SECULAR CEREMONY · CIVIL FUNERAL
A secular ceremony — also called a civil funeral — is a farewell without a religious service, for those who were not religious or who wished it otherwise. It includes eulogies, music, shared memories, and moments of quiet reflection, led by a celebrant. We help you arrange it with dignity.
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A secular ceremony is a farewell without a religious service. It suits those who were not religious, those of a different faith, or families who prefer a personalised goodbye centred on the life of the person who has died.
In place of a religious service, the ceremony includes eulogies, shared memories, music, and moments of silence. It is an alternative to the traditional religious ceremony, equally dignified and moving.
A secular ceremony is chosen in several situations:
A secular ceremony has no religious service, but it does have a structure. A celebrant leads it, invites speakers to the lectern, and maintains the pace of the occasion.
The family chooses what it contains — a farewell text, music the deceased loved, tributes from those close to them. Everything centres on the memory and values of the person.
A secular ceremony is made up of moments chosen by the family:
The ceremony can be held at a secular chapel, at the crematorium, in a hired hall, or even outdoors. The venue is chosen according to the number of guests and the family's wishes.
At cremation, many secular ceremonies take place in the crematorium hall before the cremation itself. We coordinate the venue and timing.
A religious ceremony follows the form of the Church, with a service led by a priest. A secular ceremony has no service, only a structure chosen by the family, centred on the person.
Both can be dignified and moving. The choice belongs to the beliefs of the deceased and of the family. We advise without imposing anything.
We provide the celebrant, coordination of the venue, sound equipment, floral arrangements, and any symbolic gestures the family chooses. All elements can be personalised.
The cost depends on the venue, duration, and elements chosen. We give a clear quote in advance. For orientation, see our general price guide.
Tell us how you would like the farewell, and we arrange the ceremony — celebrant, venue, music, flowers, and coordination.
We answer day and night. For a no-obligation conversation, call us or see our page on full ceremony arrangements.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
A farewell without a religious service, with eulogies, music, memories, and quiet reflection, led by a celebrant. A dignified alternative to the religious ceremony.
For someone who was not religious, for a family preferring a personalised farewell, or for someone of a faith other than Orthodox Christianity.
A celebrant leads it, invites speakers, and maintains the pace. The family chooses the farewell text, music, and tributes from those close to the deceased.
An opening address, eulogies and tributes, music the deceased loved, moments of silence, photographs or a short film, and a symbolic farewell gesture.
At a secular chapel, at the crematorium, in a hired hall, or outdoors. The venue is chosen according to the number of guests and the family's wishes.
Yes, very often. Many secular ceremonies take place in the crematorium hall before the cremation itself. We coordinate the venue and timing.
A celebrant, instead of a priest. They open the ceremony, invite speakers, and maintain the structure and pace of the occasion.
Yes. Music is central to the ceremony — usually pieces the deceased loved. We provide the sound system and play the chosen pieces.
A religious ceremony has a service led by a priest, following the form of the Church. A secular ceremony has no service, only a structure chosen by the family, centred on the person.
Yes. Eulogies and tributes from those close to the deceased are a central part of a secular ceremony. The celebrant coordinates the order of speakers.
Not necessarily. The cost depends on the venue, duration, and elements chosen — sound equipment, flowers, film. We give a clear quote in advance, based on what the family wants.
Yes. The family chooses the texts, music, photographs, and symbolic gestures. A secular ceremony is, by its nature, personalised.
Yes, if the family wishes. Some families combine a ceremony centred on the person with a short moment of prayer. We adapt everything to their wishes.
Usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of speakers and moments included. We agree the duration together during preparation.
Those close to the deceased prepare their own words. The celebrant can help with structure and can read a text if the family prefers.
Yes. A photograph of the deceased, or a short film of moments from their life, can be displayed as part of the farewell ceremony.
Yes. Although more common at cremation, a secular ceremony can also be held before a burial — at a chapel or at the graveside.
We arrange the celebrant, venue, sound equipment, flowers, and coordination. The family tells us how they want the farewell; we make it possible.
Yes. In addition to recorded pieces, live music can be arranged — a musician or a singer. We coordinate the sound and timing.
Usually someone close to the deceased — a family member or a friend. The celebrant can also deliver the main address if the family prefers.
Yes. It is a complete and dignified way to say goodbye, chosen by more and more families. No special approval is required; it can be held before cremation or burial.
Yes. A ceremony can be 20 to 30 minutes — a farewell address, a piece of music, and a moment of reflection. The length is decided by the family.
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