“every life is noted and is cherished, and nothing loved is ever lost or perished.”
A Ring of Endless Light, Madeleine l’Engle
As an independent celebrant, I am passionate about providing you with a ceremony which is genuine, sensitive and warm. I take the greatest care to learn about your loved one and use my writing and presentation skills to create the perfect ceremony. My aim is that this will be of comfort to you, both on the day itself, and into the future.
About me
I have been trained to the highest standards and hold the NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy (RQF). I am also a member of the Institute of Civil Funerals which means my work is regularly observed and monitored and I am committed to continuing my professional development.
I am also proud to have adopted The Funeral Celebrant Accord, developed in the pursuit of excellence in funeral celebrancy.
As an independent civil celebrant, I will deliver a ceremony that is 'life-centred', but I am able to include religious elements from any faith if appropriate. I will work with you to uncover the details of the life that has been lived and to explore what the person meant to those around them. Contributions from friends and family can be arranged, and they can participate on the day if desired. For peace of mind, the entire script will be sent to you ahead of the day for your input and approval.
Prior to becoming a celebrant, I trained and worked as a professional copywriter but my educational training was in theatre. I have also worked with families from all backgrounds as a playgroup assistant, when my own children were young. These skills, together with my personal experience of bereavement and elderly care, all contribute to helping me in my practice. I feel so privileged to be be able to work with some wonderful families who trust me to tell their stories in honour of their loved ones.
In addition to funeral ceremonies, I can provide ceremonies to dedicate a special place of remembrance, as well as ash scatterings, memorial services and a service for those who wish to pre-plan their own funerals. Click here to find out more.
Contact Maria
Mobile 07494 231755
Email: maria@mariaholman.co.uk
Unique Ceremonies
Funeral Ceremonies
Every funeral should be a unique and individual occasion which truly reflects the personality and spirit of your loved one.
I will meet with you and we will work together to uncover the details of the life that has been lived and explore what the person meant to those around them. Contributions from friends and family can be arranged and they can participate on the day if desired, and I will do all I can to support them. However, there is no pressure on family members or friends to write anything or to speak on the day, as I am able to write and deliver the entire script if desired.
The ceremony can include some religious elements of any faith if appropriate, but ultimately the ceremony will be “life-centred” with the life of your loved one at its heart.
For peace of mind, the entire script will be sent to you ahead of the day for your input and approval. A memorable and meaningful ceremony will then be delivered on the day which is a true expression of the person they were.
I am happy to work with your chosen funeral director who will contact me at your request, but it is also helpful for you to contact me direct to ensure my availability before arrangements are made.
Memorial Ceremonies
These take place at a later time following the funeral ceremony or direct cremation.
We will work together in much the same way as for a funeral ceremony, uncovering the details of the life of your loved one and placing their life and legacy at the centre of the ceremony.
Unlike a traditional funeral, this can take place at any venue of your choice and there are no time constraints.
There can be music, poetry, readings, speeches, activities or symbolic acts, and it can be a more relaxed and informal occasion if desired. The choice of venue may dictate this and your options are limitless, it could take place in your home, a pub, a park, a music venue, theatre, a woodland … anywhere that the family and friends can gather comfortably.
A powerful catalyst for healing, wherever you are on your journey with grief
Dedications
Just as for a funeral or a memorial, these ceremonies will be completely unique and tailored to your requirements. They will dedicate a place that is special to your loved one, as a place to visit and remember them in the future. This can be almost anywhere, and the ceremony can be very simple or include tree plantings or the placing of benches and plaques for instance. Click here to read my blog about a dedication ceremony
Ash Scatterings and Interments
You may have a definite idea of where and how this is to be following the traditions of your family, or I can give advice on the many options available to you. Ashes can be scattered in your own garden or, with permission, along a much-loved footpath, favourite landmark or peaceful woodland. These days there are also many options to send your loved one on a last adventure, scattering them from a Tiger Moth for instance or even firing them into space in a rocket to orbit the earth. There are also increasing options for interment of ashes, with places locally, like the Mid England Barrow, offering a tranquil alternative for their safekeeping. Whatever you decide, a ceremony will mark this very special occasion.
Testimonials
“Thank you for helping to put together such a wonderful tribute to our dear Dad. I am in awe of how you managed to capture him so completely in just a couple of hours of chatting with us.
We’ve had so many compliments about how lovely the ceremony was, and the family are very much in agreement that it really couldn’t have been better. Even the weather was with us!
Many, many thanks Maria for helping us to navigate such a difficult and unknown pathway, you really made the whole experience so much easier.”
- Email February 2024
”I just wanted to drop you a message to say a big thank you from myself and the rest of the family, for the wonderful service you led for mum yesterday. You helped us to give her the beautiful send off that we so wanted.
Your help and advice over the last few weeks has been invaluable and it is with your guidance that we were able to achieve what we did yesterday. We have received only wonderful comments on what a lovely service it was, and how it seemed you knew her so well , and so we will be forever grateful for all that you did.”
- Email January 2025
Kind words from some of my clients
“Maria was very professional but also very sensitive towards the family, she took her time and I felt like the service was not rushed, such a calm and lovely lady on one of the worst days of my life.”
- IOCF feedback January 2024
”Thank you again for this wonderful eulogy of G which we have all loved reading – you have given him life again. We will feel he is amongst us on Thursday, which is a treat"
- Email March 2023
Fees
Funeral ceremonies
£270
Payment terms are 50% following the initial meeting, with the balance due on the day of the ceremony.
Memorial services from
£180
Dedications from
£180
Ash scatterings and interments from
£180
