What is a celebration of life?

A celebration of life is a service that focuses on the joy and meaning of a person's life rather than mourning their death. It can be religious or secular, is often held after cremation, and tends to be informal and personal — stories, music, photos, and food. Many non-religious funerals take this form.

Who leads a non-religious funeral?

A celebrant — sometimes a humanist celebrant — usually leads. They meet the family, learn about the person, and write and deliver a personalized service. Unlike a religious officiant, a celebrant builds the ceremony entirely around the individual rather than a set liturgy, so no two are alike.

Can a non-religious funeral still include a prayer or hymn?

It can be whatever the family wants. A purely humanist ceremony avoids religious content, but many secular funerals include a favorite hymn, a moment of private reflection, or a reading that mattered to the person, even if the overall tone is non-religious. The service belongs to the family.

What happens at a humanist or non-religious funeral?

By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

Published October 2025 · Updated June 2026 · 7 min read

A humanist or non-religious funeral celebrates a person's life without religious content. A celebrant works with the family to build a personal service — stories, music, and reflection — around the person.

The short answer

A growing number of families choose a funeral with no religious framework — a humanist, secular, or “celebration of life” service. The focus shifts from doctrine to the person: who they were, what they loved, and the difference they made. A celebrant, rather than a religious officiant, builds the ceremony entirely around the individual, so no two are alike.

Defined by personalization

Because these services are built around the person, treat any description as a starting point — the family and celebrant shape it entirely. It can also include a favorite hymn or a moment of reflection if the family wants it; the service belongs to them.

The role of the celebrant

A celebrant takes the place of a religious officiant. They meet with the family, gather stories and details, and write a service that fits the person. Humanist celebrants specialize in non-religious ceremonies grounded in the value of this life and the people in it.

What the service includes

A typical service weaves together a life story (a eulogy or tribute), readings — poems, passages, or song lyrics that mattered — music, and time for reflection. Family and friends are often invited to share memories. Some include a symbolic act such as lighting a candle or a moment of silence in place of prayer.

Burial, cremation, or a celebration after

A non-religious funeral works with any choice — burial or cremation, body present or a memorial held later. Many families pair a simple direct cremation with a relaxed celebration of life at a meaningful place and time, free of the constraints of a traditional service.

Planning a humanist funeral

Find a celebrant whose style fits the family; ask to see how they build a service.
Gather stories, music, photos, and readings that capture the person.
Decide on burial or cremation independently — the ceremony adapts to either.
Consider a celebration of life, held wherever and whenever suits the family.

Your rights on cost

Whatever the form, any funeral home you hire is bound by the FTC Funeral Rule: you are entitled to an itemized price list and may buy only the goods and services you want.