Humanist funerals focus on the person who has died, balancing the sadness of loss with a celebration of the person’s life.

Normally our accredited humanist celebrants will meet the family or friends who are organising the funeral, and together they will plan a meaningful ceremony.

On occasions when it is not possible to meet personally, the ceremony can be arranged by telephone or on Zoom or Skype.

The celebrant will learn as much as possible about the person who has died, and the family will usually contribute readings or music. These contributions will often be reflective, capturing the essence of the person who has died.

The celebrant will lead the ceremony, using appropriate words at the beginning and end, with dignity and warmth and ensuring that the personality, spirit and essence of the deceased is celebrated.

Humanist funerals can be held in any suitable venue: for example, in a crematorium, at the graveside, in the funeral parlour, at a hotel, a community hall, in gardens, a woodland, a marquee or in a private home.

One option is to have a short ceremony at the graveside, and then a celebration of the person’s life in a venue such as a hotel or hall. The funeral director should be able to advise you about suitable venues in your locality.

Humanist funerals can be held at any time. In the case of a cremation, it is useful to arrange the funeral as the last cremation of the day, or to book two consecutive slots, in order to allow sufficient time for a full ceremony. The ceremony will normally last at least 40 minutes, so allowing up to one hour is advisable.

Humanism acknowledges the right of all to people to choose and practise their own philosophical life stance, and it is important to us that everyone is included in a funeral ceremony.  While the celebrant cannot say anything religious, the funeral can include a minute’s silence during which all mourners can consider the life of the deceased and grieve according to their own custom.  

While Humanist funerals are by definition secular, that is, non-religious, celebrants may on occasion agree to prayers being spoken aloud to accommodate religious mourners.

Typically you can expect a guideline fee in the region of €225 plus a €25 contribution to the HAI.

The amount of €25 for funerals, payable on booking, is a contribution to the HAI to fund its work. This includes advocacy, events, government submissions and running costs. It is not a booking deposit. Each celebrant will be able to advise their prospective clients on ceremony costs and any deposits that ensue.

Fees may vary from celebrant to celebrant, particularly if the venue is some distance from them as they will incur travel costs.

Some of our accredited celebrants are VAT-registered and, as such, need to add 23% VAT to their fees.

Note: Humanist celebrants are accredited by the HAI but operate as independent service providers so do not have a fixed fee rate – please discuss with your celebrant.

People often ask if they can arrange their own Humanist funeral, so that they can be sure that their funeral will fit with their own convictions.

Our celebrants would be very favourably disposed to discussing your funeral ceremony with you. You should make sure your wishes are known to whoever will be making the funeral arrangements. We would strongly advise that you put your wishes in writing.

Many funeral directors may be able to recommend a Humanist celebrant in your locality. As the majority of funerals occur at relatively short notice, a funeral director may be your first point of contact.

You can also contact the HAI Administrator on 086 0887744 or by email on [email protected]