Civil funerals

Introduction

What is a civil funeral?

Where can a civil funeral be held?

Who conducts a civil funeral ceremony?

How do I arrange a civil funeral?

How is a civil funeral ceremony created?

What is the difference between a civil funeral and a Humanist or religious funeral?

How much does a civil funeral cost?

Can I arrange a civil funeral before my death?

Introduction

When someone dies, family or close friends are often faced with difficult decisions about the funeral at a distressing time for them. Perhaps the most important question is – what kind of funeral?

Nottinghamshire Registration Service offers you the option of a civil funeral to celebrate the life of a family member or friend.

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What is a civil funeral?

A civil funeral is a dignified and formal ceremony, predominantly (but not exclusively) non-religious, suitable for cremations and burials alike.

It is an appropriate and meaningful ceremony that celebrates the life of the deceased.

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Where can a civil funeral take place?

A civil funeral can take place at any suitable venue, in agreement with the celebrant – e.g. crematorium, non-religious burial ground.

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Who conducts a civil funeral ceremony?

The ceremony will be conducted by a member of Nottinghamshire’s Registration Service. However, for the purposes of a civil funeral, that person will be acting as your funeral celebrant, not as a registrar.

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How do I arrange a civil funeral?

You can make arrangements for a civil funeral by contacting Newark Register Office on tel: 01636 705455, or your local office, alternatively your funeral director.

A celebrant will then arrange an appointment to meet with you, usually at your local register office or at the offices of your funeral director.

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How is a civil funeral ceremony created?

When meeting the bereaved family, the celebrant will explain what is involved and what options are available. During this discussion the family will be asked for as much information as possible about the deceased.

Family members or friends who may wish to participate in the ceremony are encouraged to do so by choosing special pieces of music or by reading a piece of poetry or prose.

The celebrant will help you to decide how to arrange and present your choices to create a ceremony which reflects the personality of the deceased and the wishes of the family. This will include a tribute to the deceased (produced from the information you have provided), which recounts and celebrates their life and personality.

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What is the difference between a civil funeral and a Humanist or religious funeral?

A Humanist funeral will not normally contain any religious elements at all. A civil funeral may include hymns or bible readings if the family wishes.

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How much does a civil funeral cost?

The current cost for our service is £150 (Monday to Friday) and £170 (weekend & Bank Holiday).

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Can I arrange a civil funeral before my death?

If you have made the decision to have a civil funeral it is important to let your relatives/next of kin know your wishes. If you have made a will your wishes should be clearly stated for your executor’s information.

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