I’ve had a varied career in the arts and education. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, I came to London as a classical music student. Years later, richer in a family, I find myself still here. Along the way I retrained as an artist with a BA and MA in fine art, setting up a popup, theViewergallery, which showed moving image and installations in all sorts of places such as libraries and a garden shed. I’ve been a culture writer, writing reviews and articles about books, music and exhibitions under the name theGlamorousAnorak, and write fiction and poetry. I’ve tutored and mentored in art. I’ve had long term day jobs in education and student support as a mental health mentor and academic tutor, having also studied MSc psychology. I also work as a sessional Registrar at Camden Council, where I get to do the ‘legal bit’ of weddings.

Discovering the funeral industry and the work of a celebrant was quite a revelation. What could be more meaningful writing, more important events, than commemorating life and acknowledging love? Saying goodbye is fundamentally human and can be beautiful.

I bring my background in the arts and education, and a love of words into Celebrancy, and will reflect your hopes and wishes, your stories and beliefs into a ceremony to remember and treasure.

I'm Scottish and have what is called a soft Scottish accent.

An Independent Civil Celebrant writes and delivers non-religious, semi-religious, spiritual or religious bespoke ceremonies. Unlike a Humanist Celebrant, who does not include any kind of religious or spiritual references, an Independent Civil Celebrant can weave any words, readings and prayers that have meaning to you into your ceremony.

I'm lucky that I trained with the best, Civil Ceremonies Ltd, who have pioneered the Celebrant movement in the UK. I have completed the Diploma in Celebrancy: Naming and Couples (NOCN Level 3) and Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy (NOCN Level 3). This means that I have been rigorously assessed for my skill and suitability as a Celebrant, and am able to create and deliver appropriate and unique Ceremonies with sensitivity and empathy. I’m currently undertaking a new Celebrant qualification: Diploma in Advanced Practice Funeral Celebrancy (NOCN Level 4). This is the highest possible Celebrancy qualification in the UK, and it’s extremely rigorous training! I have Public Liability and Public Indemnity Insurance, and have a current enhanced DBS check. I'm a member of the professional organisation AOIC, the Association of Independent Celebrants, and follow their core Code of Practice.

I live in North London and am available throughout the Greater London area. I’m happy to travel further afield, but additional travel costs will apply.

A celebrant-led funeral is created entirely around the person who has died and the wishes of their family. It can be spiritual, non-religious, or include hymns and prayers if you wish. Unlike a set format, you have complete freedom over music, readings, and personal tributes. Whether held in a crematorium or a venue, the ceremony will reflect your loved one’s life and personality. If you want a truly religious ceremony, it is generally better to work with a member of the clergy.

When choosing a Celebrant, it’s important to find someone who will listen carefully, capture your loved one’s story with sensitivity, and create a ceremony that feels personal and genuine. Look for someone who is experienced, compassionate, and flexible - able to include family tributes, music, or rituals that matter to you.

Funerals are usually arranged within a short timeframe (although much longer than other countries outside of the UK), and I can often meet families within a day or two of being contacted. Once we’ve spoken, I’ll begin preparing the ceremony straight away so everything is ready in time. Even if the service date is soon, I will make sure we have the time we need to create something personal and meaningful.

No. Each funeral wording, or script, should be as individual as the person who has died. A Celebrant will use their skills and experience to sculpt the best script possible, one that is sensitive to the needs of the family and brings to light their vision of how they want to say goodbye. The family’s involvement is encouraged and they approve every word and verse that is contained in the script. That way families will feel comfortable on the day, knowing exactly what is going to be said and when.

Yes, I regularly work alongside Funeral Directors in London. If you already have a Funeral Director, I’ll work in partnership with them; if not, I can suggest local Funeral Professionals I trust.

Certainly. After the funeral, families may choose to remember loved ones in their own way.

I take every step to ensure I am there for you, but in the unlikely event of illness or an emergency, I have a network of trusted, professional Celebrants who can step in at short notice. They would use the ceremony script I have written for your family, so the words and tone remain exactly as planned. This way you have complete peace of mind that your ceremony will still go ahead just as you wanted.

Independent Civil Celebrant Weddings are not currently legal in the UK. Couples need to have a separate civil service in addition to your Celebrant Wedding. Many couples do the 'legal bit’ at their local Registry Office before their big day. All you need are two witnesses, and couples often save exchanging rings and vows until the Ceremony. Your Celebrant-led Ceremony is then a meaningful and personalised celebration of love and commitment witnessed by your friends and family. For Funerals, Naming Ceremonies & Renewals of Vows, there are no legal requirements.

The beauty of a Civil Ceremony is that you can have it wherever you want. You can be at home, in a hotel, a castle, a beach, a pub, a park, a houseboat, a yurt, a community centre, an art gallery... If you can book it, it can happen.

I would be delighted to work with you on your vows if you wish. I'll help you find your own words that get to the heart of your love.

Not necessarily. Most couples do prefer to register their marriage before the Celebrant Wedding Ceremony. However, if you would prefer to register your marriage afterwards, that’s fine.

No. You can do this any day before or after your wedding day at any register office in the UK. You do not need to have a registrar attend your Celebrant Ceremony or be present at your venue. Often, it is cheaper to register your marriage at your local register office on a weekday, rather than at your venue.

Yes. A Celebrant Wedding Ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony. It is about celebrating your love and relationship in a way that is special to you. If you wish to confirm your commitment to each other without legal ties, then that’s not a problem.

I am happy of course to offer Wedding Ceremonies for any couple of any sexual preference or gender orientation.

No. The content of a celebrant ceremony is not restricted to any culture, faith or religion. If you wish to also incorporate a cultural or religious tradition into your ceremony, you can.

Any month, day, and at any hour you choose.

Usually between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on how many readings and songs you choose to include, and whether you wish to involve a symbolic ceremony.