What is a Celebrant?
A Celebrant is a trained professional who creates and delivers bespoke, non-religious (or blended) ceremonies to mark life events—funerals, weddings, namings, and more.
A Celebrant crafts a unique story that reflects the values, beliefs, and personality of the
individual(s) involved.
The Responsibility of Storytelling
Being entrusted with someone’s story is a deep privilege. As Celebrants, we must:
- Listen with empathy and precision.
- Honour truth and complexity.
- Speak on behalf of people who can no longer speak for themselves.
Represent the voices of those grieving or celebrating with dignity and respect.
What Makes a Good Celebrant?
- Empathy – Understanding what others feel, even without them saying it out loud.
- Creativity – Thinking beyond standard scripts to create original, moving content.
- Adaptability – Every family, couple or circumstance is different. You must respond
with flexibility. - Reliability and Integrity – People need to know they can trust you, especially at emotionally intense moments.
- Calm Under Pressure – Last-minute changes, emotions, logistics… it’s part of the job.
Why Do Celebrants Do This Work?
The best Celebrants are driven by purpose, not just pay. This is a role that demands
emotional labour, deep thought, weekend work, and high stakes. If you’re only here for a ‘flexible job’ or to re-use scripts, this course may not be the right fit. But if you care deeply about people and want to give them unforgettable, meaningful experiences, you’ll thrive.
