funeral celebrant

funeral celebrant (plural funeral celebrants)

1. A person who conducts funerals, memorial services, and similar ceremonies, but who is not a funeral director or a member of the clergy.
   • 1992, Celia Briar, Superwoman, where are You?:

     Marian Barnes pioneered the celebrant funeral alternative in this country in 1979 (a funeral celebrant replaces the priest or funeral director in facilitating a funeral or memorial service) and has now written a book which discusses funeral practices and provides self-help information on planning a funeral (Barnes, 1991).

   • 2013 November 29, Georgina Stylianou, “Family farewell 'proud and committed' young father”, in Christchurch Press:

     Funeral celebrant Justine Thompson - who spoke on behalf of his family - said the arrival of his baby daughter Aliyah forced him to grow up and change his ways.

   • 2016 February 22, Nick Bramhill, “More Irish opt for non-religious funerals”, in Irish Central:

     Demand for funeral celebrants has surged across Ireland, as more and more families look to lay their loved ones to rest in non-religious ceremonies.

   • 2017 February 18, “Death cafes: Are you thirsty? I'm dying for a coffee”, in New Zealand Herald:

     I noted even high-school teachers - and funeral celebrants - have tattoos these days, which in a more enlightened era, I would have regarded as bordering on profanity.