Non-religious funerals

Many people prefer to choose a funeral service with little or no religious content. The non-religious funeral ceremony tends to focus on celebrating a loved one’s life, personality and achievements as an alternative way to say goodbye.

Where can non-religious funerals be held?

A non-religious funeral ceremony can take place at a crematorium or cemetery chapel, natural burial site or in a non-religious venue such as a parish hall or hotel. Services may also be conducted in our reflection room or even in your own home.

Who can conduct a non-religious or part-religious funeral?

Anyone can conduct a non-religious ceremony, including family or friends, however you may prefer to use a non-religious celebrant. The funeral celebrant will meet with you to learn more about your loved one, helping you choose appropriate music, poetry and readings to personalise the funeral service.

J Edwards can help you find a suitable officiant to conduct the funeral to meet your family’s needs:

• Humanist Celebrant

A Humanist Celebrant offers alternative ceremonies for those that are not religious.

For more information, including example funeral readings and suggested order of ceremony visit the British Humanist Association.

• Civil Funeral Celebrant

A Civil Funeral Celebrant will include religious material as well as carrying out non-religious ceremonies, according to each family’s requirements.

For more information visit The Institute of Civil Funerals.