Congratulations on your engagement! Your first major step to commitment. What are your next steps?
You might be rather overwhelmed, thinking about all the elements which go into making the most perfect celebration of your marriage. As you dive into the thrilling world of wedding planning, one crucial aspect that can elevate your celebration is the ceremony itself. Mark Inscoe, an experienced civil celebrant based in Sussex, brings not only his expertise in crafting personalized ceremonies but also his extensive background as an actor, guaranteeing a crystal-clear, chic, and sophisticated presentation for your special day.
Setting the Date and Venue:
Start your wedding journey by discussing potential wedding dates with your partner, perhaps selecting a date that holds significance for you both. Take into account the season, availability of loved ones, and any personal preferences.
Explore various wedding venues that align with your vision – from rustic barns to beachside retreats, historic properties, exotic destinations or even in a garden or woodland – the choice is yours*. You may want to create a romantic fantasy wedding –
How about a ‘Bridgerton’ style wedding in a Georgian stately home? Or perhaps a ‘Lord of the Rings’ style woodland setting? the perfect opportunity to indulge in an eco-friendly celebration, demonstrating to your guests your love and care for the environment.
* By choosing a bespoke, celebrant-led ceremony, you do not need a licenced venue, as the legal bit will have been completed before your celebration; (unless, of course, you choose to have the registration and your celebrant-led ceremony done at the same venue and on the same day.)
Booking Mark Inscoe, Civil Celebrant:
I can craft a unique and personalized ceremony that reflects your love story. Contact me early in the planning process to secure my services for your chosen date.
Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss your vision for the ceremony. With the confidence of complete discretion, share details about your relationship, values, and any specific elements you’d like to include in the ceremony.
Collaborate closely with me to tailor your ceremony script. Share your love story, preferences, and any specific elements you wish to include.
Work closely with me to personalize your ceremony script. Share anecdotes, vows, or readings that hold significance for both of you.
Consider incorporating cultural or religious elements that are meaningful to you and your families.
I can help you coordinate contributions from family and friends; readings, poems or perhaps a performance from a talented guest – or you may wish to book a professional pianist, guitarist, harpist or how about a string quartet?!
Benefit from my acting background and experience in composition and creative writing. Together, we will weave together a script that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and your individual choices and personalities.
Legalities and Paperwork:
Ensure you understand the legal requirements for your marriage. As an experienced civil celebrant, I can guide you through the necessary steps to make your union official.
Coordinate with me to ensure all legalities are addressed on time, leaving you with peace of mind as you approach your wedding day.
We can go through logistical details such as seating arrangements, processional and recessional plans, and any special considerations for those with special needs.
Perhaps, schedule a rehearsal with me to familiarize yourselves with the ceremony’s flow. This practice ensures that the delivery is flawless and leaves you feeling confident and at ease.
Coordinate with your photographer and videographer to capture the sophistication and beauty of the ceremony that I will bring to life.
Utilize this time to make any final adjustments or additions to the ceremony script.
Embark on this wonderful journey towards marriage with me, Mark Inscoe, your wedding celebrant by your side. My experience as an actor will ensure a ceremony that is not only thoroughly unique and personal, but also presented with crystal-clear, chic, and sophisticated flair. Together, we’ll create a celebration that beautifully captures the essence of your unique love story and will provide you with a wonderfully memorable wedding ceremony, one that beautifully represents the unique bond you share with your partner.
This Sunday, 28th April, I am exhibiting my services as WEDDING CELEBRANT @civilcelebrantsussex at this charming rustic/chic venue just north of Worthing in West Sussex.
Come and meet me, your Wedding Celebrant Mark, and other wonderful local Sussex suppliers.
Let’s talk about creating your perfect day and the most special, personalised Wedding Celebration Ceremony, whether you’re using this venue or elsewhere. The joy of having a celebrant-led ceremony, is that you don’t need a licensed venue – you can have your ceremony anywhere!
With FREE Entry for all plus Goody Bags for engaged couples including a FREE copy of Your Sussex Wedding Magazine. All attendees can enter the competition to WIN a Honeymoon!
The theatre of civil ceremony, with Mark Inscoe @civilcelebrantsussex
A fresh, charismatic personality enters the expanding network of independent civil celebrants.
I am currently based in the wonderfully bohemian city of Brighton, fringed by the wide expanse of the widest part of the English Channel. I’m a true ‘water baby’ – I guess being a Piscean, I have a real connection with water. Swimming, paddleboarding, scuba, in addition to almost daily meditation/contemplation time on the beach, all have been a big part of my lifestyle.
I have enjoyed a long and successful career as an actor, working mainly in Musical Theatre. I have appeared in the original London casts of ‘Sunset Boulevard’, ‘Grand Hotel’ and ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. I was in the early companies of ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in the West End, played Lumiere in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’, on the UK tour, Dean Martin in ‘The Ratpack, Live from Las Vegas’ at The Savoy Theatre, and since then I have appeared as Dean in numerous theatre and corporate shows and in my solo cabaret. More recently, I portrayed Florenz Ziegfeld in ‘Funny Girl’ in Paris for 5 months, returning to the UK straight into Lockdown!
I am a voice-over artist and have been heard narrating various TV documentaries, voicing characters on the BAFTA winning game ‘Divinity, Original Sin II’ and was the voice of the ‘E Harmony’ commercial campaign for three years! Perhaps I had been, in part, responsible for bringing couples together! So, it’s ironic that I now work as a wedding celebrant!
Covid lockdown forced a career rethink for many…Actor, Mark Inscoe considers Civil Celebrancy …
The voice work was a lifesaver throughout the covid lockdown, as I already had the facility to record from home. But, like many, this period of disruption forced a rethink of my career. I was inspired by a theatre colleague who moved into the civil ceremony industry about 7 years ago and is now enjoying great success as an independent civil celebrant. In early 2021, I was asked to sing at the funeral of a close friend’s father and Alison Ann was the celebrant. Seeing her in action started the thought process that this was work which would be hugely rewarding.
This was to be my ‘Eureka’ moment!
Alison’s advice has been invaluable, guiding me to the best training, with Civil Ceremonies Ltd, pioneers in the expanding interest in non-religious ceremonies. With the tutorship and guidance of Ann Barber and her wonderful team of experienced celebrants, I qualified with two Level 3 Diplomas. I have entered the business with so much background knowledge and pride in the craft of writing and delivering personalised ceremonies, the perfect work to utilize the skill set and life experience gained over decades of being an actor. Civil Celebrancy is a sort of theatre in many ways in it’s creativity and presentation.
In 2022, I began to establish my new business under the name ‘Civil Celebrant Sussex’. I decided to enrol in two nationally recognised level 3 diplomas and worked on the courses back-to-back. spent an intense 6 months of training and qualifying in both Funeral Celebrancy and Naming & Couples Celebrancy. By the end of the year I was ready to launch.
This followed a short contract at Christmas, to play Widow Twankey in the pantomime Aladdin, at the Brighton Centre, having been postposed from the previous Christmas because of lockdown – I was playing opposite the utterly fabulous, Anita Dobson!
The benefits of having had experience as an actor are obvious to many; Confidence in presenting live to an audience, making that delivery interesting and engaging – but it’s important to remember that the focus of the ceremony is the client, whether that be the couple, the deceased or even the subject of a naming ceremony! ‘It’s not about me’! – the ‘actor’s ego’ must be controlled, the ceremony should not be, unless specifically requested, theatrical! However, clarity in delivery is essential.
I have come into this new career as a mature person and my many decades of life experience certainly help in understanding the client’s needs, drawing from personal experiences and knowledge and sourcing material to include and enhance ceremonies. I was raised in a Roman Catholic family, so although not now practicing, I am very open to include some religious content, if it’s requested. One thing which encouraged my desire to provide bespoke civil ceremonies, is the widespread inflexible attitude of the church, when it comes to secular music and reading choice. As an example, whilst helping my Mum to arrange my father’s funeral and thanksgiving mass with the Catholic church, we were not even permitted to use the song ‘Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong – hardly inappropriate.
I love the challenge of featuring mixed cultural references and traditions within a ceremony. I was recently asked if I could include a traditional Greek ‘crown’ symbolic action – a beautiful moment involving the couple wearing wreath crowns connected together by a ribbon and worn during the declaration of vows and ring exchange.
Having lived in Brighton for over 20 years, I have been a part of this very vibrant, diverse and forward-thinking community which, for me, is an ideal location to launch my new career. I have been an active part of the LGBTQ+ community for most of my life and I am passionate about creating fully inclusive and colourful ceremonies, with complete equality always at the front of my mind.
There has to be a lot of focus, as a self-employed celebrant, to establish a reputation and to get my name out into the marketplace.
One of my first actions, was to become a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC) – an organisation which provides a lot of support, both on a personal level, in providing insurances, further education and information, but also is actively campaigning, on behalf of civil celebrants, for modernisation within the industry, most especially with Civil Wedding Ceremonies.
The task of canvassing numerous funeral directors was met with mixed reaction, as expected, but the goal was to win over their confidence,  to give me an opportunity to show them my skills. To date, I have created ceremonies for around 10 different funeral directors, and I am still hoping to win over more. I am occasionally approached directly, via online listings and my website – a vital tool for my business. I really benefit, personally, from my work as a funeral celebrant – having the opportunity to give the bereaved freedom of choice in creating the most personal send-off for their loved ones.
For the Wedding and Civil Partnership celebration ceremonies, I have experimented in various ways to gain work; advertising in an online magazine, also writing editorial content for them, but as yet, this hasn’t been productive and was quite expensive.
Another promotional opportunity, again not cheap, involves exhibiting at Wedding Fairs. These vary from shows staged by wedding venues, to show off their facilities and associated recommended suppliers; shows staged at venues by National Wedding Fair Organisers, such as Empirical and County Weddings. These companies also arrange shows at places which do not host wedding ceremonies, such as the Amex Stadium in Brighton and other National Exhibition Centres. These fairs offer stands to showcase the various suppliers to the wedding industry, Floral and event decoration, photographers and videographers, cake makers, venues, wedding dresses and suits, make-up artists and, not forgetting, Wedding Celebrants! Â
I hope that face-to-face engagement is the best way forward. However, I am learning very quickly, that a big part of this marketing is educating both the couples and the venues. Often, they are not aware of the options available to them, a registrar-led or a civil celebrant-led ceremony (once they have done their basic legals).
During the summer months, I was delighted to act as celebrant for a modest, unique but no less beautiful, Commitment Ceremony. The couple wanted to have a special day to mark their commitment to one another, in lieu of a marriage at a later date, the reason being that the brides mother was, sadly, terminally ill.Â
I was delighted to officiate a 30th Anniversary Renewal of Vows ceremony last spring. Knowing I am a professional singer, the couple requested that I sing a song while they were signing their souvenir certificate – specifically the song to which they did the ‘first dance’ 30 years ago, called ‘She Wears My Ring’! This is a USP for my work as a celebrant, and as much as I don’t push this as a possible feature, I do mention it in my early chats with clients, if I glean that it might suit their ideas. Also, I have been contacted directly through my website by potential clients who love musical theatre, having read my background.
By contrast, a sensational Wedding Celebration Ceremony was held in the Lantern Room at Farnham Castle in August 2023. This task was to create a fairly traditional British ceremony for a couple whose families were Azerbaijani and Kazakhstani. Coincidentally, both couples had chosen to have string quartets playing throughout their ceremonies, the one focussing on the glorious arrangements of modern pieces set in a more classical style, made popular as the soundtrack to the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’.
I am now launching a Baby-Naming service and calculating the best way to market this. My aim is to promote naming ceremony options for everything from welcoming new babies, adopted and step-children into a new family unit, to gender transition celebrations.
I have issued press releases locally and I have had some success with free advertising, through local community publications and so far, three interviews with BBC Radio Sussex, thanks to my Panto colleague, Alison Ferns! The promotion goes on, and will be a vital part of my business – I hope, one day, that ‘word of mouth’ recommendations will begin to play a more important and productive role towards bookings.
So, if you’re looking for a chic, creative, eloquent celebrant, willing to consider any unusual themes or requests for your ceremonies, I’m your perfect choice; you may want me to sing a special or significant song during your ceremony, or perhaps dress up in period costume or even as Darth Vader! Maybe, you just want someone relatable and trustworthy to deliver something more traditional, then look no further than me, Mark, @civilcelebrantsussex
Engagement Season in fact (officially running from Christmas Eve until Valentine’s Day – according to Hamish at Bridebook!), from your Brighton-based Wedding Celebrant Mark, civilcelebrantsussex.
Many of you beautiful, newly engaged couples will soon start to plan ahead for the big day – and organised planning is essential – venues and suppliers (especially Celebrants!!) will be getting booked up quickly.
You may well be aware of some popular traditions and superstitions surrounding marriage, but not know the origins. Many of these traditions are equally appropriate in modern ceremonies and you might want to incorporate some into your own wedding, even adapt them to reflect your values in todays society!
As a fully inclusive LGBTQ+ wedding celebrant, I am excited by the kaleidoscope of love and full equality for couples in British Law. We are so fortunate to live in a country which takes pride in it’s diverse and multicultural population.
I’m thrilled to take you on a captivating journey through the origins of just a few British wedding superstitions and traditions. Join me as we unravel the historical tapestry woven into these customs and explore their enduring symbolism in modern ceremonies and even breath new life into adapting these traditions for all couples.
Something Old, Something New: A Spectrum of Love
In the quaint corridors of time, the tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” was born. Each item, carefully chosen, carries profound symbolism. The old symbolises continuity, the new represents optimism for the future, the borrowed item embodies borrowed happiness, and the blue colour wards off the evil eye. In modern weddings, couples embrace this tradition as a heartfelt connection to the past while stepping into their shared future.
Couples from different cultures and backgrounds may choose to infuse their ceremonies with items that honour their heritage, creating a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
In the vibrant spectrum of modern love, the tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” transforms into a celebration of diverse histories and shared futures. Same-sex couples infuse their ceremonies with the radiant colours of pride, turning each item into a vibrant symbol of their unique journey.
Handfasting: A rainbow connection!
In ancient Britain, couples sought a union blessed by nature. Handfasting, a Celtic tradition, involves the binding of hands with a cord, symbolizing the intertwining of two lives. However, within small communities and between tribes many 100’s of years ago, a marriage contract was less of a love match and more of a contract between families to cement allies or gain assets. So the bride and groom were often tied together to prevent them ‘disappearing’ before the marriage!
In contemporary ceremonies, couples embrace this ritual as a powerful symbol of unity, choosing cords that reflect their unique journey together. Same-sex couples may choose cords in the colours of the pride flag, symbolizing the intertwining of their distinct stories and the beauty of their shared connection.
Showered in Prosperity: The Tradition of Rice and Confett
From the rural fields of Britain to modern wedding venues, the act of throwing rice or confetti has deep roots in symbolizing fertility and prosperity. As grains rain down upon the newlyweds, they are blessed with the hope of a bountiful and fruitful life together.
Nowadays, with a greater need for ‘green’ products, there are many sources providing sustainable, biodegradable confetti – favoured more by most venues, especially with outdoor wedding ceremonies.
The Mystique of the Wedding Veil
The enchanting world of wedding veils is one where mystery and tradition converge. Originally worn to protect brides from evil spirits, veils have transformed into a symbol of purity and the unveiling of true love. The delicate lifting of the veil in modern ceremonies represents reverence for the bride’s beauty and the unveiling of a new chapter in the lives of the couple.
Carrying Love Over the Threshold
The ancient act of carrying a partner over the threshold, once rooted in protection from malevolent spirits that may linger at the entrance of the home.
The act of carrying a partner over the threshold transcends cultures, each with its unique twist. From South Asian weddings, where the bride may enter with a red foot imprint, to Nordic traditions where both partners may enter together. For today’s couples, the act transforms into a gesture of support and commitment, whether same-sex or opposite-sex couples. Together, they step into a shared space, creating a sanctuary built on love, understanding and acceptance.
As we journeyed through the corridors of time, we discovered the profound symbolism behind British wedding traditions, now enriched by the diverse love stories of all couples. From something old to the lifting of the veil, these customs continue to add depth and meaning to modern ceremonies, celebrating love in all its beautiful forms and cultural expressions.
As an LGBTQ+ wedding celebrant, I am thrilled to include the blending of tradition and contemporary love stories, creating inclusive ceremonies that are as unique as the couples they celebrate.
May your own journey into love be adorned with the richness of tradition, the promise of a beautiful future, and the radiant colours of the love you share.
Sussex based Wedding and Funeral Celebrant Mark Inscoe on the symbolism and environmental significance of choosing a Tree-planting ceremony as part of special day.
The short winter days and cold weather often inspire us to contemplate Spring and Summer – the time of renewal and growth, when nature is at its finest, dream landscapes lush with oxygenating flora.
I am an environmentally conscious, Brighton-based civil Wedding and Funeral Celebrant. I live and work frequently in the Southeast of England. I love that the South Downs is now designated as a British National Park, helping to protect and preserve its ecosystems.
Couples are embracing the beauty of nature and their commitment to the environment by choosing native British trees for symbolic planting ceremonies. These rituals not only connect to the deep-rooted meanings of local trees but also signify a dedication to eco-friendly love. As a wedding celebrant, I encourage these unique ceremonies, each one telling a story using the roots, branches, and blossoms of our native trees.
Here are just six examples of native British tree species, the saplings of which could be chosen for a symbolic tree-planting, each one symbolising different characteristics.
English Oak:
Strength and Endurance.
The English Oak stands tall and strong, symbolising the enduring strength needed for lasting love. As couples plant the English Oak, they not only sow the seeds of a resilient relationship but also contribute to the preservation of native woodlands, emphasising the importance of environmental stewardship. A lovely gesture to guests, can be to include an acorn as a ‘wedding favour’.
Apple Tree:
Fertility and Sweet Beginnings
The Apple Tree, with its promise of future harvests, symbolises fertility and sweet beginnings. By choosing an Apple Tree, couples express their desire for a life together filled with abundance while also acknowledging the role trees play in fostering a healthy ecosystem.
Silver Birch:
Fresh Starts and Pure Intentions.
The delicate Silver Birch represents new beginnings and purity. Planting a Silver Birch sapling signifies the couple’s commitment to a fresh start, grounded in pure intentions, and contributes to the promotion of biodiversity in their local environment.
Hazel Tree:
Wisdom and Prosperity.
The Hazel Tree, known for its wisdom and connection to prosperity, adds a unique element to the ceremony. Couples choosing a Hazel express their commitment to nurturing a wise and prosperous relationship, rooted in the values of nature.
Willow Tree:
Flexibility and Adaptability. The Willow Tree, with its gracefully bending branches, symbolises flexibility and adaptability. Couples choosing a Willow express their commitment to navigating life’s twists and turns, all while contributing to the conservation of wetland habitats where willows often flourish.
Beech Tree:
Strength in Unity.
The Beech Tree, known for its strong, interconnected roots, symbolises strength in unity. Planting a Beech sapling signifies the couple’s commitment to building a robust, interconnected life together, mirroring the resilience and community found in thriving woodland ecosystems.
Symbolic planting mini-ceremonies can be a great way to enhance not only marriage ceremonies, but other life ceremonies :
In baby naming ceremonies, the choice of a specific tree carries significance for parental aspirations; particular personality traits for their new arrival – symbolism of the growth, strength, and uniqueness of the baby being introduced into the family.
While funerals are often somber occasions, the planting of a sapling in memory of a loved one can offer solace and perpetuate their legacy, through a physical, living reminder.
An ideal opportunity for a tree-planting to commemorate a loved one, would be at a Celebration of Life Ceremony.
An increasingly popular choice for interment or ash scattering, is a Natural Burial Ground. One of the loveliest sites in the South Downs, is Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground, near Burgess Hill. These facilities may offer the chance to plant a tree or shrub on the burial plot, or within a nearby designated area. However, it’s important to note that, in most cases, only species native to each specific ecosystem are allowed to be planted in the ground.
Dame Judi Dench, famously, has a passion for trees. She plants a new tree, named in memory of a friend or relative who has passed. I was deeply moved to hear that she has a tree named after a very close friend of mine, Stephen Hanley, who died in 1997. They worked together in the musical ‘A Little Night Music’, at the National Theatre.
Native British trees offer a richness of symbolism that enhance ceremonies. They also provide an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment.
The tree-planting ceremony is a beautiful and symbolic addition to a wedding ceremony, representing the growth and endurance of the couple’s love. Each tree chosen becomes a living metaphor, illustrating the couple’s values, hopes, and dreams, while also contributing to the health of the planet.
The planting ceremony :
Here’s a description of how the tree-planting ceremony typically unfolds within the wedding celebration.
As the ceremony progresses, after the exchange of vows and rings, as your celebrant I will introduce the tree-planting ceremony. I explain the significance of this ritual, highlighting the connection between the chosen tree and the couple’s journey ahead.
A symbolic planting ceremony is ideal for an outdoor wedding celebration, but can easily be performed indoors too. The couple approach a table, or an area designated for the tree-planting ceremony.
Preparation: I will explain the steps involved in planting the tree and invite the couple to join hands, signifying their unity and shared commitment. They may also wish to involve family members or close friends, signifying the support network that will nurture and protect the couple’s relationship.
Planting the Tree: If planting in the ground, the couple digs a hole together with a small shovel or spade, representing the groundwork they are laying for their shared life. It may be more convenient, (and usually less messy!) to plant the sapling into a large pot, with fresh soil/compost in another container next to it. As they plant the tree, I may read out relevant passages, poems, or blessings that reflect the chosen tree’s symbolism and its connection to the couple’s journey. A special chrome or silver-plated symbolic trowel and/or chrome-plated watering can can be purchased for the ceremony and then kept as souvenir mementos.
Unity Soil or Water: Some couples choose to incorporate additional elements into the ceremony, such as unity soil or water. They may collect soil from significant places in their lives (e.g., childhood homes) or use water from meaningful sources (e.g., a river representing the flow of time). Adding these elements to the planting symbolises the integration of their individual histories into the new life they are creating together.
Watering and Nurturing: Once the tree is planted, the couple waters it together. This act of nurturing the tree becomes a symbol of their commitment to nurture and care for their relationship over time. They may also invite guests to participate in this act, fostering a sense of community support.
Closing Blessing: To conclude the tree-planting ceremony, as celebrant, I will offer a closing blessing or words of encouragement, tying together the symbolism of the tree with the couple’s vows and the journey they are embarking upon. The planted tree, now a living symbol of their love, will continue to grow and flourish, much like their relationship.
Documentation: Some couples choose to commemorate the ceremony by documenting the event. This can include taking a photograph with the tree, marking the tree’s location on a map, or even providing guests with small saplings to plant in their own homes, creating a collective and lasting memory.
The tree-planting ceremony adds a touch of nature and symbolism to the wedding, creating a lasting and tangible representation of the couple’s commitment to grow and nurture their love throughout their married life.
If you would like to discuss having a symbolic tree-planting as a featured part of your ceremony, or any other symbolic action, then –
‘Ashes to Ashes’ – Following his death from liver cancer in 2016, in New York, it transpired that David Bowie had chosen a Direct Cremation, way back in 2004. This brought increased awareness to, what has become an increasingly popular choice.
A Direct Cremation is a contemporary choice for those who do not want a more traditional funeral service, and often just want a dignified low cost farewell. This would involve a simple casket, the doctor’s fees, collection and transportation to the crematorium. There is then an option for a seperate Memorial ceremony or a Celebration of Life. It is typically the cheapest option, avoiding periferal costs such as embalming, a funeral service, flowers, etc.
A direct cremation involves no formal funeral service. It is usually unattended but can include a small gathering of mourners. The Downs Crematorium in Brighton offer an early morning option where people can visit the coffin in the chapel to pay their respects. This can be accompanied by music, if required.
[ It’s important to note that while a direct cremation can be a more affordable and flexible option, it may not suit everyone’s wishes or cultural practices. The feelings of the close family and friends and the wishes of the deceased should be considered when planning a funeral. ]
Many families choose to hold a seperate memorial event, usually a more formal ceremony, or a Celbration of Life to commemorate the life of the deceased person.
A celebration of life is a ceremony typically held after, or instead of, a funeral service. It aims to celebrate the life of a loved one in a positive way, focusing on the good times and memories made.
The choice to hold a celebration of life often follows a direct cremation, or a smaller funeral ceremony. There is no rule as to when the Celebration of Life will be held, but usually several months, at least, after the death. Instead of focusing on grieving and the sadness of saying goodbye, they then use the celebration of life as a unique send off. A celebration of life brings happiness, usually with an activity that concentrates on the deceased’s personality. It’s about highlighting the joy they brought to others during the time they lived.
In my role as a Sussex funeral celebrant, I had the privilege, earlier this year, to create and deliver two events for an extraordinary gentleman. Firstly, a small family funeral, at the bright, modern chapel of HD Tribe Funerals in Worthing, attended by only a small group of close family.
Secondly, a few months later, I hosted a wonderful Celebration of Life event at Long Furlong Barn, in the glorious West Sussex Downs, attended by a greater number of family and friends.
This joyful afternoon was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Peters life, achievements and hobbies. Additional tributes were delivered by friends and family, including a charming poem composed and read by Peter’s grandchildren. It was also an opportunity for those family members who were not able to attend the funeral ceremony.
At a Celebration of Life in 2022, I was honoured to deliver a ‘tribute’ to my friend and colleague, actor Matt Zimmerman, at St Paul’s, Covent Garden, ‘The Actor’s Church’. Matt was famously the voice of Alan Tracy in Thunderbirds!
As a wedding celebrant, funeral celebrant or naming celebrant you want to know that you have found the perfect match for your special day.
Many important factors to look for –
Personality – Warm, Friendly and Personable; A Celebrant who will immediately put you at ease, so that your happy to share your stories and needs, essential when writing your ceremony.
Presentation – Chic, sophisticated and dressed appropriately for the occasion. Perhaps your wish is to have a ceremony with a specific dress code – you want a celebrant who is flexible and happy to go along with your dream theme.
Experience & Training – A fully trained Celebrant, who brings that training and background knowledge and, let’s face it, a wealth of life experience into providing the best possible ceremony for you.
A Unique Bespoke and Personalised Experience – A celebrant who will consider all of your wishes to compose and deliver your perfect ceremony. A fully inclusive ceremony which might include cultural references, lifestyle choices, music and poetry choices, wording, etc. A celebrant who has the flexibility to introduce some religious or faith references into a largely secular ceremony.
Trust – A celebrant who will give you the confidence to know that they will deliver on the day. You will have many things to think about and you need someone who you can trust will be there on the day and deliver everything you dreamt of – your perfect ceremony.
Location – A celebrant who is happy to come to you. Although home county ceremonies are ideal, travel is always considered, national and international (in the case of Destination Wedding Ceremonies).
If these factors are essential when you are looking for your ideal Celebrant then I’m the Perfect Celebrant for you!
I am a fully trained civil celebrant based in Brighton, East Sussex. I have a background in theatre and voice acting and singing, having appeared in numerous major musicals, cabaret and Radio & TV campaigns – in fact, I was the voice behind the ‘eHarmony’ television commercials for three years!
Let’s talk and begin the exciting, collaborative, creative process of bringing to reality your dream ceremony. Whether that be a marriage ceremony, a naming ceremony, funeral and memorial ceremony, as your celebrant, I will be honoured to work with you.
Today’s exhibition is an opportunity to meet the in-house wedding event team and explore one of the most amazing venues I have seen to date. As a wedding celebrant in the South East, I hope to work at this beautiful, historic wedding venue, near Tonbridge, Kent.
Many amazing spaces for indoor wedding ceremonies and outdoor weddings. dating back to the 14th century, Penshurst Place is an impressive medieval manor house and estate with impressive interiors and beautiful formal gardens. A marriage ceremony here would be an extraordinary memory – you can be a part of six centuries of history. A perfect setting for weddings of most sizes.
Mark Inscoe, Brighton based civil funeral celebrant, joins the evening celebrations for Arka Original Funerals two decades of working with the community. I have been privileged to deliver several bespoke non-religious funeral ceremonies for Cara Mair.
I wanted to support Brighton’s answer to ‘El Dia de los Muertos’ – a beautiful lantern parade led by a lively jazz band. Fortunately, the earlier rain storms had cleared to give way to a starry sky but rather chilly air. The community came together to honour their friends or family who had died, celebrating through their shared ethos of Arka’s inclusive and eco-friendly approach to funerals and the care of the bereaved before and after a death. The parade, which wound it’s way through the hilly streets of Hanover in Brighton, from Arka’s Islingword Rd branch up to St Luke’s Church on Queens Park Rd, thrilling the curious residents, with head’s popping up at windows and folk in their doorways, keen to understand this joyous celebration. Once at St Luke’s, ‘The Jam Tarts’ choir entertained, before a discussion relating to grief support in the community. Contributions included Brighton’s Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, currently training on a course dealing with end-of-life issues in today’s community, with the Lewes based ‘Living Well Dying Well’. Time followed to share personal experiences and I spoke to a number of people including humanist celebrant Simon, with whom I shared, as it transpired, an acting background.
A lantern parade through the streets of Hanover, Brighton to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Arka Original Funerals working with the community.
Listed In ‘Wedding and Honeymoons Magazine’ as ‘The Celebrant’ in East Sussex.
As a marriage celebrant based in Brighton & Hove, I cover the South East of England and beyond, including Destination Weddings. I look forward to chatting with about your dream wedding and helping to make your special day perfect.
