Getting to know the person
Lucinda listens to memories and stories, including the funny, complicated and ordinary bits. You don't need to arrive with a biography already written.
Independent funeral celebrant · London
Lucinda Inglis
A funeral celebrant whose years in palliative care have given her a particular understanding of people, their stories and what matters at the end of life.
Lucinda is warm, funny and an exceptionally good listener. She spends time getting to know the person who has died through the people who knew them, then writes and leads a ceremony that sounds like them. She is humanist-trained and happy to include elements of faith or spirituality if you would like them.
Background
21+ years in nursing, including palliative care
Ceremonies
Funerals, memorials and ceremonies planned in advance
Fees
From £350 · confirmed with Lucinda
Lucinda's approach
It's often the little things that tell the story
The little sayings, routines, jokes and habits can say as much about someone as the significant events in their life. Lucinda is interested in all of it.
She'll spend time listening to the stories you want to tell, asking questions and getting a sense of the person who has died. She then writes the ceremony herself, bringing those memories together in a way that feels recognisable to the people who knew them.
Her funerals often have a celebratory quality, but that doesn't mean overlooking the sadness. There can be room for laughter, tears, music, a quiet moment and the things that might not fit into a conventional tribute.
Working with Lucinda
How she puts a ceremony together
Lucinda's ceremonies begin with a conversation, rather than a ready-made script. She works with the people arranging the funeral and welcomes their ideas.
Writing the ceremony
She brings the stories together and helps you choose readings, music and contributions from other people. She can also guide you if you're not sure what you'd like.
Leading the funeral
Lucinda leads the ceremony and helps everyone taking part feel prepared. She can conduct funerals at crematoria, burial grounds and other suitable venues.
What people say
Someone who puts people at ease
People often mention Lucinda's kindness, humour and the time she spends listening before a funeral.
“From her first contact by phone you just felt the sincerity and understanding that she would bring to the service.”Ken and Denise Rodhouse · Review of Heather's funeral, July 2026, published in The Celebrant DirectoryRead more reviews
About Lucinda
From nursing to celebrancy
Before becoming a celebrant, Lucinda worked as a nurse for more than 21 years, spending over 15 of those years specialising in palliative and end-of-life care. The work brought her into contact with people and those close to them at some of the most significant moments of their lives.
It gave her an appreciation of the stories people tell about one another, and of how much it matters to feel listened to. She brings that experience into the way she approaches funerals today.
Lucinda trained as a humanist celebrant, but she doesn't require a ceremony to be entirely non-religious. She's happy to discuss prayers, spiritual elements or traditions that have a place in the person's life.
Outside her work, Lucinda has three sons, loves theatre, being outdoors and a good laugh, and admits gardening has never been her strong point.
Fees and booking
Contact Lucinda
Lucinda's published fee for a funeral ceremony starts at:
£350
The final fee depends on what's involved. You can discuss your ideas and confirm availability and costs with Lucinda directly.
Speak with Lucinda
We recommend having an initial conversation with a celebrant before you decide whether they're the right person to lead the funeral.
Lucinda is an independent celebrant, so you can contact her directly. Her fee is separate from Poetic Endings' funeral directing costs, the crematorium or burial fee and any other funeral expenses.
Questions about working with Lucinda
A few things you may want to know
Does Lucinda only lead humanist funerals?
No. Although she's humanist-trained, Lucinda is happy to include prayers, spiritual elements and other traditions if they're important to you. You can talk with her about what you'd like the ceremony to include.
Can Lucinda help someone plan their own funeral ceremony?
Yes. Lucinda welcomes conversations with people who would like to make choices about their ceremony in advance. She can help develop the words and ideas while they're able to take part in those decisions.
Can other people read or speak at the funeral?
Of course. Lucinda can help you think about who might want to contribute, how the ceremony fits together and whether you would prefer her to read something on someone's behalf.
Do I need to arrange the funeral through Poetic Endings?
No. Lucinda works independently. You can book her directly, and if Poetic Endings is arranging the funeral, we'll be happy to work with her.
How much does Lucinda charge?
Her published starting fee is £350, depending on what you need. Please confirm the final cost directly with Lucinda before booking.
Choosing a celebrant
If you're still exploring the possibilities, take a look at the other independent celebrants we work with. Each has a different way of approaching a funeral.
Poetic Endings
Would you like us to arrange the funeral?
If you'd like Poetic Endings to arrange the funeral, we can work with Lucinda as the celebrant. You're welcome to contact us to talk through the arrangements.