Funeral Celebrant FAQs and Fees

A funeral celebrant is there to support the family in planning and delivering a service that honours and celebrates the life of the person who has died. In practical terms, I meet the family, learn about the person who has died, help plan the content and order of service, write or support the eulogy, coordinate with the funeral director and lead the ceremony on the day.

A minister normally leads a ceremony within a particular faith tradition. A humanist celebrant generally leads a non-religious ceremony. As an independent celebrant, Martin can create non-religious, Christian, spiritual or blended ceremonies guided by the person and family.

Yes. A ceremony may include prayers, hymns, scripture, a blessing or other spiritual elements. A family does not have to choose between a wholly religious and wholly secular service.

The family chooses them with Martin’s guidance. Choices might reflect the person’s tastes, beliefs, associations or the atmosphere the family wants to create. Martin helps arrange them into a coherent ceremony.

Martin can write and deliver the eulogy after gathering memories in the discovery meeting. A family member may write or deliver it instead, share a separate tribute, or work with Martin on the wording.

Yes. Relatives and friends can deliver readings, memories or tributes. Martin can help them prepare, introduce them during the ceremony and take over if emotion makes it difficult to continue.

The available time depends on the type of funeral and the setting booked by the family and funeral director. Martin shapes the ceremony to fit the confirmed time without making it feel hurried.

Yes. Martin works with the family’s chosen funeral director so that the order, music, contributions and practical timings are clear.

Availability depends on existing commitments and the funeral date. Please make contact as soon as the arrangements are known so that Martin can confirm whether he is available and agree a suitable time to meet.

Martin serves Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey, including Portsmouth and Southsea, Petersfield and East Hampshire, and surrounding communities. Contact him to confirm arrangements for a particular location.

Typically the discovery meeting, ceremony planning, writing, family review, liaison with the funeral director and leading the ceremony.

Not for one-way travel under 20 miles. Over 20 miles, travel costs are charged at 45p per mile.

Generally, payment is made via the funeral director. For direct bookings, payment will be by BACS at the time of booking.