
Unique ceremonies
for all occasions
Independent celebrancy offers you
the greatest choice in creating your perfect ceremony.
​
Being an independent celebrant means
I am independent of the rules of both secular/state and religious bodies;
I can include religious content such as a prayer or a hymn if you would like me to.
​
My independence means your ceremony can be a place of possibility, creativity and celebration!
​
About Me
Beginnings and endings, times of growth and change: I became interested in life's transitions when I was a teacher and lecturer. Marking changes is hugely important and affects how we remember things, and how we move on with new chapters in our lives.
​
As a professionally trained celebrant, I provide individual ceremonies that mark my clients' transitions in ways that are appropriate, respectful and personally meaningful to them.
My Location
I am based in Barnard Castle, County Durham and work across Teesdale, Weardale, North Richmondshire and adjoining areas. If you would like me to travel further I am happy to discuss that.
I have nationally recognised qualifications in celebrancy, and I am trained to deliver a highly personal and professional service.
-
Level 3 Diploma in Celebrancy: Namings and Couples (RQF)
-
Level 3 Diploma in Celebrancy: Funerals (RQF)
​
I have signed the Celebrant Accord, have a Disclosure Statement (DBS Check), insurance, and I am a Dementia Friend.
Relevant Qualifications
For funerals, memorials, scattering of ashes, and advanced planning,
I will develop and deliver a truly personal, respectful and memorable ceremony that captures the essence of the person and tells the story of the life that has been lived.
For weddings, commitment ceremonies and renewal of vows I will create a ceremony that is every bit as special as you are; a bespoke ceremony that reflects your love, your life together, and your hopes for the future. Drawing on the stories, beliefs and cultural traditions that are important to you, I will create and deliver a personal, memorable and unique celebration just for you.
For Life Stories Times are changing, ways of life are being lost, and stories too. I can help record special times and life-changing experiences for your (or a loved one’s) life: Wartime experiences? National Service? A lifetime of living in a village? An unusual career? The dances? Years spent volunteering? A special friendship? Time spent abroad?
I will sit and listen to you or your loved one tell their stories. I’ve not heard them before, and I am endlessly fascinated. I will ask questions, look at old photographs and take notes. Then I will write up the story and include photographs. I will work on the story with the storyteller to get it right and to produce something the family can be proud of, and preserve precious stories for future generations!
For naming ceremonies, I can help welcome a child or children to their new family enabling parents, grandparents, siblings and friends to affirm their commitment to the upbringing of the new member of your community.
I will create and deliver a ceremony that weaves your existing families into a new unit with a new member reflecting the joy and hopes that accompany such times.
Why choose an independent celebrant?
Independent, civil celebrants are not bound by the rules that govern church or
registrar-led celebrations.
​
This means that I am able to work with you to design a celebration that is just for you.
It will be personal, individual, and fit with your needs.
​
People often believe that Civil and Humanist celebrancy are the same - they are not.
Unlike Humanists, who are entirely secular, as an independent celebrant I am able to include secular and religious material to suit your beliefs and those of your family.
​
I can conduct a ceremony in any suitable venue, it does not need to be licensed.
​
None of my ceremonies are legally binding. To discuss this further please contact me.