Familiar traditions
A hymn, a prayer or words of committal can hold meaning even for people who would not usually describe themselves as religious.
Independent funeral celebrant · London
Trevor Donnelly
A celebrant who understands tradition, but knows that a funeral should begin with the person whose life is being remembered.
Trevor is a former Church of England vicar and an experienced funeral celebrant. Also a qualified counsellor, he offers a thoughtful, flexible approach to ceremonies, whether you want a non-religious funeral or something that includes familiar prayers and spiritual elements.
His background
Former Church of England vicar
His approach
Religious, non-religious and mixed-belief ceremonies
Celebrant fee
From £300
Trevor's approach
The person comes first
Trevor begins by listening. He wants to understand who the person was, how they lived, what mattered to them and what those close to them would like the funeral to say.
From those conversations, he develops a ceremony that makes room for both the life being remembered and the sadness of the occasion. That might involve a personal tribute, poems, music, contributions from friends and relatives, or a moment of quiet reflection.
He brings experience of traditional funeral services without expecting people to follow a particular format. The ceremony is shaped by what feels appropriate to you.
Working with Trevor
A ceremony that suits you
Whether you have strong beliefs, none at all, or something in between, Trevor can help bring the parts of a funeral together without making assumptions about what you want.
Personal stories
Trevor uses the details of someone's life, the things they said and the memories people share to shape a ceremony that feels recognisable.
Room for emotion
His counselling background informs his understanding that a funeral may hold humour, gratitude and considerable sadness, sometimes all at once.
About Trevor
Experience in ceremony and bereavement
Trevor previously served as a Church of England priest before becoming an independent funeral celebrant. He knows the shape and language of traditional services, but now has the freedom to create ceremonies without a prescribed liturgy.
He is also a qualified counsellor, bringing experience of listening and supporting people to his work as a celebrant.
His approach is not to turn a funeral into a counselling session. It is to listen carefully and create a service in which the life and loss of the person who has died can both be acknowledged.
Funeral celebrant services
Trevor's fees
From £300
This is the starting fee for Trevor's funeral celebrant services. The final amount depends on your requirements. Trevor can confirm his fee and availability when you discuss your plans with him.
Get in touch
Contact Trevor
You're welcome to email Trevor to ask about his approach, discuss the funeral and find out whether he is available.
Email Trevor trevordonnelly@mac.comTrevor is an independent celebrant. His fee is separate from Poetic Endings' funeral directing fees and any venue or crematorium charges.
Practical questions
Working with Trevor
Can Trevor lead a non-religious funeral?
Yes. Trevor has experience leading non-religious ceremonies, as well as funerals that include religious or spiritual elements.
What if some people want prayers and others do not?
Trevor is used to working with different beliefs and preferences. He can discuss which elements feel meaningful and help you agree on an approach for the ceremony.
Can the funeral include humour and personal stories?
Yes. Trevor appreciates that funny memories and familiar details may be important to a funeral, while also leaving space to acknowledge the sadness of a death.
Do we have to use Poetic Endings to work with Trevor?
No. Trevor is independent and you can contact him directly. If Poetic Endings is arranging the funeral, we can work with him on the practical timings and arrangements.
How much does Trevor charge?
His funeral celebrant fee starts at £300. The final fee depends on your requirements, and Trevor can confirm the cost before you book.
Choosing a celebrant is personal. You can explore other people we recommend, or ask Poetic Endings to suggest someone whose approach might suit the funeral.
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