Types of funeral celebrant: humanist, civil, interfaith and independent
Funeral Celebrants UK · Last updated
All funeral celebrants write and lead personal ceremonies. The main difference is how much religious content they include. Humanist celebrants lead non-religious ceremonies. Civil and independent celebrants can include as much or as little religion as the family wants. Interfaith celebrants are trained to draw on several faith traditions.
How common is each?
Civil and independent celebrants overlap a lot in practice; the label matters less than what the person will and won't include. On this site, about 37% of listed celebrants declare no organisation membership, and the rest say they belong to one or more celebrant organisations.
See the celebrant organisations listed on this site, and read how to choose a funeral celebrant.
Frequently asked questions
Can a humanist celebrant include a hymn?
No, humanist ceremonies are non-religious, so hymns and prayers are left out, though many humanist celebrants include a quiet moment for private reflection or prayer. A civil or independent celebrant can include a hymn.
Are independent celebrants always non-religious?
No, independent celebrants aren't always non-religious. Many include religious elements if the family wants them.
Which type is right for us?
The right celebrant is the one who can give you the ceremony you want, and the type matters less than the person. Get clear on what you need and what you'd like, then call a few celebrants and ask whether they can help.