Funerals and Memorials: Frequently Asked Questions

What does a funeral celebrant cost?

The cost of the celebrant is included in the funeral director’s costs.

If you are not using a funeral director, please see Funerals and Memorials: Fees.

Who can officiate at a funeral in the UK?

There is no legal requirement regarding who may conduct a funeral ceremony.

Of course, if the funeral is going to be conducted in a church, it’s likely that you will want to have the Clergy do the honours.

For services conducted in other premises, such as at a crematorium, your funeral director will have a list of Celebrants and can easily match you with someone currently on their books.

You may instead decide to hire a celebrant of your own.

Perhaps you were impressed with someone you saw perform another ceremony.

It is your choice so feel free to choose the best person for you and your family.

How do I decide on a celebrant for a funeral?

If you are using a funeral director, they may suggest someone they frequently use.

Alternatively, you may have someone in mind that you would like to conduct the funeral.

You may have seen a celebrant at another funeral and felt they would be perfect.

You are not obliged to accept the funeral director’s choice.

Inform them of your wishes as soon as you can during the arrangement process.

Will the celebrant be able to suggest appropriate music and/or poems?

Yes, I have a large selection of choices at my disposal, and can suggest music and readings that reflect your loved one’s life and beliefs.

Can a celebrant conduct any type of funeral?

Yes, a celebrant can take any ceremony: burial, scattering at sea, cremation, memorial and celebration of life.

Can I plan my own funeral in advance?

Yes! Please do.

For details about these services, please see Pre-planned Funerals.

What are your terms and conditions?

Travel expenses: all my prices include travel costs up to a 20-mile radius of Swindon.

Mileage costs will apply beyond 20 miles.

Accommodation: I am happy to travel throughout the UK.

I will charge cost price if petrol/flight/train tickets or overnight stay in hotel is required.

This will be agreed by both parties in advance of the event.

Any additional terms or requests will be cost on an individual basis and agreed by both parties at the time of booking.