Funeral celebrant Funeral celebrant Funeral celebrant is a formal term denoting members of a group of non-clergy professionals who are committed to preparing and delivering high quality funeral ceremonies, which are not closely linked to any religion or to belief in an after-life. The concept of funeral celebrants is analogous in Western countries to that of civil celebrants (for marriages). It began in Australia in 1975. On 19 July 1973 the Australian attorney-general Lionel Murphy had appointed civil marriage celebrants with the aim of creating ceremonies of substance and meaning for non-church people. As secular (civil) marriage ceremonies became accepted, first in
Celebrant (Australia) marriage and the marriage ceremony... a marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service in his or her professional conduct and practice... a marriage celebrant must respect the importance of the marriage ceremony to the parties and the other persons organising the ceremony... give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony that will meet their needs and expectations... If requested by the parties conduct a marriage ceremony rehearsal... Ensure that his or her personal presentation is of an appropriate standard for the marriage ceremony, and respect the expectations of the parties