The civil funeral ceremony: how it works

It is a farewell without a religious service, consisting of words, memories, music, and moments of reflection chosen by the family according to the wishes of the departed.

Yes. Romanian law recognises both religious and civil burial. In a civil funeral, the organisers determine how the ceremony proceeds.

A master of ceremonies, who does not represent any religious body, or a close person to the family. Because it is not regulated, the officiant does not need formal accreditation.

For those who were not attached to a particular faith, for families who want a personal farewell, or for those who have left written instructions requesting a civil ceremony.

It has no fixed structure. Many follow a thread: welcoming those present, evoking the person's life, a musical moment, a moment of silent reflection, and the farewell word.

An obituary, memories shared by those close to the departed, a poem, or a text meaningful to the person who has gone. Those close to the deceased can be invited to speak.

Yes. Music plays an important role — a piece meaningful to the departed or a quiet melody. The civil ceremony allows complete freedom in this choice.

A religious ceremony follows the service and the rites of the relevant faith. The civil ceremony has no religious component; the family and the officiant determine the form.

Yes, often. Many families who choose cremation prefer a civil ceremony. It can be held before the cremation or at the interment of the urn.

Yes, completely. Words, music, symbols — photographs, cherished objects, candles — are all chosen freely, matched to the personality and life of the departed.

At a chapel, at the cemetery, at the crematorium, or in another suitable space. Not being tied to a church, it has freedom of venue as well.

Yes, if the family wishes — a moment of silence, a meaningful poem. The civil ceremony is not religious, but it can be warm and full of meaning.

Usually between thirty minutes and one hour, depending on how many elements it includes. The family decides the length, with no imposed duration.

Anyone among those close — family, friends, colleagues. Words prepared in advance give warmth and depth to the farewell.

We organise the ceremony according to your wishes — the venue, the officiant, the words, the music, and the personal symbols — for a dignified and personal farewell.

An officiant specialising in civil ceremonies, or a close person to the family. Because the ceremony is not regulated, no formal accreditation is required.

Yes. It can be held at a chapel, at the cemetery, at the crematorium, or in another suitable space. It is not tied to any particular place.

The cost depends on the services chosen — venue, flowers, music, officiant — not on whether the ceremony is religious or civil. We provide a clear quote once you have chosen the elements you want.

Yes. A moment of silent reflection is common at civil ceremonies. It gives everyone the space to say their private farewell.

Yes. A poem, a text meaningful to the departed, or the words of those close to the person give depth to the ceremony. Everything is chosen freely, to match the person's character.

Yes, as at any ceremony. Flowers — wreaths, sprays, bouquets — are chosen with sobriety and form part of the farewell, whatever the form of the ceremony.

Yes. Those close to the departed — family, friends, colleagues — can be invited to speak. Words prepared in advance give warmth to the moment.

A middle ground can be found — a civil ceremony with a moment of reflection or a short prayer. What matters is respecting the wishes of the departed.

Yes. Photographs, a short film, or a slideshow of moments from the person's life are appropriate and give the civil ceremony a personal character.

It is prepared in the days before the funeral. Being free in form, it only requires agreeing on the sequence of events, the officiant, and the venue.

Yes, if the family prefers a neutral form. A gentle and personal civil ceremony can be a dignified farewell, according to the parents' wishes.

Yes. You can record your wish in your funeral wishes, so the family can know and honour it.

Yes, if the family wishes — a silence, a thought, a meaningful text. The civil ceremony is not religious, but it can be warm and full of meaning.

The funeral home prepares the space, the sound system for music and spoken words, and the seating for those present, so that the ceremony flows smoothly.

Yes. It can be held outdoors, at the graveside or in a suitable open space. The freedom of form of the civil ceremony allows for this.

Yes. It can be short and simple — a few words, a moment of silence, and a farewell. The family decides the length.