The story of a life
The celebrant can write and deliver a tribute, drawing on conversations with the people who knew the person best. Friends or relatives can contribute too, if they wish.
Poetic Endings · Non-religious funerals in London
Humanist funerals in London
If the person who has died wasn't religious, the funeral doesn't have to be either.
A humanist funeral puts the life of the person who has died at the centre of the ceremony. We work with experienced humanist celebrants to help you arrange a funeral that reflects who they were, the relationships they had and the things that mattered to them.
The ceremony
Non-religious and individually writtenLed by
A humanist celebrantWhere
Crematoria, burial grounds and other venuesUnderstanding your choices
What is a humanist funeral?
A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony led by a humanist celebrant. Rather than following a religious service, it draws on the person's life, character, experiences and values.
There might be stories, readings, music or contributions from friends and relatives. There may also be quiet time to reflect. Some funerals are full of warmth and humour; others are quieter and more reflective.
Humanist ceremonies are grounded in a non-religious view of life. You don't have to identify as a humanist to arrange one, and people of all beliefs are welcome to attend.
More about humanist funeralsThe ceremony
What happens at a humanist funeral?
A good celebrant will help you work out what belongs in the ceremony. These are some of the things you might want to include, rather than a set programme you have to follow.
Music and readings
From a favourite song to a poem or a piece of music played live, the choices are yours. There is no requirement to include anything simply because it's traditional.
Time to say goodbye
The ceremony can include a moment of quiet reflection, words of farewell or a simple gesture that has meaning for you. Your celebrant will help you decide.
Finding the right person
The celebrant matters
A funeral celebrant does much more than speak on the day. They take time to get to know the person who has died, listen to your memories and put together a ceremony that sounds like them.
We work closely with a small selection of humanist and independent celebrants whose approach we know and trust. We can recommend someone who might suit you, or work with a celebrant you've already chosen.
It's worth speaking to the celebrant before deciding. The person who leads the funeral can make a real difference.
Humanist or non-religious? Not every non-religious funeral is necessarily a humanist funeral. Humanist celebrants do not lead religious worship. If you'd like prayers or another religious element as part of the service, we can explain the options and help you find a celebrant whose approach suits your wishes.
A funeral we arranged
Michelle's funeral
Michelle had thought carefully about her funeral before she died, including who she wanted to lead it.
She chose humanist celebrant Jo Beddington. Her funeral took place at Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground, with favourite music, personal tributes and wooden hearts on which guests wrote their goodbyes.
After the ceremony, a horse and cart took Michelle's coffin through the snowy grounds to the graveside. It was a funeral created around the things that mattered to her.
Read Michelle's funeral storyWhy Poetic Endings
The ceremony matters to us
We don't think of the ceremony as something to organise after the other funeral arrangements have been made.
Our founder, Louise Winter, trained as a funeral celebrant before becoming a funeral director. We know how much difference the right celebrant, enough time and a little careful thought can make.
We'll help you think through the ceremony alongside the practical arrangements. We'll care for the person who has died, coordinate the venue and transport, and be there on the day. You won't have to work all of this out alone.
More about Poetic EndingsPlaces to hold a funeral
Where can a humanist funeral take place?
You can have a humanist funeral at a crematorium, a cemetery, a natural burial ground or a separate venue where people can gather. The ceremony and the cremation or burial don't necessarily have to take place in the same location.
At a crematorium
We arrange humanist funerals at crematoria across London. We'll help you think about how much time to book and what you'd like to happen during the ceremony.
London crematoria directory
At a natural burial ground
Humanist funerals can work particularly well in woodland and meadow settings. We can help you explore the options for a burial outdoors.
Natural burial options
Somewhere different
An art gallery, garden or other meaningful venue may allow more time and flexibility for a ceremony, followed by a cremation or burial elsewhere.
Explore funeral venuesFuneral costs
How much does a humanist funeral cost?
There's no single price for a humanist funeral. It depends on the funeral arrangements, the venue and the celebrant you choose.
Our services and costsFuneral director's fees
Our fee covers the funeral directing services you choose. We'll provide a clear estimate and explain what is included.
Celebrant's fee
Humanist celebrants charge separately for meeting you, writing the ceremony and leading it. Fees vary; you'll find guide prices on our celebrants page.
Venue and other choices
Crematorium or burial fees, the coffin, transport, flowers and other services depend on what you decide. We'll set out the costs before arrangements are confirmed.
Questions we often hear
Humanist funeral FAQs
There's no need to know exactly how you'd like the ceremony to work before you contact us. We can talk through the choices.
Is a humanist funeral the same as a non-religious funeral?
Every humanist funeral is non-religious, but not every non-religious funeral is humanist. Humanist ceremonies are led from a humanist outlook. Independent celebrants can also create non-religious ceremonies and may have a different approach to religious or spiritual content.
Do you have to be a humanist to have a humanist funeral?
No. You might choose one because the person who has died wasn't religious, or because you would prefer a ceremony focused on their life rather than a religious tradition.
Can we have a prayer or a hymn?
Humanist celebrants don't lead acts of worship, although some religious references or music may be possible where they are significant to the person. There is usually an opportunity for quiet reflection, including private prayer. If you'd like religious elements to form part of the ceremony, we'll help you consider a suitable independent celebrant instead.
Who will write and lead the funeral?
A humanist celebrant will usually meet you to learn about the person who has died, discuss your ideas and write a ceremony for them. We can recommend a celebrant, or work with someone you've already chosen.
How long is a humanist funeral?
It depends on the venue and the ceremony you want. Crematoria have set booking times, but it's often possible to arrange a longer appointment. A separate venue may offer more flexibility. We'll help you book enough time.
Can a humanist funeral include burial rather than cremation?
Yes. Humanist funerals can take place before cremation or burial, including at natural burial grounds. A memorial can also be arranged separately from the committal.
Can we choose our own funeral celebrant?
Of course. You're welcome to appoint somebody you already know or have found yourself. If you're looking for a recommendation, we can help you find the right person.
Poetic Endings · London funeral directors
Talk to us
If you're considering a humanist funeral, we can explain how it works, help you choose a celebrant and talk through the arrangements and costs. We're based in Forest Hill and arrange funerals across London.