Non-religious funerals have become the most common type of funeral in the UK for the first time in history. According to recent data, more than 50% of UK funerals now have no religious content — and the trend is accelerating.
This guide explains everything you need to know about humanist and non-religious funerals: what they involve, how they differ from traditional services, what they cost, and how to plan one that honours your loved one.
What Is a Humanist Funeral?
A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony that celebrates the life of the person who has died. It's led by a humanist celebrant rather than a religious minister, and focuses on the person's life, personality, and achievements — without any religious content.
### Key Features of a Humanist Funeral
- No religious prayers or hymns — but readings, poems, and secular music are welcome
- Led by a humanist celebrant — a trained professional who meets with the family to create a personalised ceremony
- Focuses on the person's life story — celebrating who they were, what they loved, and what mattered to them
- Flexible format — can be held at a crematorium, woodland burial ground, or any venue
- Inclusive — open to people of all beliefs and backgrounds
What Happens at a Humanist Funeral?
A typical humanist funeral lasts 20-40 minutes and includes:
1. Welcome and introduction by the celebrant
2. Readings or poems — chosen by family and friends (secular readings, favourite poems, or personal reflections)
3. Tribute or eulogy — the celebrant shares the life story of the person who has died
4. Music — favourite songs, instrumental pieces, or live performance (no hymns)
5. Reflection or silence — a moment for private thought
6. Committal — the coffin is committed (curtains close at the crematorium, or the coffin is lowered at a burial)
7. Closing words from the celebrant
8. Exit music — often an uplifting or meaningful song
How Much Does a Humanist Funeral Cost?
The cost of a humanist funeral is similar to a traditional funeral — the main difference is the celebrant fee instead of a religious minister's fee.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Humanist celebrant fee | £150 - £300 |
| CMA attended funeral basket (funeral director) | £3,086 average |
| Crematorium fee | Included in funeral package |
| Venue hire (if not at crematorium) | £100 - £500 |
| Total (typical attended service) | £3,200 - £4,500 |
### Celebrant vs Minister Cost Comparison
Finding a Humanist Celebrant
The main organisations for humanist celebrants in the UK:
- Humanists UK (formerly British Humanist Association) — The largest provider, with accredited celebrants across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Humanist Society Scotland — Covers Scotland with its own accredited celebrants
- Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC) — Non-religious celebrants who aren't affiliated with a specific humanist organisation
- Green Fuse — Specialises in natural burial ceremonies
- Local celebrant directories — Many areas have local celebrant networks
Booking process:
1. Contact a celebrant who is available on your preferred date
2. They'll arrange a meeting with the family (usually 1-2 hours)
3. They write a personalised ceremony script based on your stories
4. The script is reviewed with the family before the funeral
5. The celebrant leads the ceremony on the day
Can You Have Music at a Humanist Funeral?
Absolutely. Music is a key part of many humanist funerals. Popular choices include:
- Classical pieces: "Time to Say Goodbye," "Clair de Lune," "Adagio for Strings"
- Modern songs: "Fix You" (Coldplay), "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole), "My Way" (Frank Sinatra)
- Personal favourites: The deceased's favourite band, song, or artist
- Live music: A family member or friend singing or playing an instrument
Can You Have Readings at a Humanist Funeral?
Yes — readings are a popular part of humanist funerals. Common choices include:
- "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye
- "Remember Me" by Margaret Mead
- "She Is Gone" by David Harkins
- "The Dash" by Linda Ellis
- A favourite poem or passage from a book
- A personal letter or reflection written by a family member
Non-Religious Funerals for Different Settings
### Crematorium
The most common setting. The ceremony room typically holds 60-100 people. The coffin is present and the cremation follows the ceremony.
### Woodland Burial
A popular choice for humanist funerals. The ceremony takes place at the graveside in a natural setting. Guests stand or sit on benches in a woodland clearing.
### Direct Cremation with Memorial
Some families choose a direct cremation (unattended) and then arrange a separate memorial service at a venue of their choice — a village hall, community centre, pub, or the family home. This approach costs less and gives more flexibility.
How a Humanist Funeral Differs from a Traditional Funeral
| Aspect | Humanist Funeral | Traditional Religious Funeral |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Secular, life-focused | Religious, scripture-based |
| Leader | Humanist celebrant | Minister, vicar, or priest |
| Prayers | None | Yes |
| Hymns | Secular music instead | Religious hymns |
| Venue | Any venue | Often a church or chapel |
| Tone | Flexible — can be sombre or celebratory | Typically formal and solemn |
| Inclusive | Suitable for all beliefs | Assumes religious belief |
Use our Funeral Cost Calculator to get a personalised estimate, or search by your postcode to compare funeral directors near you who can arrange a humanist or non-religious funeral.