Can you have a non-religious funeral?
What is a non-religious funeral called? And how do they work? Learn more about this alternative kind of funeral.
A non-religious funeral can go by different names. These include a "civil funeral", a "celebration of life" and an "atheist funeral".
These kinds of ceremonies focus on the life, personality, relationships and achievements of the person who died without reference to religious beliefs or the afterlife.
Civil funerals are usually led by a non-religious celebrant. They work with the family to hold a service that celebrates the person's life and values.
Can you have a non-religious funeral?
There are many kinds of non-religious funerals available in the UK. The focus of these ceremonies is the life and personality of the person who died. They are usually held for people who didn't hold strong religious beliefs.
Like religious funerals, they are led by a celebrant. This person will guide the ceremony, providing readings, tributes and music. The main difference is the absence of religious rituals or mention of religious beliefs.

Non-religious funerals can be held in a range of locations – from crematorium chapels to woodland burial grounds. They can also be held in halls, hotels or private gardens.
What is a civil funeral service?
A civil funeral service is a non-religious ceremony held to remember the life of someone who has died. Like their religious counterparts, a civil funeral service will include stories, memories, music and readings.
The difference is that a civil funeral service will focus on the person's life and not make reference to religious beliefs or include rituals, prayers or sacred texts.

Civil funerals tend to be more flexible and personalised than religious ceremonies. They can be held in a wider range of locations and the family has greater control over the planning and execution of the ceremony.
Civil funeral FAQs
Who leads a non-religious funeral?
A non-religious funeral is often led by a non-religious celebrant. However, anyone can lead a non-religious funeral, including family and friends. The main advantage of hiring a celebrant is that it can take pressure off family and friends at a difficult time.
What is a non-religious funeral called?
Non-religious funerals go by different names. They're often called "civil funerals". They're also referred to as "humanist funerals" or "atheist funerals".
What can you read at a non-religious funeral?
At civil funerals, people often share stories and memories of the person who died alongside poems or other passages from literature. They don't include religious texts. Here are some of our favourite non-religious funeral readings and poems.
non-religious funeral readings and poems. What is the format for a non-religious funeral?
Civil funerals tend to be more flexible than religious funerals. However, they often follow a similar structure, with an opening, eulogies, readings, music and a moment of reflection. The key difference is the absence of religious texts, rituals and references.
Where do you have a funeral if you aren't religious?
Non-religious or civil funerals can be held in a range of locations. These include crematoriums, cemeteries, woodland burial sites, community centres, halls and hotels. They can even be held at home. The location will depend on transportation needs, financial considerations and whether you want a green burial.
Can you have a non-religious funeral in a church?
It's possible to have a non-religious funeral service in a church, although it's not common. The Church of England is relaxed about hosting non-religious services. Other church denominations don't allow it.
If you want to hold a non-religious funeral in a church, your best bet is to talk to the church and your funeral director.
How much does a civil funeral cost?
Like religious funerals, the cost of a civil funeral can vary widely. The price depends on factors such as the celebrant fees, the choice of venue and additional services like flowers, catering and memorial objects. Prices tend to start from £1,000.
Can you have a civil funeral for a cremation?
Yes, civil funerals can be held for cremations as well as burials.
How do you find a celebrant for a non-religious funeral?
Your funeral director can help recommend celebrants for a non-religious funeral. You can also look in online directories or ask friends and family.
Can you have a civil funeral at home?
Yes, civil funerals can be held at home. This could be a service to accompany a home burial or a separate service.
Arrange a civil funeral with AFD
At AFD, we can help you arrange a civil funeral. We offer a listening ear and clear, compassionate guidelines at all stages of the process. Contact us via our
webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.
