Non-Religious Funeral Services

Personalised Celebrant-Led Funerals

At Sussex Funeral Services, we understand that not all families wish for a traditional religious ceremony. Our non-religious and celebrant-led funerals provide a meaningful way to honour life, reflect personal values, and create a heartfelt farewell. Every service is tailored to the individual, with flexibility and care to ensure your wishes are fully respected.

What a Non-Religious Funeral Includes

A non-religious funeral can include:

  • A celebrant-led service designed to celebrate the life and personality of the deceased
  • Personal readings, poetry, music, and reflections chosen by the family
  • Participation from family members or friends in the ceremony
  • Symbolic elements such as candle lighting, memory displays, or personal tributes
  • Flexible venue options, including funeral homes, community halls, or outdoor spaces

Philip, our principal funeral director, is a trained celebrant and a member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants. He can guide you through every step, ensuring a service that is both meaningful and personal.

Additional Non-Religious Funeral Options

You can personalise your non-religious funeral further with:

  • Video or photo tributes to showcase memories and milestones
  • Memory tables displaying keepsakes, awards, or personal items
  • Live or recorded music chosen to reflect the personality of the deceased
  • Family or friends sharing speeches, stories, or reflections
  • Alternative ceremonial rituals, such as balloon releases or symbolic gestures

We work closely with you to ensure every detail supports a meaningful and unique farewell, offering guidance, reassurance, and compassionate support throughout the entire planning process and on the day of the service.

Venue and Ceremony Flexibility

Non-religious funerals can be arranged in a variety of settings:

  • Funeral homes for a private, intimate gathering
  • Community halls for larger family and friend attendance
  • Outdoor spaces or gardens for a natural, tranquil environment
  • Alternative venues that held personal significance to the deceased
  • Crematorium chapels with a celebrant-led service for a structured farewell

We help you select the perfect location, plan each detail, and design a personalised service that honours life and creates lasting memories. We ensure every element reflects your wishes and provides comfort to all attending.

Personalised Touches and Tributes

Make the ceremony truly unique with customised elements:

  • Favourite readings, poems, or personal writings included in the service
  • Music playlists, live performances, or recorded tracks of significance
  • Memory books, guestbooks, or personalised keepsakes for attendees
  • Symbolic gestures such as tree planting, lighting candles, or releasing petals
  • Special décor, flowers, or themed elements that reflect life and personality

Our focus is on helping you create a respectful, heartfelt, and entirely personal farewell. We take the time to listen to your wishes and offer guidance every step of the way. Every element of the service is carefully planned to honour the life being celebrated.

Flexible Support for Families

If you prefer, we can arrange for another celebrant, a trusted minister, or even a family friend to conduct the service. Philip and Sallie remain fully involved, offering support and coordination from your first call through to the day of the funeral. With over 10 years of experience working together, Sallie can also act as the funeral director, providing a compassionate and sensitive presence where desired.

Contact us today to discuss your non-religious or celebrant-led funeral, and receive guidance tailored to your needs.