebrations of life, and the person who leads the service has a big influence on its tone and atmosphere.
For many families, especially those who do not regularly attend church, the idea of finding the right person to officiate can feel overwhelming. A funeral celebrant is someone who can guide you through the process, help you find the words to express your feelings, and ensure the ceremony reflects the life and character of the person you have lost.
In this article, we’ll explain what a funeral celebrant does, the different types of celebrants available, how much they cost, and how to decide if you need one.
Planning a farewell? Take a look at our guide to holding a celebration of life,
Who can officiate at a funeral?
The answer often depends on where the funeral takes place.
If the service is held in a church or another place of worship, it will usually be led by a recognised faith leader such as a vicar, priest, rabbi or imam. Each faith has its own rules about what can happen during a service and where its ministers are permitted to officiate. For example, Church of England clergy can conduct funerals in Anglican churches, at crematoria and at burial grounds, but not in other locations.
If the funeral is civil, secular or non-religious, the rules are more flexible. A humanist celebrant, a civil celebrant, a funeral director, a family member or even a close friend may take on the role of officiant. In fact, there are no legal requirements about who must lead a funeral service in the UK.
That freedom can feel empowering, but it can also feel daunting. Many families turn to a professional celebrant for support, because they bring both experience and structure at a time when emotions can make planning difficult.
What is a funeral celebrant?
A funeral celebrant is someone who leads the funeral ceremony, working closely with the family to ensure the event is personal and meaningful.
Although anyone can describe themselves as a celebrant, most who take on the role seriously will have completed formal training and achieved a recognised qualification. Training equips them with the skills needed to write tributes, manage the flow of a ceremony, and provide gentle support to bereaved families.
The celebrant’s role usually includes meeting with the family to gather stories, memories and preferences, shaping those into a draft order of service, and delivering the ceremony itself. They act as a steady presence, keeping the event on track and ensuring that everything unfolds smoothly.
What does a funeral celebrant do?
The responsibilities of a celebrant are varied, but they usually include:
- Listening to the family’s wishes and learning about the life of the person who has died
- Writing and delivering a eulogy, or helping the family create one
- Suggesting readings, poems or music that might suit the service
- Guiding family and friends who want to contribute their own words or tributes
- Leading the ceremony with warmth and sensitivity
- Offering reassurance and stepping in if a speaker feels too overcome with emotion
A celebrant combines practical skills with emotional intelligence. They act as both organiser and storyteller, weaving together personal memories into a service that feels authentic.
Types of funeral celebrants
There are two main types of professional celebrants in the UK: humanist and civil. Both will work with you to create a unique service, but the approach differs slightly.
Humanist celebrant
A humanist celebrant specialises in non-religious funerals. Humanists generally do not believe in God or an afterlife, and their ceremonies focus entirely on celebrating the life lived rather than on spiritual or religious themes.
A humanist service is often uplifting, with an emphasis on stories, memories and tributes that highlight the person’s character. It may include readings, poetry and music, but it will not include prayers or hymns.
You do not need to be a humanist to choose this option. Many families who simply want a secular farewell feel that a humanist celebrant is the right choice.
Civil celebrant
A civil celebrant offers a more flexible approach. While the service is still highly personal and centred on the wishes of the family, civil celebrants can include some religious content if that is desired. This might mean adding a familiar prayer, including a hymn, or using a reading with spiritual meaning.
A civil celebrant can balance sadness and celebration, shaping the service to reflect the personality of the person who has died and the needs of those attending.
Even families who are not religious sometimes find that familiar funeral elements bring comfort. A civil celebrant can include these touches without creating a fully religious service.
What makes a good funeral celebrant?
Training and qualifications can give you confidence that a celebrant has the right skills, but personal qualities are just as important. The best celebrants are excellent listeners, thoughtful writers and confident speakers.
They should be able to capture the essence of your loved one’s life, but also manage the practicalities of timing, coordination and tone. Above all, they should make you feel supported and understood.
Several organisations provide training and qualifications, including the British Humanist Association, the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants, Green Fuse, the Interfaith Foundation and the Institute of Civil Funerals.
What does a celebrant-led funeral include?
There is no fixed structure for a celebrant-led funeral. Each service is designed around the individual and the family’s wishes.
A typical ceremony might include:
- A welcome and words of thanks for those attending
- An introduction to explain the purpose of the gathering
- Reflections on life, death and remembrance
- The story of the person’s life, often including milestones, achievements and anecdotes
- Tributes from family members, friends or colleagues
- The committal, which is the formal farewell to the body
- Closing words that bring the service to a gentle end
Because the service is flexible, you can choose to make it solemn, uplifting, or a blend of both.
How much does a funeral celebrant cost?
In the UK, the average fee for a funeral celebrant is usually between £200 and £350. The exact amount can depend on the length of the service, the amount of preparation needed, and the celebrant’s travel distance.
When considering cost, it can be helpful to remember that a celebrant will spend several hours meeting with you, drafting the ceremony, revising it as needed, and then delivering it on the day.
How to find a funeral celebrant
There are a few ways to find the right celebrant for your family. Many people start with recommendations from their funeral director, who will have experience working with local celebrants.
It is also worth asking to see testimonials or reviews, as these can give you a sense of how the celebrant works and how families felt about their services. If possible, speak with the celebrant directly before making a decision. A short conversation can quickly reveal whether you feel comfortable and supported.
Do you need a funeral celebrant?
It is not essential to hire a celebrant. Legally, anyone can lead a funeral service, and some families choose to do this themselves.
Leading a family-led funeral can feel deeply meaningful. It allows relatives and friends to speak directly, creating a ceremony that feels intimate and personal. Some families find comfort in the act of giving this final gift themselves.
However, it can also be challenging. Grief can make it difficult to find the right words or to stay composed on the day. A professional celebrant brings experience, structure and emotional steadiness, which can help the service run smoothly.
Both options are valid, and the decision depends on what feels right for you and your family.
Planning a funeral without a celebrant
At Pure Cremation, we specialise in direct cremation, which is a cremation without a service at the crematorium. This simple approach gives families the space and freedom to create their own farewell later, at a time and place that feels right.
By separating the cremation from the ceremony, you are not under pressure to plan everything immediately. You can take time to decide how you want to say goodbye and involve as many family and friends as possible.
Some families choose to hold a celebration of life in a favourite location weeks or even months after the death. Others plan a quiet gathering at home or in a local hall. Whatever you choose, the farewell can be tailored entirely to your wishes.
If you are planning a send-off and need some help getting started, try our free AI planner, A Fine Farewell, to create a heartfelt and meaningful goodbye.
