Funeral Celebrant
Some celebrants are introduced to families by a funeral director, while others are approached directly. Marisa works completely independently and fully respects people of all faiths, as well as those with none. As a celebrant, there are few limitations on what can be included, so all of your wishes and requirements can be incorporated into the tone of the event—whether semi‑religious (with hymns, prayers, and readings) or non‑religious (such as Humanist, spiritual, or nature‑based traditions like Paganism, Goddess worship, or elemental spirituality).
Marisa herself follows nature‑based spiritual paths drawn from many different teachings, allowing her to create a ceremony that honours the spiritual path of your loved one.
The death of a loved one—whether expected or sudden—is an emotional time, and the funeral provides an opportunity to celebrate the individual’s life, share memories, remember them, and say goodbye.
Modern funerals are increasingly personalised to reflect the deceased’s individual values and beliefs, accommodating today’s diverse spiritual landscape—from religious and semi-religious to spiritual-but-not-religious and atheist perspectives.
Marisa typically begins by meeting with the family or close friends. She will sit down with you in your own home to discuss your requirements and, together, talk about the person who has died.
Marisa offers a service that honours the individual who has died by celebrating their life and legacy, creating a eulogy to remember them and to say farewell. Marisa will work closely with you to create a ritual that the individual would have wanted and that will provide solace to those who are grieving. Each ceremony created is a bespoke tribute, written respectfully and with honour. She will try to find the right emotional mood that fits what the mourners deem appropriate: whether that is dignified, sombre, humorous, positive, or uplifting.
Marisa offers a service that honours the individual who has died by celebrating their life and legacy, creating a eulogy to remember them and to say farewell. As a member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants UK, she adheres to their code of ethics and code of practice.
Charges
Unless there is a lot of travelling involved or a very complex amount of material or organisation to work with, Marisa will usually cost between £300 and £330 including travel.
Testimonials:
Dear Marisa “.. thank you so much for holding the space so sensitively and humbly at our dad’s funeral. Your presence was so holding and the words you gave were perfect and created a beautiful spirit at the funeral. We couldn’t have hoped for a more fitting ceremony. Thank you from deep in our hearts. With much gratitude” Morwena Lewis and family.
“Marisa Picardo recently officiated at the funeral of a very dear friend of ours and we have nothing but praise and thanks. We wanted to have an unconventional service for an unconventional person and Marisa interpreted our wishes perfectly. At times it was as if she as speaking from the heart to somebody she personally knew, and the whole procedure was exactly right for the person in question. Many of the people in the congregation were neither alternative nor spiritual, but even so several of these commented afterwards that the service was far more moving and heartfelt than a standard service. We are truly grateful to her”.
Jan Smith and Peter Collins
“I witnessed Marisa conducting a funeral ceremony today. I was so impressed by the gentle and beautiful way she held those attending, and how honouring she was of the woman who had passed. I gained a real sense of the essence of a life well lived. Marisa was warm and encouraging to all those who took part, and her calling in of the four elements was a very moving and thought provoking experience. I heard the Funeral Director describe the funeral afterwards as ‘very spiritual’ and I couldn’t have agreed more!” Lorraine
“For me, the best kind of funeral is respectful, of course, even solemn where appropriate, but which also conveys some of the joy of having known the person who has died, of having shared in their triumphs and sorrows alike. The best kind of funeral remembers the whole person, through both tears and smiles. I attended a funeral recently where Marisa was the celebrant, and am grateful and happy to say that she managed all of the above. Thank you!” GC
