What types of officiants can I use?

When thinking about what might conduct a funeral service, the first person to come to mind is typically a preacher or clergy member. Depending on a person’s religious preferences, it may be required for the funeral service to be led by a clergy member. For example, if a person wishes to have a memorial prayer recited or a religious ritual performed, then a clergy member that is allowed to perform the ritual is often required. While often a funeral service will be led by someone from a church, there are other options as well.

A celebrant is someone who is not affiliated with any religious organization and can help organize and run a funeral service. A community member can run a funeral service and often is a great choice for a gathering taking place to remember a loved one. Memorials and celebrations of life can be held at a variety of places and officiated by anyone. This could be a small gathering of family where everyone says a few words before scattering ashes or a community potluck where everyone shares memories about the person who has passed.