Alongside the joy of celebrating love as a marriage celebrant, I am equally proud to be an experienced professional funeral celebrant.
This sacred work for families in grief is a great privilege.
Being a funeral celebrant is deeply rewarding. My Celebrant School training and ongoing professional development support my life experience and knowledge. I calmly and confidently guide families to create comforting celebrations of life and farewell.
I have led some especially difficult funerals, including for members of my own family, a stillborn child, a father who took his own life, a dear man who I married to his husband only a month before, and a beloved friend whose funeral was attended by over 400 people. I am grateful to the families who have trusted me to stand beside them in grief and loss and I so appreciate those who took time to write and thank me, even in the midst of their sadness.
Arohanui.
“I attended [J’s] funeral and wanted to let you know that you were excellent as the celebrant!! Everything that you did showed your total awareness of the essence of ceremony.
Well done indeed Melanie. You have a rare gift……nurture it!“
Mary Hancock, Founder of The Celebrant School.
“I can’t thank you enough for the beautiful service you brought together for [Mum]. It was just perfect, my only regret is she wasn’t there to experience it too. You set the most perfect tone for the day, and so many people commented after about you.“
April 2024
“Thank you so much for the role you played in our father’s funeral, your words and tone were just right and I know it l was not straightforward… I appreciate you staying with us through all of that.“
Feb 2023