Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Civil Funerals

When someone dies, family and close friends are often faced with many choices and decisions regarding the funeral arrangements, including the ceremony itself. Faced with such a wide range of choices at an emotionally distressing time, it is often easy to forget the one question that is perhaps central to the arrangements - what kind of funeral do you really want?

Everyone is different, and a number of factors will influence the choice of funeral ceremony. Religious or cultural traditions, personal preferences or the wishes of the deceased can all contribute to the final choice of ceremony. It is often thought that the funeral ceremony is a simple choice between either a 'traditional' religious ceremony or alternatively, a ceremony with no religious content.

The family may, however be mindful that mourners who do not follow a religion may feel uncomfortable at a religious funeral, and the same could be true for religious mourners at a secular funeral ceremony. An increasing number of people are finding that a Civil Funeral Ceremony is a more appropriate choice, because its flexibility allows some religious content, such as a hymn or prayer to be included in the Ceremony. In short, a Civil Funeral Ceremony is driven by the needs and wishes of each individual family, creating the most appropriate and meaningful Ceremony for this final act of love and respect.

What is a Civil Funeral Ceremony?

A Civil Funeral Ceremony is a dignified, formal ceremony, written and delivered by a professional Civil Funeral Celebrant in consultation with the family. Above all, it is a ceremony that reflects the wishes of the family and is focused on the life, character and personality of the deceased.

Where can a Civil Funeral be held?

A Civil Funeral Ceremony can be held almost anywhere you wish, except for churches and other religious buildings. The Ceremony is appropriate for either cremation or burial at any non-religious burial ground or woodland burial site. Who conducts a Civil Funeral Ceremony? Every Civil Funeral Celebrant has undertaken an intensive training course and has been assessed in many areas, including their professionalism, tribute writing skills, delivery of Ceremonies and the personal qualities that make them suitable to fulfil such an important role.

How is a Civil Funeral Ceremony created?

Your Civil Funeral Celebrant will create a personalised and completely unique ceremony, based upon your choice of music and readings and any other personal wishes you may have. Central to the Ceremony is a tribute to your loved one, written by the Celebrant using factual information, memories and recollections that you have provided. Family members and friends can also be included in the ceremony if they wish to deliver a reading or poem. The Ceremony is fully scripted by the Celebrant and you will have the opportunity to view this before the funeral takes place to ensure that all the details are correct. A presentation copy of the script will also be sent to you following the funeral.

How do I arrange a Civil Funeral Ceremony?

Call one of the telephone numbers shown in the 'who to contact' section of this page. If you wish, a friend, family member or your funeral director may make the call on your behalf.

Web Links

Stockton Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

• Civil Funerals Website
• Institute of Civil Funerals