A civil funeral is one which reflects the wishes, beliefs and values of the deceased and their loved ones. It is composed and conducted in accordance with instructions of the deceased and their family. A civil funeral can take place in a wider range of locations such as:
- Funeral Home.
- Crematoria.
- Outdoors, such as Natural/Woodland burial site.
There is a commonly held misconception that the alternative to a traditional religious ceremony is a humanist ceremony; this is not always the case. The humanist movement is atheistic. Many of their members are unwilling to incorporate religious elements within a secular ceremony. A Civil Funeral Celebrant will engage with a funeral plan that can involve prayer and ritual but no Funeral Mass or sacrament – this type of funeral often includes poems, stories, songs, and other elements that reflect the beloved deceased relative, friend, and partner.