Rachel Buchanan

I am a humanist celebrant based in Shropshire, although I perform ceremonies up and down the Welsh borders all the way to Bristol. Celebrant work combines lots of my favourite things, including writing, meeting new people and finding out all about them, celebrating life, music, and… cake!

I first thought about becoming a humanist celebrant after we chose a humanist funeral for my stepfather, and then six months later I saw the same celebrant marry two of my friends. Both events were wonderful, personal, appropriate and meaningful, and I just thought ‘I want to do that!’ There’s something about bereavement that makes you think about what’s really important in your life, and helping other people acknowledge their own big moments seemed like one of the most meaningful and joyful things that I could do. So far all of the humanist celebrants I have met have been amazing people, thoughtful, caring and fun, and I am proud to be part of such a fantastic group of colleagues.

When I’m not being a celebrant, I have worked in arts management, including, at various times, managing an arthouse cinema, organising a classical music festival, and running a centre for literature. These days I also write, work as a researcher and spend as much time out of doors as I can.

‘Rachel wrote a really touching ceremony and delivered it with warmth and confidence’

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You can find me on social media if you want to see what I’m up to:

Instagram: @rachelonthehill

Facebook

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