Bristol Humanists
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CEREMONIES & CELEBRATIONS
Baby Namings - Weddings & Civil Partnerships - Funerals
Life’s biggest moments have been always been marked by ritual. For people with no religious belief, it is important to mark important events in their life with ceremonies that are personal and appropriate to their ideas.
Humanist celebrants are trained and supported by Humanists UK, meaning that they are quality-assured to provide a ceremony that is unique and appropriate to you.
To learn more, see the Humanist Ceremonies website.
Contact details for individual celebrants in the Bristol area are provided below
(click on the name or weblink for further details).
BABY NAMINGS
Naming ceremonies are a wonderful chance to welcome your new baby to the family and introduce them to their community (as well as a great excuse for a party).
Local humanist celebrants who do baby namings include:
Maria Thorne
I live near Cullompton in Devon, with my husband, kids and scruffy dog, Ziggy. I offer weddings, partnership ceremonies, namings and other celebratory services.
The arrival of a new child - whether it's a new baby or an older child that you'd like to welcome into your family - is always cause for celebration. We had naming ceremonies for both our babies and they were just perfect; so personal, joyous and uplifting. A superb way to welcome our children into the world. This is what led me to want to become a celebrant myself. A naming gives you a great opportunity to gather together your friends and family from all different backgrounds. No matter what your family circumstances, everyone is warmly welcomed at a humanist naming ceremony.
https://humanist.org.uk/mariathorne/
Mobile: 07341 95344
Amy Lee https://amyleecelebrant.co.uk
Michelle Morris https://humanist.org.uk/michellemorris/
WEDDINGS & CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS
A humanist ceremony is inclusive of everyone, regardless of their beliefs. It is personalised for the couple involved, providing a special occasion that will suit you and your partner. Perhaps best of all, humanist wedding ceremonies can take place anywhere.
Here are some humanist wedding celebrants in the Bristol area:
Click on the celebrants name or weblink for further details
Josie Lamb
I conduct wedding ceremonies in the South West of England and at my friends’ farm in East Sussex, and will also consider ceremonies further afield if it suits you and me.
Originally from West London, I now live in Bath and have lived in the West Country since 1999. I’ve also lived in Japan, Paris, Spain and Sheffield over the years, and travelled extensively in South America, Mexico and Thailand.
I currently work as a Speech and Language Therapist in Bath, with adults and their families.
Telephone: 07760 183477
Karen Partridge
I am a Humanist celebrant living in Bristol and working across the South West region. I lead wedding and partnership ceremonies and conduct funeral and memorial services. I feel that my work as a celebrant brings together my skills and experiences in a meaningful and unique way.
Telephone: 07866 528589
Michelle Morris
Hello, I’m am a Humanist UK funerals and weddings celebrant.
I live in Weston-super-Mare, but I am happy to travel across North Somerset, Somerset and the South West (or further afield by special arrangement) I am willing to travel abroad.
I was drawn to humanism as I believe in the goodness of people and share the humanist ideology of peace, harmony, equality, freedom and respect.
Humanist ceremonies are inclusive for everyone, whatever your personal beliefs. It’s important and liberating for people to have a choice about the kind of ceremony they would like, to mark the significant landmarks in their lives.
As your celebrant I will work with you to plan, create, and deliver a unique, and meaningful ceremony, which is tailored to suit your individual needs.
Working as a counsellor has given me skills and experience of supporting people at vulnerable and painful times in their lives. I offer warmth, kindness, understanding and empathy.
In recent years I have supported numerous young people with their mental well-being. I also have many years experience working with adults with Autism and learning differences, in a variety of roles.
My passions include: swimming in the sea, live music, festivals and spending time outdoors. I enjoy riding my trike and kite-flying on the beach. In recent times I have attempted to make homemade wine and also enjoy cooking.
I have travelled and lived in various parts of the world, including: Greece, Germany, India and New Zealand. This has opened my eyes to life changing experiences and given me an insight into the lives of the people from very different cultures and backgrounds to my own
Mobile 07906 344753
michelle.morris@humanistceremonies.org.uk
https://humanist.org.uk/michellemorris/
Maria Thorne
I live near Cullompton in Devon, with my husband, kids and scruffy dog, Ziggy. Having grown up in the countryside, between the shore and the moor, I often find inspiration for my ceremonies in nature. I'm also a musician and passionate about the power of music in the community. I offer weddings, partnership ceremonies, namings and other celebratory services across the south west.
This one life we have is extremely precious. So, for me, helping a couple to celebrate their love for one another, and their decision to spend the rest of their lives together, is a huge privilege. There aren’t many opportunities these days to just pause and focus on one, single, special event without distraction, but a wedding offers that unique moment to recognise the importance of love. I'm a bit biased of course, but I think humanist ceremonies are simply beautiful and I especially enjoy telling each couple's "love story". They can be unusual, funny or moving but they're always a significant and memorable part of the celebration. I particularly relish a ceremony that's a bit 'different' and reflects a couple's characters.
Webpage: https://humanist.org.uk/mariathorne/
Mobile: 07341 953442
Karen Lewis
I am an accredited humanist celebrant, living in Portishead. I lead wedding, civil partnership, renewal of vows, funeral, burial, cremation and memorial ceremonies across Somerset and South Bristol.
I also love helping people mark other milestones in their lives which are not often associated with celebration but still need acknowledgment, such as a new house; a divorce or a significant life change.
Telephone: 07952333211
Julia Cadogan
I am a humanist celebrant accredited by Humanist UK. I lead non-religious weddings, civil partnerships and renewal of vows in and around Bristol, Bath , Taunton, Gloucester and Exeter. My aim is to make sure that couples develop and design their own ceremonies in ways which really reflect who they are and their values.
Telephone: 07905226510
Fi Tillard
I offer humanist wedding ceremonies for couples looking for a ceremony that truly reflects who they are, their values, passions, and interests but most importantly their love for each other. I am accredited by Humanists UK and care passionately about equality, acceptance, and of course fun! I’m based in Templecombe in Somerset.
Webpage: https://www.fitillard.com
Mobile:07957 560731
E-Mail: fi@fitillard.com
Chris Beech
I am based in the heart of Somerset but available across the South West. I became a Humanist celebrant after having been so impressed by the difference in tone and quality between Humanist ceremonies and others I had attended. I bring my vast experience of presenting and working with people to help couples develop creative ceremonies that are absolutely right for them. My background is in school leadership, teaching and lecturing (Philosophy and Psychology) but also music and stand up comedy. However, it is the opportunity to listen and then craft something absolutely bespoke that is both the real skill and the heart of why I love my work as a celebrant.
Webpage: https://humanist.org.uk/chrisbeech/
Mobile: 07845 767033
E-Mail: chris.beech@humanistceremonies.org.uk
Anna Numphud
https://humanist.org.uk/annanumphud/
Amy Lee
Isabel Russo
07973 886208
email:theorangecat20@gmail.com
FUNERALS
Humanist funerals are a fitting way to say goodbye to a loved one who lived a life without religion, and humanist funeral celebrants are trained to help you create a ceremony that is appropriate and personal. Humanist funeral celebrants in the area include:
Chrissie Hackett
Chrissie is the Committee Chair of Bristol Humanists.
I will work with you to create the ceremony you want for your loved one. A ceremony that can celebrate their life, as well as expressing your sadness that their life has ended. A ceremony to help you to share your grief and your memories.
You may want to write some of it yourselves or you may wish to share their story with me and ask me to write a fitting tribute. Together, we will choose music and words that reflect their life.
I was inspired to become a funeral celebrant several years ago after a humanist celebrant helped me and my family to create a wonderful funeral for my father. I knew that the ceremony we made for him reflected the man he was. I remember him now with joy and gratitude, greatly helped by my memories of that beautiful ceremony.
Telephone: 07944469295
Karen Lewis
I am an accredited humanist celebrant, living in Portishead. I lead wedding, civil partnership, renewal of vows, funeral, burial, cremation and memorial ceremonies across Somerset and South Bristol.
I also love helping people mark other milestones in their lives which are not often associated with celebration but still need acknowledgment, such as a new house; a divorce or a significant life change.
Telephone: 07952333211
Susannah Reid
I am also an accredited member of the Pre-Planned Funerals Service.
"I am inspired by people’s stories, genuinely interested in their lives and filled with wonder at their achievements. My love of reading and storytelling, coupled with my Humanist convictions, mean that I have just the right skills to put together a meaningful, resonant ceremony for you or your loved one. Outside of work, I enjoy music and singing, exploring the natural environment and continuing to learn about the interconnectedness of the world we live in.
I also work as a volunteer Humanist Pastoral Carer at the Hospice in Weston super Mare, because I feel very strongly that everyone deserves to access the same emotional and spiritual support, regardless of their beliefs. Much of the time, this involves being alongside people who are adapting to a new diagnosis, accepting their life is coming to an end, or living with a life-limiting illness. I have been able to enhance my listening skills and learn more about how to support people to have tender conversations without avoiding what needs to be said."
www.humanist.org.uk/susannahread
Telephone: 07951 036622
Ian Harris
Hello I’m Ian – a Bristol-based funeral celebrant and life-long Humanist. It is a real privilege to be asked to conduct someone’s funeral ceremony – to hear and share some of the stories of their life. Putting together a funeral or memorial event is a collaborative process, and at such a time of intense grief, it’s useful to have an experienced celebrant to help sensitively shape and lead the ceremony. I was inspired to train as a celebrant after working alongside a Humanist UK celebrant to create funeral ceremonies for family members. I have lasting, positive memories of their funerals, and my aim is to do the same for you. Together we will create a meaningful, memorable, heartfelt occasion that honours the personality and life story of the person you have lost.
I’m happy to travel throughout the South West and beyond. As well as being a celebrant, I’m also an actor, writer, violinist, and theatre maker. I’m a keen advocate for culture and the arts, and have enduring passions for good food, gardening, and the natural world.
Webpage: https://humanist.org.uk/ianharris/
Mobile: 07966 182793
Michelle Morris
Hello, I’m am a Humanist UK funerals celebrant.
I live in Weston-super-Mare, but I am happy to travel across North Somerset, Somerset and the South West (or further afield by special arrangement) I am willing to travel abroad.
I was drawn to humanism as I believe in the goodness of people and share the humanist ideology of peace, harmony, equality, freedom and respect.
Humanist ceremonies are inclusive for everyone, whatever your personal beliefs. It’s important and liberating for people to have a choice about the kind of ceremony they would like, to mark the significant landmarks in their lives.
As your celebrant I will work with you to plan, create, and deliver a unique, and meaningful ceremony, which is tailored to suit your individual needs.
Working as a counsellor has given me skills and experience of supporting people at vulnerable and painful times in their lives. I offer warmth, kindness, understanding and empathy.
In recent years I have supported numerous young people with their mental well-being. I also have many years experience working with adults with Autism and learning differences, in a variety of roles.
My passions include: swimming in the sea, live music, festivals and spending time outdoors. I enjoy riding my trike and kite-flying on the beach. In recent times I have attempted to make homemade wine and also enjoy cooking.
I have travelled and lived in various parts of the world, including: Greece, Germany, India and New Zealand. This has opened my eyes to life changing experiences and given me an insight into the lives of the people from very different cultures and backgrounds to my own
Mobile 07906 344753
michelle.morris@humanistceremonies.org.uk
https://humanist.org.uk/michellemorris/
Paul Bradley
I am an accredited funeral celebrant, who has also been working for decades as a musician, performer, improviser, composer and "speaker". Funeral celebrancy came to me, really, rather than vice versa, when a friend said: "You MUST do this course!" That course being the pretty marvellous Humanists UK Funerals Celebrancy training. Now that I am a practicing celebrant, I know so powerfully, that leading the celebration of a person's life is a huge privilege and responsibility. One is holding the bereaved family in one's metaphorical (loving!) palm. I feel that this new role has been waiting for me all my adult life; and that the skills and knowledge I've built for myself, as parent, (YOUNG!) grandparent, and performer all nourish how I approach being a celebrant. As I trained in 2022, it's also still early days: ask me again in 2028!
Webpage: https://humanist.org.uk/paulbradley/
Mobile: 07811 676218
E-Mail: paul.bradley@humanistceremonies.org.uk
Anne Wall https://humanist.org.uk/annewall/
Sophie Pandit https://humanist.org.uk/sophiepandit/
