Hester Brown

I think that everyone should have great ceremonies to mark the big moments in life, whether they are religious or not. If you are thinking of a non-religious naming, wedding or funeral, then please get in touch.

I am an experienced humanist celebrant and will work closely with you to create a ceremony which is meaningful and memorable.

Everyone is welcome at humanist ceremonies: they celebrate life, love and relationships in a way which brings people together irrespective of background, by focusing on shared values.

Namings

“Hester was very supportive of what we wanted and understood what an important day it was for us as parents and for our baby.”

If you want a wonderful ceremony to celebrate your baby, child or children, but not a religious one, then a humanist naming is the answer.

It’s an opportunity to gather family and friends together to welcome your child to the world, to say what kind of parent or parents you hope to be and what you wish for your child. You may want to appoint other adults to act as guideparents or godparents, and perhaps involve other relatives or friends by asking them to speak or read.

Your naming ceremony can be as formal or informal as you like, and held at home or in a venue of your choice.

I will help you create an occasion which is personal and meaningful, and makes memories that you will be able to share with your child when they are older.

Weddings and civil partnerships

“Thank you so much for yesterday, the ceremony was beautiful and everything went as planned; we loved how personal it was. Thank you for all your support and guidance at every step.”

It’s your day. The day you tell the world you choose this person to be your love and build your future with. A day for you, your families and friends to be happy and embark on the future with joy and optimism.

I will work with you to realise your vision for your wedding ceremony. Large or small, simple or grand, what matters is that it says everything you want to say. And is beautifully planned so that on the day, you can enjoy what’s happening and be in the moment.

A humanist ceremony puts you in charge, meaning you choose what vows or commitments you make, where to hold the wedding and when. A humanist wedding can be anywhere, indoors or outdoors. It’s starting how you mean to go on, wanting the best for your partner and looking forward to a happy and fulfilled future together.

Funerals and memorial ceremonies

“This one is from all of us, especially my parents who want to express their thanks and love for the service you led for L. It was an amazing tribute to our special lady and everyone we speak to, who attended, can’t speak highly enough about it being a beautiful way to send her on her way.”

If you have just lost a loved one and are thinking about a non-religious funeral, please get in touch.

I can answer your questions and help you create a funeral which is appropriate and meaningful.

You can either follow the formal ceremony – with tribute, committal, readings and music – or design an alternative ceremony. You can read, and lead some of the funeral yourselves, or leave it all to me.

A humanist funeral is a celebration of the person’s life, a time to mourn and to say goodbye. Humanism is just a very positive way of looking at the world that gives equal value to every human being and sees death as an important moment to come together and remember our own mortality.

Sometimes it makes more sense to have a very simple funeral, followed by a memorial service, either on the same day or some weeks or months later. I can also help here.

You can call me on my mobile: 07791 460 552

or landline: 0208 465 0298

or email: hester.brown@humanistceremonies.org.uk

I take funerals and namings mostly in southeast London and neighbouring parts of Kent, and weddings anywhere in the UK. I am part of the local Humanists UK celebrants’ network. Between us we can ensure that a humanist celebrant is available whenever required.

“It was lovely talking to you and may I say, you are very easy to talk to. You made us feel at ease to say whatever needed to be said.”