Funerals

Humanist funerals honor the individual who has passed away, blending the sorrow of loss with a celebration of their life. Typically, a qualified humanist celebrant collaborates with the family or friends organizing the funeral to craft a poignant ceremony.

If a direct meeting is not feasible, arrangements can be made via a phone call or Zoom video meeting. The celebrant dedicates time to understanding the deceased's life and character, incorporating contributions from the family, such as readings or music, that resonate with the departed's true essence.

Throughout the ceremony, the celebrant guides the proceedings with respect and warmth, ensuring the ceremony meaningfully reflects and celebrates the unique personality and spirit of the loved one lost.

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 celebrate 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 helpful to arrange the funeral as the last cremation of the day or to book two consecutive slots in order to allow sufficient time for an entire ceremony. The ceremony will normally last at least 40 minutes, so allowing up to one hour is advisable.

Humanism acknowledges the right of all 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 deceased's life and grieve according to their own customs.

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

Typically you can expect a guideline fee in the region of €275 - €350 plus a €40 contribution to the HAI.

The amount of €40 for funerals, payable on booking, contributes to the HAI to fund its work. This includes advocacy, events, government submissions and running costs. It is not a booking deposit. Celebrants can advise their prospective clients on ceremony costs.

Fees may vary from celebrant to celebrant, mainly if the venue is far 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 this with your celebrant.

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

Our celebrants would be very favourably disposed to discussing your funeral ceremony with you. You should ensure your wishes are known to whoever makes 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 most funerals occur at relatively short notice, a funeral director may be your first point of contact.

You may contact Billy Hutchinson from the CONTACT PAGE.

You can also contact the HAI Administrator at 086 0887744 or by email on admin@humanism.ie