What is a Humanist funeral service?
What is a Humanist funeral like and how much do they cost? Let's learn more about this popular non-religious funeral option.
What is a Humanist funeral service?
A Humanist funeral service is one that focuses on a person's life, not their faith. It could be held at a crematorium, cemetery or another kind of venue.
Like religious services, Humanist funeral services can include readings, eulogies and music. The difference is that a Humanist funeral service won't include religious rituals, readings from scripture or references to the afterlife.

A Humanist funeral service isn't the same as a celebration of life. But there is some overlap, with both types of service focusing on a person's life and relationships rather than the religious dimension of their death.
What is a Humanist funeral like?
Humanist funerals are often similar to religious funerals. They tend to consist of a memorial service followed by a cremation or burial.
Like religious funerals, Humanist funerals include readings, music and poems. Mourners might be encouraged to share memories or tributes to the person who died. There will also be a eulogy delivered either by the celebrant or a loved one of the person who died.
The key difference from religious funerals is that a Humanist funeral doesn't mention God or faith. It also doesn't follow the strict order you get in some religious ceremonies and can be more personalised.

The exact nature of a Humanist funeral depends partly on where it's held. It could be held at a traditional crematorium or cemetery. It could also be held in a natural burial ground, a personalised venue or even at home.
How much does a Humanist funeral cost?
The cost of a Humanist funeral depends on the venue you use and the way the person is put to rest. Cremations tend to be more affordable than burials. A Humanist celebrant (the person who leads the funeral) could charge between £150 and £300 for a service.
As a ballpark figure,
SunLife gives the average cost of a simple attended funeral in the UK as £4,285. The exact figure will depend on the venue, transportation and other factors.
Humanist funeral FAQs
How do you arrange a Humanist funeral service?
If you want to arrange a Humanist funeral service, your best bet is to consult a local funeral director. They'll talk you through your options and give you a quote.
A funeral director can act as a point of liaison with transport providers, the crematorium or cemetery, catering companies and more.
It is possible to arrange a funeral, Humanist or otherwise, without a funeral director. While this can be more affordable, it can be a lot of work and responsibility at an already difficult time.
Where can you hold a Humanist funeral?
A Humanist funeral can be held anywhere except for a religious venue that prohibits it. Popular choices include crematoriums, cemeteries and, increasingly, woodland burial sites.
They can also be held in village halls, hotels or gardens – any location where people can gather to mourn and celebrate the person's life.
Can a Humanist funeral be held in a church?
In most cases, the answer is no. The Church of England says you can have a funeral in one of its churches without being religious. But given the nature of a Humanist funeral, an alternative venue could be more appropriate.
What is the cost of a burial at sea?
A self-service licence from the MMO costs £50. This allows you to arrange a funeral at a designated area around the English coast.
If you want to use a different site, you have to submit a licence application. This should include evidence as to why the proposed location is an appropriate site. This could cost £1,400 or more.
On top of the licence, you need to pay for the funeral directors and the boat charter company.
Who conducts a Humanist funeral?
A Humanist celebrant is the person who officiates (leads) a Humanist funeral. They meet the family before the funeral and write the eulogy. This will focus on the person's life story rather than any faith they may have had. Humanist celebrants can be contacted through your local funeral director.
Can you have hymns at a Humanist funeral?
There's no prohibition against singing hymns at a Humanist funeral. In most cases, however, they're not included given the non-religious nature of a Humanist funeral.
What does "Humanist" mean?
Humanists follow the principles and beliefs of Humanism. This can mean they believe in the free agency of individuals and their social and personal potential. When we talk about funerals, however, it's often simply used as a synonym for "non-religious".
What do you wear to a Humanist funeral?
Most of the time, people wear black or sombre clothes to Humanist funerals. Occasionally, however, the family will request a more relaxed or informal dress code. This should be included in the invitation. If in doubt, ask the family or funeral director.
Arrange a non-religious funeral with AFD
At AFD, we can help you arrange the non-religious funeral you want. Contact us on our
webpage or via our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.
