A civil funeral is one without an agenda, either religious, spiritual or philosophical. It allows the freedom to make the ceremony deeply personal to the individual who has died. 

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Where do they take place?

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• In a crematorium: This is most usual. You can choose to have a full committal ceremony (that is, instead of a religious service) or a separate civil ceremony in the crematorium after the main religious service.

• At the graveside: You may prefer to have the entire ceremony take place at the graveside or, more normally, a short civil ceremony taking place after the religious service.

• At the funeral home: You might like to have a celebrant say a few words the night before the funeral (the removal) or on the day. It is also possible to have the entire ceremony take place at the funeral home prior to a private cremation or burial.

• Scattering ashes: I am also happy to deliver some words at a scattering ceremony or interment should you wish.

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How is it different from a Humanist funeral?

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Because a civil funeral does not follow any agenda, it can be tailored to the individual. Some people will want an entirely non-religious funeral. Others may wish to include a particular prayer or a piece of religious music which has a special significance.

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