funeralcelebrant – Chic, crystal clear, Celebrant ceremonies in Sussex

Discover Why Clients Love Mark’s Celebrant Services

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Mark Inscoe in Celebration Ceremonies, Celebration of Life, Civil Celebrant, Civil Marriage, Funeral, Inclusive Ceremonies, LGBTQ+, mafsuk2025, mafsuk2025malecelebrant, mafsukcelebrant, Memorial Ceremony, Natural Burial, Renewal of Vows, Uncategorized, Wedding

I am delighted to receive some heartfelt reviews from recent clients

Click for more Testimonials;

“Several attendees commented on how well Mark had conducted the ceremony…. We feel so blessed to have had Mark at our side.”

“he is an excellent professional…. a person with empathy and true feelings for the people that he is dealing with…..Mark went beyond our expectations and is highly recommended.”

“From meeting Mark for the first time…. he was very welcoming.. He made me and my brother feel comfortable..”

“What a wonderful celebrant…I would certainly recommend Mark to anybody wishing for a caring , sensitive and loving service for their loved one.”

“Mark certainly went above and beyond. I cannot praise Mark enough….Strongly recommend Mark – 5* is not enough.”

“Mark did a brilliant job, preparation was stress-free….he delivered a personal and fitting service on the day.”

Body Language Workshop Success at Nottingham Celebrant Conference

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Mark Inscoe in AOIC Conference 2025, Baby Naming, Body Language for Celebrants, Celebrant workshop, Celebration Ceremonies, Celebration of Life, Civil Celebrant, Civil Marriage, Commitment ceremony, Funeral, Inclusive Ceremonies, LGBTQ+, Memorial Ceremony, Naming, Renewal of Vows, singing celebrant, Uncategorized, Wedding, West-End Actor/Singer

Following a successful Celebrant Conference in Nottingham at The Village Hotel, Beeston, I am thrilled, as civilcelebrantsussex, with the feedback from my Workshop in Body Language. I am also so happy to have received a nomination in the BEST FUNERAL CELEBRANT category – I congratulate all of the worthy winners in all categories. Thank you to the entire AOIC team for your continued support and friendship.

Nomination for civilcelebrantsussex in the BEST FUNERAL CELEBRANT category at the AOIC Awards 2025

Sussex Celebrant prices to stay the same for another year!

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Mark Inscoe in Baby Naming, Celebration Ceremonies, Celebration of Life, Celebration of Life, Civil Celebrant, Commitment ceremony, Funeral, Inclusive Ceremonies, LGBTQ+, Memorial Ceremony, Naming, Partnership, Renewal of Vows, Tree planting ceremony, Wedding

Whether you are looking for an experienced Celebrant to create your perfect wedding Celebration, Commitment or Vow Renewal ceremony; or perhaps you are looking for the ideal Funeral Celebrant to compose and deliver with clarity and confidence, the perfect send-off for a beloved relative or friend; or maybe a trusted, enthusiastic Celebrant to welcome your new child into your family with a special Naming Ceremony – look no further than Mark Inscoe, a Brighton based, trained Celebrant, with a West End musical theatre and voice over background. Serving Sussex and the South East of England, but able to travel anywhere, nationally and internationally.

I understand, with costs going up in most areas of day-to-day living, when it comes to those special ceremonies to mark significant life events, money can be tight. 2024 has not been the easiest of years for many, and with the cost of living hit by unexpected rises due to national or international crises, some people are put off spending on luxury services such as celebrant-led ceremonies! But, these are unique, very special and deeply personal ceremonies, which will be remembered for a lifetime.

In light of these considerations, I have decided to maintain my celebrant service pricing at the current 2024 rates.

See Pricing for civilcelebrantsussex here….

I hope this will encourage you to consider my celebrant services for your event;

Wedding Celebration Ceremony
Civil Partnership Celebration Ceremony
Commitment Ceremony
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Funeral Ceremony
Celebration of Life
Naming Ceremony
or a bespoke ceremony to mark any other special life milestone – a Retirement, a significant Birthday, etc….

‘We will remember them’

Posted on November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 by Mark Inscoe in Celebration of Life, Direct Cremation, Memorial Ceremony, Natural Burial, Uncategorized

This year, 2024, marks the 110th anniversary of the start of The Great War, which began on the 28th July 1914. On this Armistice Day, we recall all of those brave souls lost during this conflict and all other wars, fighting heroically, to protect the deep principles of our good and civilised society.

As a funeral celebrant, I have had the real honour to write and conduct committal and celebration of life ceremonies, for many extraordinary people. I have learned of many extraordinary lives, but today, remember those departed whose lives and families were affected by war.

It is a privilege to work with those families and friends of the departed, families who confide in me and share so many personal histories, shared with pride and love and respect. One particular lady who had reached the grand age of 100. She and her sister had been rescued from certain death, when she was relocated from Mainz, Germany, at the age of 14 and sent to The Isle of Man. This was a part of the ‘Kindertransport’ programme, during the nine months prior to the onset of World War Two. Tragically, their parents, who were Jewish, were exterminated two years later by the Nazis. I had heard the term ‘Kindertransport’, but I learned much more in order to research this particular journey. Sadly, the sisters had to be seperated as they were fostered out, one to a family in Canada, and the other to Sussex.

Many others, whose funerals I have conducted, had experienced childhood affected by the Second World War, largely living under the threat of bombing by the German Luftwaffe, in London, Portsmouth and Liverpool. Some had lost parents and other relatives who had fought and died, or some who had returned deeply scarred, mentally or physically.

We Remember Them
As the rising of the sun and at its going down…
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter…
We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring…
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer…
We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn…
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends…
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart…
We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make…
We remember them.
As long as we live they too will live,
for they are now a part of us…
And we remember them
Ronald Gittelsohn

(by experienced Funeral Celebrant Mark Inscoe (civilcelebrantsussex) – based in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex. I provide personalised, bespoke ceremonies for Funerals, Crematoria and Graveside Committals, Celebration of Life Ceremonies.)

A Direct Cremation & A Celebration of Life

Posted on November 21, 2023November 22, 2023 by Mark Inscoe in Celebration of Life, Civil Celebrant, Direct Cremation, Funeral, Memorial Ceremony, Natural Burial

‘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!