Ceremonies
James can offer a wide range of ceremonies for any occasion
He can conduct any ceremony you like! People sometimes like ceremonies for the following;
Friendship
Commitment
Engagement
Unity of a family
James is also of service to read/ present (or even help write if desired) speeches on the behalf of another, who perhaps does not feel confident leading it.
Not everyone wants a traditional Christian baptism - especially those who no longer wish to attend Church or perhaps feel that the faith-based ceremonies do not reflect their personal beliefs and values. However, many parents still wish to formally welcome their child into the world and gather friends and family members for this event. Many parents are now choosing an alternative in the form of a Naming Ceremony. This can include whatever you wish! James will help you design the perfect ceremony for your little one! This kind of ceremony could also be conducted for adoption or two families coming together into a new future. Don't hesitate to contact James if you wish to discuss this further.
Would you like to renew your vows with the one you love? Why not have a Celebrant led ceremony to mark the occasion - wherever, whenever and however you like! You will be the curator. James would lead you through the process, from the start to the officiation. Love knows no bound after all! This would be your day, so it has to be your way! There is no other way!
When a loved one dies, you want the best personalised send-off possible! This can be as religious or non- religious as is wished for. The funeral can have elements of both religious and secular (non-religious) services in, if this is what is needed to reflect the individual sadly lost. A personalised, Celebrant led funeral does not need to follow the traditional, stringent, formal order of a traditional religious Church funeral conducted by a member of the clergy. It can be a true celebration of life - music of choice, favourite song or hymn sung, cherished poem read, readings to reflect the individual from a religious or non-religious text, a personalised eulogy and committal. A service incredibly tailored to the individual of which the funeral marks the passing of. A Funeral Director will often elect a Celebrant on the behalf of a family, but should a request be made for a certain Celebrant- this is usually honoured. If you would like James to conduct your loved one's funeral, please don't hesitate to let your Funeral Director know.
Anyone who has truly loved a pet, knows they are often way more than that. They are companions, comforters and a true friend. As the saying goes 'Dogs are man's best friend' - for many, there is no truer word ever said. When a human loved one dies, we always mark the occasion with respect- why not do something similar for our loved pets? With a Celebrant you can! James will prepare and officiate a special service to mark the passing of your beloved companion. This occasion can be marked with poetry, prayer, reflection and a few special words to honour the animal lost. This can be done in the home, garden or elsewhere. It can be done with a small few or with a greater number of family or friends. Your service, your pet, your way! Contact James to discuss further.
Celebrant weddings are growing. English law is archaic is many ways - it only allows either a registrar or a registered member of the clergy to marry you under a fixed roof that is registered for marriage - this is very restrictive. For many the religious service is perfect, for others the basic registrar wedding in the registry office or hotel is perfect. But for others, these just don't cut it! They want to be curators of their own day - they want readings, poetry, songs and personalised touches that these two traditional options just don't offer or the law does not allow for it! James, like other Celebrants cannot legally marry you in England - but he can create the wedding ceremony of your dreams with you at the helm! You can include whatever you like in your ceremony! No restrictions! The only restriction is your imagination! This is a growing trend, as couples are seeing the opportunity to literally have the wedding of their dreams! This can also happen wherever you like - many couples choosing outdoor locations or locations of personal importance. They are not held back by the fixed roof law or the need to be in a registered location. The only restriction with location is the need for the landowner's permission. Couples who wish to do this kind of Celebrant led wedding, still wish to be married in the eyes of the law, so it has become the trend to visit the registry office with witnesses a day or two before the 'real' big day in order to legally marry. As this is literally used as a means to an end, to obtain the legal marriage certificate - it is often referred to as a 'jeans and t-shirt' ceremony. Contact James to discuss what he can do for you! Your day, your way, there is no other way!
Not every family wants or needs a full funeral service in a crematorium chapel. Some families go down the 'direct cremation' route. If this is the option chosen, you can still have a service for your loved one. There are no rules with a Civil Celebrant on this - we could do the service in any way and anywhere you like! A memorial service could take place in the home, garden, pub, function room or a local beauty spot. Whatever space or setting you decide, we will dedicate it to your loved one. We can make this as formal or informal as you wish, whichever way best reflects the person we will gather to remember - we could include poetry, music, cherished memories or even raise a toast with a favoured tipple! I will happily with no obligation, discuss your options with you. Feel free to email, call or text James.