What is a Kentish Funeral Ceremony?

A Kentish Funeral Ceremony is designed to celebrate a life - reflecting the wishes, beliefs and values of the deceased and their family. It is a personal tribute created by a professional civil funeral celebrant working with the family or the funeral director.

Where can it take place?

As a Kentish Funeral Ceremony is a civil ceremony it can be held anywhere that is not a religious building.This can be any crematoria, cemetery, green burial site, or you may like to have the service in a hotel or funeral director’s offices before burial or cremation.

How is a Kentish Funeral Ceremony created?

A Kent County Council civil funeral Celebrant will meet with you (at a venue of your choice) to discuss your thoughts and feelings regarding the deceased and your wishes for the content of the ceremony.

They will provide you with a selection of readings and offer suggestions regarding music, family participation and, if required, two items of a religious nature.

The Celebrant will help you to choose the order and content of the ceremony and, based on the information you provide, will write the service including the eulogy. A copy will then be sent for you to agree.

If you or your family want to change anything, don’t worry - the Celebrant will be happy to help.

The service will be unique - a tribute to and a celebration of the deceased’s life conducted to reflect your express wishes and those of your loved one.

What happens at the ceremony?

The celebrant will arrive at the venue half an hour before the ceremony is due to start.They will greet you and conduct the ceremony according to your wishes. After the service, a special Kentish Funeral Ceremony remembrance folder - including a copy of the complete service - will then be sent to you with a commemorative certificate.

How long will the ceremony last?

This will depend on what is included in the ceremony, the type of funeral and where the ceremony is taking place. However, as a guide, most civil funeral services last for around 30 minutes. Please speak with your funeral director or crematorium staff for more information.

How do I arrange A Kentish Funeral Ceremony?

Your funeral director can arrange for a Kent County Council civil funeral Celebrant to contact you or alternatively you can telephone us directly on 08458 247 400 or email kentish.funeral@kent.gov.uk

How much does it all cost?

Please contact us for up-to-date costs.The fee covers every part of the service including:

• A meeting with a civil funeral Celebrant

• The writing of the eulogy / service

• Conducting the service itself

• Your special remembrance folder.

The fee may be included in the Funeral Director’s invoice or, if you are not using one, you can pay Kent County Council directly. Our staff will be happy to advise you.